Ashwagandha May Improve Women’s Sexual Health

Poor sexual function affects about 40% of women and may worsen their quality of life. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a known adaptogenic herb that has been reported to improve sexual satisfaction, sleep, and quality of life in women.

Researchers in Mumbai set out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standardized Ashwagandha root extract in improving sexual function in healthy females.

In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 80 women between the ages of 18 and 50 years with “hypoactive sexual desire disorder” and with no other hormonal imbalances were randomized to receive either Ashwagandha root extract 300mg twice daily or a placebo for eight weeks. Sexual function, quality of life, and safety were assessed.

There was significant improvement in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores with Ashwagandha compared to placebo, and this improvement was observed in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain. There was a greater improvement in Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) scores with Ashwaganda as compared to placebo, and more women with Ashwagandha had improvement in satisfying sexual encounters (SSEs).

Ashwagandha taken orally may improve female sexual health in otherwise healthy women who do not have any hormonal disturbances, and can help maintain general well-being and improve vitality.