Is Ashwagandha safe?
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Safety of Ashwagandha: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Ashwagandha Safety
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its adaptogenic properties and wide range of health benefits. Despite its extensive use, the safety profile of Ashwagandha has been a subject of scientific scrutiny. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of the safety of Ashwagandha.
Clinical Trials on Ashwagandha Safety
General Safety in Healthy Adults
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 healthy participants evaluated the safety of Ashwagandha root extract over an 8-week period. The study assessed various health parameters, including hematological and biochemical markers, and found no significant adverse effects or abnormalities in the participants. The results indicated that Ashwagandha is safe for consumption in both males and females.
Safety in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients
Another study focused on subclinical hypothyroid patients, administering 600 mg of Ashwagandha root extract daily for 8 weeks. The study reported significant improvements in thyroid function without any serious adverse effects. Only mild and temporary side effects were noted in a small percentage of participants, suggesting that Ashwagandha is generally safe for individuals with thyroid issues.
Impact on Sleep and Mental Health
A systematic review and meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials involving 400 participants examined the effects of Ashwagandha on sleep. The analysis found that Ashwagandha significantly improved sleep quality and mental alertness without any serious side effects, further supporting its safety profile. Additionally, a study on the effects of Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety in adults reported significant reductions in stress levels and serum cortisol, with only mild adverse effects comparable to the placebo group.
Safety in Elderly Populations
A 12-week study on elderly individuals assessed the safety and efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving general well-being and sleep quality. The study found significant improvements in quality of life and sleep, with no serious adverse events reported, indicating that Ashwagandha is well-tolerated in older adults.
Mechanistic Insights and Toxicity Studies
Ashwagandha contains various bioactive compounds, including withanolides, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that these compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Toxicity studies have consistently revealed that Ashwagandha is a safe compound with no significant toxic effects .
Conclusion
The collective evidence from multiple clinical trials and reviews indicates that Ashwagandha is generally safe for consumption across different populations, including healthy adults, individuals with thyroid issues, and the elderly. While mild and temporary side effects have been reported, no serious adverse events have been associated with its use. However, long-term safety data and studies on varying dosages are needed to further confirm these findings.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Study in Healthy Volunteers.
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults.
A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults
Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.
Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Ashwagandha Root Extract in the Elderly for Improvement of General Well-being and Sleep: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
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