Ashwagandha boosts testosterone in everyone
MisleadingThe Claim
Ashwagandha is often sold as a universal testosterone booster that raises levels for anyone who takes it, regardless of sex.
Origin
Several small trials in men reported testosterone increases, which supplement marketing generalised to all users.
What Science Says
A 2026 meta-analysis of 23 randomized placebo-controlled trials (1,706 participants) found ashwagandha raised testosterone in men by about 57 ng/dL on average, but had no significant effect in women (about 5 ng/dL), with a significant difference between sexes. Trials were heterogeneous, and many enrolled stressed, infertile or otherwise selected men, so a modest effect in some men does not translate into a boost for everyone.
Verdict
Misleading