Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Other names: Ashwagandha, Ashwagandha (अश्वगन्धा)
Photo credit: Wowbobwow12
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: None known (well tolerated). | Generally well tolerated short-term. Mild GI upset, drowsiness. Rare hepatotoxicity case reports with supplements (product quality/adulteration). High doses uncharacterized for long-term safety.
Contraindications: None specifically noted (avoid in pregnancy as a general adaptogen caution). | Pregnancy (traditionally abortifacient/uterine stimulant — avoid); hyperthyroidism (may raise thyroid hormones); autoimmune disease (immunostimulant); before surgery (sedative). Caution with hepatic disease and sedative use.
Interactions: Additive with sedatives (mild). | Sedatives/CNS depressants/benzodiazepines (additive sedation), thyroid medication (may raise T3/T4), immunosuppressants (antagonism), antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs (additive lowering).
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid in pregnancy (general adaptogen caution). | Avoid — traditionally regarded as abortifacient/uterine stimulant.
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
decoction · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: Tonic for stress.
How to prepare (traditional): A decoction is made from the root.
Dosage note (descriptive only): For stress, decoct 5 g with 1/3 cup (75 ml) water and take over 2 days.
powder · leaf
Part used: leaf
Traditional use: For anemia (high iron content).
How to prepare (traditional): Powder is made from the leaves and taken in a little water.
Dosage note (descriptive only): For anemia, 1/2 tsp in a little water once a day.
capsule · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: For nervous exhaustion.
How to prepare (traditional): Powdered root is made into capsules.
Dosage note (descriptive only): For nervous exhaustion, 1-2 g a day with water.
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Iron content noted. | Not a nutritional food; bioactives are withanolides (steroidal lactones).
Healing traditions
Sources (6)
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (book, p.152) — Andrew Chevallier, English, 2016
- Paul 2021, Biomed Pharmacother (PMID 34649336)
- Cheah 2021, PLoS One (PMID 34559859)
- Arumugam 2024, Explore (PMID 39348746)
- Della Porta 2023, Nutrients (PMID 38140274)
- Fatima 2024, Hum Psychopharmacol (PMID 39083548)