Ashwagandha overdose effects
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Ashwagandha Overdose Effects: Liver Injury and Hepatotoxicity
Ashwagandha Overdose and Liver Damage
Recent research highlights that ashwagandha overdose can lead to significant liver injury. Multiple case reports and systematic reviews have documented cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) associated with ashwagandha supplementation. The most common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pruritus (itching), and fatigue, which typically appear within 2 to 12 weeks after starting ashwagandha use. Laboratory findings in these cases often show elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), high bilirubin levels, and sometimes increased cholesterol and triglycerides, indicating cholestatic or mixed liver injury patterns 125.
Severity and Outcomes of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury
Most reported cases of ashwagandha-induced liver injury are mild to moderate and tend to resolve within 1 to 3 months after stopping the supplement. However, there have been rare instances of severe liver damage, including acute hepatitis and, in one case, acute liver failure requiring a liver transplant. The exact mechanism behind ashwagandha’s hepatotoxicity is still unclear, but the risk appears to be real, especially with higher doses or prolonged use 125.
Clinical Management and Recommendations
The primary treatment for ashwagandha-induced liver injury is immediate cessation of the supplement and supportive care. Most patients recover fully after stopping ashwagandha, but close monitoring of liver function is recommended. In severe cases, intensive medical interventions such as plasmapheresis may be required 12. It is crucial for healthcare providers to ask about herbal supplement use when patients present with unexplained liver symptoms 125.
Safety in Controlled Doses
Not all studies report adverse effects. In a controlled clinical trial, healthy adults taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks did not experience any significant changes in liver function or other adverse events. This suggests that ashwagandha may be safe at recommended doses for short-term use in healthy individuals, but the risk of overdose or prolonged use remains a concern .
Conclusion
Ashwagandha overdose can cause liver injury, with symptoms ranging from mild jaundice and itching to severe hepatitis and, rarely, liver failure. Most cases resolve after stopping the supplement, but the risk of serious liver damage means caution is needed, especially with high doses or long-term use. Healthcare providers and users should be aware of these potential risks and monitor for signs of liver dysfunction when using ashwagandha supplements 1245.
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