Is Ashwagandha safe?

Introduction

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties. Despite its long history of use, modern scientific studies have sought to evaluate its safety and efficacy in various health conditions.

Key Insights

General Safety in Healthy Adults
- Multiple studies have shown that Ashwagandha root extract is safe for consumption in healthy adults, with no significant adverse effects reported over periods ranging from 8 to 12 weeks .
Safety in Specific Conditions
- In subclinical hypothyroid patients, Ashwagandha was found to be safe and effective in normalizing thyroid indices, with only mild and temporary adverse effects reported.
- In elderly populations, Ashwagandha improved general well-being and sleep quality without significant adverse effects, indicating good tolerability.
Stress and Anxiety
- Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels in adults, with no serious adverse events reported. It also improved overall well-being and reduced serum cortisol levels .
Cancer and Antibacterial Properties
- Ashwagandha exhibits anti-cancer properties, particularly in breast cancer, and has been found to selectively kill tumor cells without harming normal cells .
- It also has strong antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including Salmonella, without causing harm to human cells.
Cognitive Function and Sleep
- Ashwagandha has been found to improve cognitive functions, memory, and sleep quality in stressed adults, with no adverse events reported.

Conclusion

The collective evidence from multiple studies suggests that Ashwagandha is generally safe for consumption in various populations, including healthy adults, subclinical hypothyroid patients, and the elderly. It effectively reduces stress and anxiety, improves cognitive function and sleep quality, and exhibits potential anti-cancer and antibacterial properties. While mild and temporary adverse effects have been reported in some cases, no serious adverse events have been documented, indicating that Ashwagandha is a well-tolerated and safe herbal supplement.

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Is Ashwagandha safe?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Study in Healthy Volunteers.

Ashwagandha root extract consumption for 8 weeks was safe in both males and females, with no reported adverse events.

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Ashwagandha root extract may effectively normalize thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients, with few mild and temporary adverse effects.

Keeping abreast about Ashwagandha in breast cancer.

Ashwagandha shows potential as a chemotherapeutic agent against various types of breast cancer, with potential benefits for ER/PR positive and triple-negative breast cancers.

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

A high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively reduces stress and anxiety in adults, improving their quality of life.

Selective Killing of Cancer Cells by Leaf Extract of Ashwagandha: Identification of a Tumor-Inhibitory Factor and the First Molecular Insights to Its Effect

Ashwagandha leaf extract selectively kills tumor cells, offering a potential natural source for safe anticancer medicine.

Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.

Ashwagandha shows potential therapeutic effects and is a safe compound with little or no associated toxicity.

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Ashwagandha root extract capsules, taken daily for 90 days, significantly improved memory, focus, psychological well-being, and sleep quality in stressed adults without causing adverse events.

Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant against experimental murine salmonellosis.

Ashwagandha root and leaf extracts show strong antibacterial activity against various bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium, and are safe for oral administration.

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

Ashwagandha root extract effectively improves quality of life, sleep quality, and mental alertness in elderly individuals, with good tolerability and reported as safe and beneficial.

Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract

Ashwagandha root extract can effectively aid in body weight management and reduce stress in adults under chronic stress, while being safe and tolerable.

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