SIDE EFFECTS:
When taken in accordance with suggested dosages, ashwagandha is usually regarded as safe for the majority of people. However, some people may develop negative side effects such nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ashwagandha can improve thyroid function by boosting the conversion of the less potent thyroid hormone, T4, to the more active form of the thyroid hormone, T3. However, it may interfere with other drugs, including sedatives and thyroid hormone supplements. It is not advised for persons who are about to undergo surgery, are pregnant, are nursing, have autoimmune or thyroid issues, or for those who are taking other medications.
There is evidence that ashwagandha may interact with a number of drugs, including those for high blood pressure, diabetes, immunosuppressants, sedatives, and anticonvulsants (those that prevent seizures).
Ashwagandha should not be used by those with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer since it may raise testosterone levels.
Before ingesting any supplements, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider.
Dosage:
Like other dietary supplements, ashwagandha is not subject to FDA regulation.
But you needn’t hazard a guess as to how much to take. Studies have looked at using dosages of varied sizes, but most frequently between 125 and 1,000 mg. With individuals receiving 500 or 600 mg of ashwagandha daily, frequently split into morning and evening doses, many study dosages fall somewhere in the middle.
Your desired health outcome will determine the amount you need to see results. Based on the precise supplement you intend to use and your goals, do some research. Consult your doctor first before beginning any new dietary supplements.
KEY References
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Ashwagandha. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Krishnamurthy, S., & Ghosal, S. (2000, December 1). Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0944-7113(00)80030-6
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Panda, S., & Kar, A. (1998, September 1). Changes in Thyroid Hormone Concentrations after Administration of Ashwagandha Root Extract to Adult Male Mice. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1998.tb06923.x
Raut, A., Rege, N. N., Tadvi, F. M., Solanki, P., Kene, K. R., Shirolkar, S. G., Pandey, S. N., Vaidya, R., & Vaidya, A. D. (2012, January 1). Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.100168
Shi, J., Ni, J., Lu, T., Zhang, X., Wei, M., Li, T., Liu, W., Wang, Y., Shi, Y., & Tian, J. (2017, December 1). Adding Chinese herbal medicine to conventional therapy brings cognitive benefits to patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a retrospective analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine; BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-2040-5
Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019, December 25). Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus; Cureus, Inc. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466
Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. (2000, August 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10956379/
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012, July 1). 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. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine; Medknow. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much To Take. (2022, October 17). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha/
Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Yaacob, L. H., & Rahman, R. A. (2021, September 24). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE; Public Library of Science. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
Afonso, A. T., Fernández-Lázaro, D., Adams, D. P., Monserdà-Vilaró, A., & Fernández-Lázaro, C. I. (2023, July 10). Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Current Nutrition Reports; Springer Science+Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0
Mikulska, P., Malinowska, M., Ignacyk, M., Szustowski, P., Nowak, J., Pesta, K., Szeląg, M., Szklanny, D., Judasz, E., Kaczmarek, G., Ejiohuo, O., Paczkowska-Walendowska, M., Gościniak, A., & Cielecka‐Piontek, J. (2023, March 24). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057
