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हिन्दी

Ashwagandha at a glance

Ashwagandha at a glance

Ashwagandha अश्वगंधा

Withania somnifera

Part used
Root (most studies use a standardised root extract)
Strength of evidence
Moderate
Traditional use
A Rasayana (a herb used to support strength and resilience), traditionally given for exhaustion, poor sleep and recovery after illness. Its name means “smell of a horse”, a nod to its earthy smell and the strength it was believed to give.
What the research shows
Several small, short randomised trials (mostly 6 to 12 weeks, often in India) found that root extract lowered stress scores and morning cortisol compared with placebo, and a 2022 meta-analysis pooled these as a moderate benefit. The trials were small, many were industry-funded, and long-term safety is not well studied. It is a promising support, not a replacement for care.
Who should avoid it
  • Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People with liver disease, or anyone who notices yellowing skin or dark urine while taking it
  • People with thyroid conditions, as it may raise thyroid hormone levels
  • People with autoimmune conditions, or taking sedatives, immunosuppressants, or diabetes or blood-pressure medicines, unless their doctor agrees
  • Anyone due for surgery in the next two weeks

Sources: Phytother Res 2022; NCCIH

Text version

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Part used: root. Traditional use: a Rasayana for strength, sleep and recovery. Research: small trials show lower stress scores and morning cortisol over 6 to 12 weeks; long-term safety is not well studied. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, with liver disease, thyroid or autoimmune conditions, or before surgery. Ask your doctor first.

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From the topic: Stress

Sources

  1. 1.Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials — Phytotherapy Research, 2022Review
  2. 2.Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: a case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network — Liver International, 2020Review
  3. 3.Ashwagandha: usefulness and safety — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), 2023Fact sheet