Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #genitalia #humans #oxidative-stress #phytotherapy

Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence

Nasimi et al., 2018 | Biomed Res Int | Systematic Review

Citation

Nasimi Doost Azgomi Ramin, Zomorrodi Afshar, ... Ahmadi AsrBadr Yadollah. Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:4076430. doi:10.1155/2018/4076430

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in many countries for infertility treatment. The present study was aimed at systemically reviewing therapeutic effects of WS on the reproductive system. METHODS: This systematic review study was designed in 2016. Required data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, and manual search of articles, grey literature, reference checking, and expert contact. RESULTS: WS was found to improve reproductive system function by many ways. WS extract decreased infertility among male subjects, due to the enhancement in semen quality which is proposed due to the enhanced enzymatic activity in seminal plasma and decreasing oxidative stress. Also, WS extract improved luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone balance leading to folliculogenesis and increased gonadal weight, although some animal studies had concluded that WS had reversible spermicidal and infertilizing effects in male subjects. CONCLUSION: WS was found to enhance spermatogenesis and sperm related indices in male and sexual behaviors in female. But, according to some available evidences for spermicidal features, further studies should focus on the extract preparation method and also dosage used in their study protocols.

Key Findings

WS was found to improve reproductive system function by many ways. WS extract decreased infertility among male subjects, due to the enhancement in semen quality which is proposed due to the enhanced enzymatic activity in seminal plasma and decreasing oxidative stress. Also, WS extract improved luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone balance leading to folliculogenesis and increased gonadal weight, although some animal studies had concluded that WS had reversible spermicidal and in

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Genitalia
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Withania

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ashwagandha

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09