A growing number of couples struggle to conceive children. According to research by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CD), approximately six percent of women in the US are now infertile. But women are not the only ones suffering from infertility; the American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that in approximately 40 percent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.
An ancient natural herbal remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine offers new hope. Known as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), the herb appears to reset many biochemical functions linked to fertility in men. Published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that the herb also known as “Indian ginseng” restores several functions involved in male infertility.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23796876
The scientists assessed 230 male patients: 180 infertile men who were given 5 grams of ashwagandha root powder daily for a three-month period and 50 men who acted as controls in the study. Thirteen different compounds found in semen were assessed prior to and after the three-month study period. Additionally, researchers measured sperm concentration, motility, hormones, and other factors linked to male infertility.
They found that the herb repaired multiple disturbed compounds in semen, improved the quality of semen, rebooted malfunctioning metabolic pathways, and improved energy production to help restore male infertility.
The study authors concluded that ashwagandha may used as a therapy for the management and treatment of infertility.
Traditionally ashwagandha has been used as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that are used to rebuild and strengthen the body by helping the body cope with stress and restoring balance. For more information about adaptogens check out David Winston’s book Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief.
When taking ashwagandha herbal supplements, always follow package directions for the one you choose and consult your physician prior to use.
Source: care2
