Ashwagandha and Sexual Health in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Exploring Extent of Adaptogenic Properties

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) affects 40% of women and potentially decreases their quality of life. Currently, the primary treatment for HSDD is Flibanserin, which is a serotonergic agonist and an antidepressant. However, the limited efficacy of Flibanserin encourages the exploration of the utilization of traditional drugs such as Withania somnifera, otherwise known as Ashwagandha, as an alternative treatment for HSDD. Minimal studies examine ayurvedic medications or the symptoms of illnesses that traditional Western medicines are unable to treat. This comprehensive literature review investigated the efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving sexual function in women with HSDD. The paper evaluated how Ashwagandha may positively influence mental health, sexual desire, and overall physical health, potentially resulting in improved sexual health. The evaluation was conducted by analyzing a combination of human and clinical studies. This paper aimed to observe how Ashwagandha's adaptogen properties may positively improve sexual health by improving sleep quality and mental function, as well as increasing sexual desire. In addition to its improvements to sexual health, Ashwagandha has minimal adverse effects, which may allow it to be a better treatment in comparison to Flibanserin overall. This review proposes that Ashwagandha may improve sexual health for women struggling with HSDD. However, further research needs to be conducted on the long-term effects of the administration of Ashwagandha, as many of the trials completed thus far have only included short term trials.