Is Ashwagandha Safe?

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits. It is often touted as an adaptogenic herb that may help the body manage stress and support overall wellbeing. However, with the increasing popularity of Ashwagandha as a supplement, many people are curious about its safety profile. In this article, we will delve into the topic and explore whether Ashwagandha is safe for consumption.

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe when consumed as a dietary supplement or used in appropriate dosages. It has a long history of traditional use and has been studied for its potential health benefits. However, as with any supplement or herbal remedy, it's important to use Ashwagandha responsibly and follow proper dosing instructions.

What scientific research and clinical studies have revealed about Ashwagandha.

If you're considering using Ashwagandha, you may be wondering if it's safe. A study published in PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33338583/) sheds light on this question. The study was randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conducted over an 8-week period with 80 healthy participants (40 males, 40 females). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg of Ashwagandha or a placebo of the same dosage, taken orally twice daily.

The results of the study showed that the consumption of Ashwagandha root extract for 8 weeks was safe for both male and female volunteers.

Another study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32201301/) regarding the safety of Ashwagandha suggests that it could be a safe and effective traditional medicine for managing a range of conditions, including schizophrenia, chronic stress, insomnia, anxiety, memory and cognitive enhancement, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, type-2 diabetes, and male infertility. Additionally, the study found that Ashwagandha can promote fertility in females, act as an adaptogen, stimulate growth in children, and reduce fatigue while improving the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Overall, these findings suggest that Ashwagandha has a wide range of potential health benefits and could be a useful addition to traditional medical treatments.

This study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33600918/) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Fifty healthy athletic adults were selected randomly and equally allocated to Ashwagandha and placebo groups.

The findings in this study suggest that Ashwagandha root extract can successfully enhance cardiorespiratory endurance and improve the quality of life in healthy athletic adults.

The aim of this study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/) was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha roots in reducing stress and anxiety and in improving the general wellbeing of adults who were under stress. A total of 64 subjects with a history of chronic stress were enrolled into the study after performing relevant clinical examinations and laboratory tests.

The findings of this study suggest that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.

Ashwagandha has been described in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. This pilot study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24371462/) was conducted to evaluate the spermatogenic activity of Ashwagandha root extract in oligospermic patients. Forty-six male patients with oligospermia were enrolled and randomized either to treatment with a full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha or to placebo. There was a 167% increase in sperm count, 53% increase in semen volume, and 57% increase in sperm motility on day 90 from baseline. The improvement in these parameters was minimal in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. This study adds to the evidence on the therapeutic value of Ashwagandha, as attributed in Ayurveda for the treatment of oligospermia leading to infertility.

Ashwagandha is long known for its sleep-inducing effects. Ashwagandha can be proposed as an alternative to the recommended present treatments for insomnia. This study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32818573/) aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of Ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy subjects and also in subjects having insomnia.

In both healthy and insomnia subjects, there was a significant improvement in the sleep parameters in the Ashwagandha root extract supplemented group. This study confirms that Ashwagandha root extract can improve sleep quality and can help in managing insomnia. Ashwagandha root extract was well tolerated by all the participants irrespective of their health condition and age.

In short, Ashwagandha is well studied with over 2000 participants in 35 randomised human trials with the focus being on its effect in regards to anxiety and fertility. More long-term studies would be nice.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating the safety of Ashwagandha:

1. Quality of the product: The quality of the Ashwagandha supplement you choose is crucial. Look for reputable brands that use third-party testing to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of their products. Avoid buying from unknown or unverified sources. In our products, we use a version of Ashwagandha that is backed by 24+ clinical studies and 14 years of research & development.
   
   
2. Dosage: Like any other supplement, taking Ashwagandha in the right dosage is important. Follow the dosing instructions provided on the product label or consult with a qualified healthcare professional for guidance. Avoid taking excessive amounts of Ashwagandha, as it may increase the risk of potential side effects.
   
   
3. Potential interactions with medications: Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions. Ashwagandha has the potential to interact with medications for thyroid conditions, blood pressure, diabetes, and immunosuppressants, among others.
   
   
4. Possible side effects: While Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects. These can include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache, and allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
   
   
5. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's important to exercise caution when using Ashwagandha during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations has not been well established. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before using Ashwagandha if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
   
   
6. Individual variability: It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and what may be safe for one person may not be safe for another. Individual variability can play a role in how your body responds to Ashwagandha or any other supplement. If you have any concerns about the safety of Ashwagandha, consult with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, Ashwagandha is generally considered safe when used responsibly in appropriate dosages from reputable sources. However, as with any supplement, it's important to exercise caution, follow dosing instructions, and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and seek medical attention. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to using any dietary supplement or herbal remedy.