Ashwagandha
- Latin
- Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic root supplement studied most often for stress and sleep. Some preparations show short-term benefit, but studies are generally small, products vary, and long-term safety is not established.
Also Known As
Latin: Withania somnifera
Traditional Context
Ashwagandha is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. It is included here because it is a widely used Ayurvedic herb and mainstream supplement.
Primary Actions
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a rasayana for vitality and resilience
- Traditionally used to support sleep and recovery
Secondary Actions
- Traditionally used in reproductive and strength-supporting preparations
Classical References
- Ayurvedic materia medica tradition
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Withanolides
- Withaferin A
- Sitoindosides
- Alkaloids
Studied Effects
- Stress and anxiety outcomes, with promising but heterogeneous trials
- Sleep quality and insomnia symptoms, with modest short-term findings
- Male reproductive measures, with limited evidence
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Autoimmune or thyroid disorders without medical guidance
- Upcoming surgery
- Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Cautions
- Short-term use up to about three months has been studied more than long-term use.
- Drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting can occur.
- Rare cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha supplements.
Drug Interactions
Ashwagandha may add to sedative, anticonvulsant, diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, and immunosuppressive medicines. Product variation and limited clinical interaction data make medication review important before using a concentrated extract.
- Sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants … Sedative and GABA-related effects may be additive. Clinical relevance is not fully established. (Moderate) Source: NCCIH Ashwagandha
- Diabetes and blood pressure medicines … Ashwagandha may add to glucose-lowering or blood-pressure-lowering effects. (Moderate) Source: NCCIH Ashwagandha
- Immunosuppressants … Immune effects may oppose medicines intended to reduce immune activity. (Moderate) Source: NCCIH Ashwagandha
- Thyroid hormone medicines … Ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels and complicate dosing. (Moderate) Source: NCCIH Ashwagandha
- CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 substrate medicines … Laboratory studies found enzyme inhibition or induction, but clinical relevance is not known. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashwagandha used for?
Ashwagandha is traditionally used to Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a rasayana for vitality and resilience, Traditionally used to support sleep and recovery. Research has investigated its effects on: Stress and anxiety outcomes, with promising but heterogeneous trials; Sleep quality and insomnia symptoms, with modest short-term findings.
What are other names for Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry. In TCM: Withania somnifera.
Is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?
Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha should not be used in: Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Autoimmune or thyroid disorders without medical guidance; Upcoming surgery; Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Ashwagandha interact with any medications?
Ashwagandha may interact with: Sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants - Sedative and GABA-related effects may be additive. Clinical relevance is not fully established. - (Moderate severity); Diabetes and blood pressure medicines - Ashwagandha may add to glucose-lowering or blood-pressure-lowering effects. - (Moderate severity); Immunosuppressants - Immune effects may oppose medicines intended to reduce immune activity. - (Moderate severity); Thyroid hormone medicines - Ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels and complicate dosing. - (Moderate severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.