What happens if you take too much ashwagandha
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Effects of Excessive Ashwagandha Consumption
Introduction to Ashwagandha and Its Uses
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress. It is also reputed for enhancing cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being1 2. However, understanding the implications of excessive consumption is crucial for safe usage.
Cognitive and Psychological Effects
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Research indicates that acute supplementation of ashwagandha can improve cognitive functions such as working memory, attention, and executive function. A study involving 13 healthy volunteers demonstrated that a 400 mg dose of ashwagandha extract improved working memory and sustained attention over a 6-hour period1. This suggests that ashwagandha can be beneficial for cognitive enhancement in controlled doses.
Potential for Mental Fatigue Reduction
The same study also found that ashwagandha helped reduce mental fatigue, as evidenced by faster response times in cognitive tests compared to a placebo1. This indicates that ashwagandha may help maintain mental alertness and reduce fatigue, which can be particularly beneficial in high-stress environments.
Safety and Tolerability
Short-Term Safety
A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 80 healthy participants evaluated the safety of consuming 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks. The study found no significant adverse effects on vital signs, hematological parameters, or biochemical markers, including liver and thyroid function2. This suggests that short-term consumption of ashwagandha at this dosage is generally safe.
Lack of Adverse Events
Participants in the same study reported no adverse events, further supporting the safety of ashwagandha in the short term2. However, it is important to note that this study did not explore the effects of higher doses or long-term consumption.
Conclusion
While ashwagandha has been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue in controlled doses, its safety profile in higher doses or over extended periods remains unclear. Current research supports the short-term safety of ashwagandha at doses up to 600 mg per day, but further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of excessive consumption. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and consult healthcare professionals before significantly increasing their intake.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of Acute Ashwagandha Ingestion on Cognitive Function
Acute ashwagandha supplementation improves executive function, helps sustain attention, and increases short-term/working memory.
RCT
Rigorous JournalSafety 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.
RCTAdaptogenic and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs.
Ashwagandha possesses adaptogenic, cardiotropic, cardioprotective, and anticoagulant properties, increasing swimming endurance in rats and frogs without causing toxicity.
Highly CitedA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Ashwagandha intake for 8 weeks increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone in overweight men, but did not significantly affect cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being.
RCTRigorous JournalThe Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial.
Ashwagandha supplementation for college students improved their perceived well-being by supporting sustained energy, mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality.
RCTDoes Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces anxiety and stress levels, but further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.
Meta-AnalysisExploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Ashwagandha may have anti-fatigue effects in overweight middle-to-older adults experiencing high stress and fatigue, but its impact on perceived stress levels was not significantly different from a placebo.
RCT[Thyrotoxicosis following the use of ashwagandha].
Ashwagandha may cause thyrotoxicosis, a potentially serious side effect, when taken for chronic fatigue symptoms.
Case ReportLiver Dangers of Herbal Products: A Case Report of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury
Ashwagandha herbal supplements may cause liver damage and severe jaundice, highlighting the need for caution in patients reporting past use and presenting liver damage symptoms.
Case ReportAshwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments.
Ashwagandha shows potential as a neuroprotective agent in various brain disorders, but further study is needed to confirm its mechanistic pathways and promote it as a promising drug candidate.
Systematic Review