Ashwagandha supplement side effects
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Ashwagandha Supplement Side Effects: Overview and Safety Concerns
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a popular herbal supplement known for its potential benefits in stress reduction, sleep improvement, and overall well-being. However, research highlights that it can also cause a range of side effects, some of which may be serious for certain individuals Burda2024Dhaliwal2023Kamal2022+1 MORE.
Liver Injury and Hepatotoxicity Risks
Several studies and case reports have documented that ashwagandha can cause liver injury, sometimes referred to as ashwagandha-induced liver injury (AILI). Symptoms may include jaundice, itching, and fatigue, typically appearing within weeks of starting the supplement. Most cases resolve after stopping ashwagandha, but rare instances of severe liver damage, including acute liver failure, have been reported. A systematic review identified 23 cases of liver injury linked to ashwagandha, with similar patterns and outcomes across cases Burda2024Dhaliwal2023Miroshnikov2024.
Endocrine Complications: Thyrotoxicosis and Adrenal Effects
Ashwagandha has been associated with endocrine side effects, particularly thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormone). There are rare reports of individuals developing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate and anxiety, after prolonged use of ashwagandha supplements. These symptoms typically resolve after discontinuing the supplement. Ashwagandha may also affect adrenal function, though evidence is limited Burda2024Kamal2022.
Autoimmune and Transplant Risks
People with autoimmune diseases or those who have received organ transplants may be at higher risk of complications from ashwagandha. There are reports of ashwagandha possibly triggering new autoimmune diseases or causing acute graft rejection in transplant recipients. Experts recommend that individuals with these conditions avoid ashwagandha supplements .
General Safety in Healthy Adults
Randomized controlled trials in healthy adults have generally found ashwagandha to be well-tolerated over short periods (up to 8 weeks), with no significant changes in blood tests, liver function, or thyroid hormones, and no serious adverse events reported. However, these studies are limited in duration and sample size, and more research is needed to confirm long-term safety Verma2020Cheah2021.
Mild and Common Side Effects
Most people taking ashwagandha do not experience serious side effects. In clinical trials, no serious adverse effects were reported, and mild side effects, if any, were rare. However, the lack of long-term safety data means caution is still advised, especially for those with underlying health conditions Verma2020Cheah2021.
Conclusion
While ashwagandha is generally safe for most healthy adults when used short-term, it can cause serious side effects in some individuals, including liver injury, thyroid problems, and risks for those with autoimmune or transplant histories. People with liver, endocrine, or autoimmune disorders, as well as transplant recipients, should avoid ashwagandha. More long-term studies are needed to fully understand its safety profile. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications Burda2024Verma2020Dhaliwal2023+3 MORE.
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