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Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb with a variety of purported health benefits, including improved athletic performance, better sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety. However, it is important to consider the potential side effects of ashwagandha, which may include drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. While ashwagandha is generally considered safe for short-term use, there have not been enough long-term studies to fully examine its potential side effects. In rare cases, ashwagandha has been linked to liver injury, and it may also interact with certain medications, such as diabetes and blood pressure drugs, leading to negative consequences. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha or any herbal supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications.
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What You'll Learn
Ashwagandha and thyroid function
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is known to increase energy, improve overall health, reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety, and ease stress.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism. When the thyroid underproduces or overproduces hormones, it results in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively. Ashwagandha may help manage an underactive thyroid by increasing thyroid hormone levels and reducing fatigue and joint pain. An eight-week study found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily significantly improved thyroid levels in people with hypothyroidism. Ashwagandha's cortisol-lowering effects may be responsible for these improvements, as chronic stress increases cortisol, leading to lower thyroid hormone levels.
However, ashwagandha may worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is characterised by high thyroid hormone levels, and ashwagandha may further boost these levels, potentially leading to a serious form of the condition called thyrotoxicosis. Therefore, individuals with hyperthyroidism should avoid ashwagandha.
While ashwagandha shows potential in treating hypothyroidism, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects on thyroid function. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication.
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Ashwagandha and liver damage
Ashwagandha is an herb derived from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant, a shrub native to Southeast Asia and India. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian medical system. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana, meaning it helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically.
In modern times, ashwagandha is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a supplement to boost health and energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall health. However, despite its widespread use, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on the liver.
Several cases of liver damage and injury associated with ashwagandha use have been reported from various parts of the world, including Japan, Iceland, India, and the USA. These cases have presented with symptoms such as jaundice, elevated liver tests, and in rare instances, fatal liver injury or the need for emergency liver transplantation. The liver injuries typically occurred 2 to 12 weeks after starting ashwagandha use.
While the exact cause of hepatotoxicity from ashwagandha is unclear, it is suspected that the presence of withanolides in the herb may be a contributing factor. It is important to note that commercial herbal preparations can sometimes be mislabeled or contaminated, making it challenging to determine if the reported cases of liver injury were solely due to ashwagandha or other components in the preparation.
Given the potential association between ashwagandha and liver damage, experts advise individuals to consult their healthcare providers before taking ashwagandha supplements, especially for those with pre-existing liver conditions.
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Ashwagandha and blood pressure
Ashwagandha is an ancient herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in India. It is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The name "ashwagandha" means "like a horse," referring to the smell of its root.
Ashwagandha is believed to have various health benefits, including reducing stress, improving overall health, boosting energy, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that ashwagandha may also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing, especially when taken with sedative medications.
One of the potential side effects of ashwagandha is its impact on blood pressure. Some sources suggest that ashwagandha may lower blood pressure. This effect may be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure, but it is important to monitor blood pressure closely, especially for those already taking medication for high blood pressure. Combining ashwagandha with blood pressure medication may cause blood pressure to drop too low.
While some research suggests that ashwagandha may help lower blood pressure, other studies have found no significant effect on blood pressure. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of ashwagandha root extract on adults with high stress and fatigue. While the participants taking ashwagandha experienced reduced stress over time, the supplement did not significantly affect their blood pressure.
Additionally, it is important to note that ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, including those for high blood pressure. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha or any other herbal supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
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Ashwagandha and surgery
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, especially in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is commonly used to boost energy, reduce inflammation, and relieve stress and anxiety. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties, although there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.
When it comes to ashwagandha and surgery, there are a few important considerations. Firstly, ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system, and it is recommended to stop taking it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. This is because there is a concern that the herb may interact with anesthesia and other medications administered during and after surgery, leading to increased sedation and slowed breathing. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you are taking ashwagandha before any surgical procedure.
Additionally, ashwagandha may affect thyroid function by increasing thyroid hormone levels. This could be a concern for individuals with thyroid disorders who are taking thyroid hormone medications. The herb might also lower blood sugar levels, so it should be used cautiously in individuals with diabetes who are taking medications to control their blood sugar. Similarly, ashwagandha can lower blood pressure, and its combination with antihypertensive drugs may cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
Ashwagandha might also harm the liver, and combining it with medications that can also affect the liver may increase the risk of liver damage. The herb can alter the way the liver breaks down and processes other medications, potentially changing their effects and side effects. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and consult a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
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Ashwagandha and blood sugar
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb with a variety of purported health benefits. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
One of the potential benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. While ashwagandha cannot cure diabetes, there is some evidence that it may help to manage the condition. For example, a 2015 test-tube study found that ashwagandha increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Additionally, a review of 24 studies, including 5 clinical studies in people with diabetes, found that treatment with ashwagandha significantly reduced blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress markers. It is thought that certain compounds within ashwagandha, such as withaferin A (WA), may have antidiabetic properties and may help stimulate cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream.
However, it is important to note that the research on ashwagandha's effects on blood sugar is still limited, and more well-designed studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Additionally, ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels to a dangerous degree when taken with diabetes medications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha, especially for those with diabetes or blood sugar concerns.
While ashwagandha has been traditionally used to relieve stress, reduce inflammation, boost energy, and improve concentration, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Furthermore, ashwagandha may cause side effects such as sleepiness, slowed breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. It can also negatively interact with certain medications, such as liver medications and sedatives, leading to adverse effects. As such, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional advice before incorporating ashwagandha into one's wellness routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Ashwagandha is more likely to increase muscle strength and size. However, it can have side effects, including drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, and lowered blood pressure, which could potentially lead to muscle weakness.
Some of the side effects of ashwagandha include drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It can also cause lowered blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
There have been rare cases of liver injury linked to ashwagandha supplements. People with pre-existing liver disease should avoid taking ashwagandha.
Dr Lin recommends a dose of 500 mg of ashwagandha, twice a day. However, some studies have used doses of 600 mg per day.
Ashwagandha should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, or are taking certain medications, such as sedatives, diabetes medications, or blood pressure medications.
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