Ashwagandha Side Effects and Health Benefits
Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress,
antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to
exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
Some researchers suggest ashwagandha exhibits a variety of therapeutic effects with
limited side effects or toxicity. [22]
Ashwagandha, used in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine, grows in India and Africa.
The roots of ashwagandha are believed to have health benefits on various conditions
including inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases. [1,2]
Ashwagandha contains withanolides as its major active ingredients to account for most of its
medicinal benefits. [4]
Basic studies have shown its ability to simulate the immune system cells, inhibit
inflammation and improve memory in animal studies. [5-7] Thus, it is not a surprise that
herbalists claim ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen [8]. Adaptogen is an herb
counteract the effects of stress and promote general wellness. Usually, marketers suggest 3-
6 grams of the dried root a day. [9]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha may have benefits of anti-microbial activities.
Oral administration of the aqueous extracts successfully obliterated salmonella infection in
Balb/C mice as revealed by increased survival rate as well as less bacterial load in various
vital organs of the treated animals. [18] In another study, ashwagandha given orally once
daily for 7 consecutive days in a dose of 100 mg/kg after intravenous infection of Aspergillus
fumigatus prolonged the survival period of infected mice. [27]
Ashwagandha may have benefits of anti-oxidant activities.
Withania somnifera inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification
induced by copper in Wistar rats. These effects were similar to those of superoxide
dismutase and mannitol. [19] In another study of mice,15 days treatment with Ashwagandha
root powder did not produce any significant change, 30 days treatment produced a
significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, and an increase in both superoxide dismutase
and catalase in mice. Thus, Ashwagandha root powder possesses free radical scavenging
activity. [24]
Ashwagandha may have effects on neuronal activities and memory.
Japanese researchers reported that the methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots of Dunal)
induced dendrite extension in a human neuroblastoma cell line. The compounds
responsible for this activity are found to be withanosides IV and VI. [20, 22]
Chronic treatment with electroconvulsive shock in mice, for 6 successive days at 24 h
intervals, disrupted memory consolidation on day 7. Daily administration of ashwagandha for
6 days significantly improved memory consolidation in mice receiving chronic
electroconvulsive shock treatment. [21]
Ashwagandha may have benefits of immunomodulatory activities.
In a study of mice, Indian researchers found ashwagandha prevented myelosuppression in
mice treated with all three immunosuppressive drugs cyclophosphamide, azathioprin, or
prednisolone. They also noticed a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (P <
0.01), red blood cell count (P < 0.01), white blood cell count (P < 0.05), platelet count (P <
0.01), and body weight (P < 0.05) in Ashwagandha-treated mice as compared with
untreated (control) mice. [25] In another study of mice, researchers also found a significant
increase in white blood cell and platelet counts in animals treated with extracts of
Ashwagandha. [26]
Ashwaganha may have anti-stress activities.
Ashwagandha was shown to increase swimming time in rats in physical working capacity
test, i.e. rats swimming endurance test. Significant increase in relative heart weight and
glycogen content in myocardium and liver was also observed in ashwagandha treated
group. [23]
Grandhi A and co-workers from Indian Drugs Research Association, Pune, prepared
aqueous suspensions of roots of an Indian drug Ashwagandha and the Korean drug
Ginseng. And, they supplemented mice with either one of these suspensions. They found
that a significant increase in mice swimming time after intake either one of these
preparations. [15]
Ashwagandha extracts may have benefits of anti-cancer effects.
Japanese researchers found that the leaf extract of Ashwagandha has a significant anti-
proliferative activity in human tumorigenic cells. However, it did not impart any protection
against the oxidative damage caused by high glucose and hydrogen peroxide to human
tumor cells suggesting that it can be used as an anti-tumor, but not as an anti-oxidant,
substance. [14]
Devi PU, an Indian researchers, noticed a significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects
in experimental tumors from the alcoholic extract of the dried roots of the W. somnifera
(Ashwagandha). Withaferin A gave a sensitizer enhancement ratio of 1.5 for in vitro cell
killing of V79 Chinese hamster cells at a non-toxic concentration of approximately 2 microM.
[12] This group also injected alcoholic extract of ashwagandha at daily doses of 200 to 1000
mg/kg body wt for 15 days starting from 24 hr after intradermal inoculation of 5 x 10(5) cells
of S-180 to BALB/c mice. They observed a significant increase in the volume doubling time
and growth delay was seen when the ashwagandha dose was increased from 500 to 750
mg/kg body wt. [10] They further obtained similar results in a study of Sarcoma-180 grown
on the dorsum of adult BALB/c mouse using alcoholic root extract of W. somnifera and their
modification by heat. [11]
SIDE EFFECTS OF ASHWAGANDHA
In a study of rats for intake of ginseng and ashwagandha for 90 days, researchers found
significant increase in body weight, food consumption and liver weight, and improved
hematopoiesis. They did not reveal any toxicity of brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidneys,
stomach, testis and ovaries. [17] Thus, ashwagandha probably is safe without serious side
effects.
However, there is a case about the toxicity or side effect of ashwagandha. The reporter
speculated that ashwagandha could increase serum concentrations of thyroid hormones
causing thyrotoxicosis of a 32-year-oild healthy woman in the case. Chronic fatigue is the
one of the main symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. The symptoms resolved spontaneously after
discontinuation of the ashwagandha capsules. [13]
Panda S and Kar A from D.A. University, Indore, India noticed that ashwagandha root
extracts could regulate thyroid function with special reference to type-I iodothyronine 5'-
monodeiodinase activity in mice liver. Furthermore, ashwagandha root extract significantly
reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as
superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. These findings reveal that the
ashwagandha root extract stimulates thyroidal activity and also enhances the
antiperoxidation of hepatic tissue. [16]
WARNINGS
People with thyroid or liver issues should not use this herb or related products without
doctors' recommendation.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR RERERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION. DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITE NOR BLOG
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514–5. 2. Duke JA. CRC
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514–5. 3. Bone K. Clinical Applications of
Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. 4. Wagner H, Nörr H,
Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76. 5. Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant
adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76. 6. Anabalgan K, Sadique J. Antiinflammatory activity of Withania
somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 1981;19:245–9. 7. Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of
glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of AlzheimerÂ’s disease and perturbed central
cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytother Res 1995;9:110–3. 8. Bone K. Clinical Applications of
Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. 9. Bone K. Clinical
Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. [10]
Devi PU, et al, In vivo growth inhibitory effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse
tumor, Sarcoma 180. Indian J Exp Biol. 1992 Mar;30(3):169-72. [11] Devi PU, et al, Antitumor and
radiosensitizing effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse tumor, Sarcoma-180.
Indian J Exp Biol. 1993 Jul;31(7):607-11. [12] Devi PU. Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential
plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization. Indian J Exp Biol. 1996 Oct;34
(10):927-32. [13] van der Hooft CS, et al, Thyrotoxicosis following the use of ashwagandha. Ned Tijdschr
Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 19;149(47):2637-8. [14] Kaur K, et al, Evaluation of the anti-proliferative and anti-
oxidative activities of leaf extract from in vivo and in vitro raised Ashwagandha. Food Chem Toxicol. 2004 Dec;42
(12):2015-20. [15] A comparative pharmacological investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Dec;44(3):131-5. [16] Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after
administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1998 Sep;50(9):1065-8.
[17] Aphale AA, et al, Subacute toxicity study of the combination of ginseng (Panax ginseng) and ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) in rats: a safety assessment. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1998 Apr;42(2):299-302. [18]
Owais M, et al, Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant
against experimental murine salmonellosis. Phytomedicine. 2005 Mar;12(3):229-35. [19] Gupta SK, et al,
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) attenuates antioxidant defense in aged spinal cord and inhibits copper
induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modifications. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2003;19(3):211-22.
[20] Kuboyama T, et al, Axon- or dendrite-predominant outgrowth induced by constituents from Ashwagandha.
Neuroreport. 2002 Oct 7;13(14):1715-20. [21] Dhuley JN. Nootropic-like effect of ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera L.) in mice. Phytother Res. 2001 Sep;15(6):524-8. [22] Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific
basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):
334-46. [22] Tohda C, Kuboyama T, Komatsu K. Dendrite extension by methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots
of Withania somnifera) in SK-N-SH cells. Neuroreport. 2000 Jun 26;11(9):1981-5. [23] Dhuley JN. Adaptogenic
and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Apr;70(1):57-63. [24]
Panda S, Kar A. Evidence for free radical scavenging activity of Ashwagandha root powder in mice. Indian J
Physiol Pharmacol. 1997 Oct;41(4):424-6. [25] Ziauddin M, et al, Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of
Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacol. 1996 Feb;50(2):69-76. [26] Agarwal R, Studies on immunomodulatory activity
of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999
Oct;67(1):27-35. [27] Dhuley JN. Therapeutic efficacy of Ashwagandha against experimental aspergillosis in
mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1998 Feb;20(1):191-8.
Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress,
antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to
exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
Some researchers suggest ashwagandha exhibits a variety of therapeutic effects with
limited side effects or toxicity. [22]
Ashwagandha, used in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine, grows in India and Africa.
The roots of ashwagandha are believed to have health benefits on various conditions
including inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases. [1,2]
Ashwagandha contains withanolides as its major active ingredients to account for most of its
medicinal benefits. [4]
Basic studies have shown its ability to simulate the immune system cells, inhibit
inflammation and improve memory in animal studies. [5-7] Thus, it is not a surprise that
herbalists claim ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen [8]. Adaptogen is an herb
counteract the effects of stress and promote general wellness. Usually, marketers suggest 3-
6 grams of the dried root a day. [9]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha may have benefits of anti-microbial activities.
Oral administration of the aqueous extracts successfully obliterated salmonella infection in
Balb/C mice as revealed by increased survival rate as well as less bacterial load in various
vital organs of the treated animals. [18] In another study, ashwagandha given orally once
daily for 7 consecutive days in a dose of 100 mg/kg after intravenous infection of Aspergillus
fumigatus prolonged the survival period of infected mice. [27]
Ashwagandha may have benefits of anti-oxidant activities.
Withania somnifera inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification
induced by copper in Wistar rats. These effects were similar to those of superoxide
dismutase and mannitol. [19] In another study of mice,15 days treatment with Ashwagandha
root powder did not produce any significant change, 30 days treatment produced a
significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, and an increase in both superoxide dismutase
and catalase in mice. Thus, Ashwagandha root powder possesses free radical scavenging
activity. [24]
Ashwagandha may have effects on neuronal activities and memory.
Japanese researchers reported that the methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots of Dunal)
induced dendrite extension in a human neuroblastoma cell line. The compounds
responsible for this activity are found to be withanosides IV and VI. [20, 22]
Chronic treatment with electroconvulsive shock in mice, for 6 successive days at 24 h
intervals, disrupted memory consolidation on day 7. Daily administration of ashwagandha for
6 days significantly improved memory consolidation in mice receiving chronic
electroconvulsive shock treatment. [21]
Ashwagandha may have benefits of immunomodulatory activities.
In a study of mice, Indian researchers found ashwagandha prevented myelosuppression in
mice treated with all three immunosuppressive drugs cyclophosphamide, azathioprin, or
prednisolone. They also noticed a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (P <
0.01), red blood cell count (P < 0.01), white blood cell count (P < 0.05), platelet count (P <
0.01), and body weight (P < 0.05) in Ashwagandha-treated mice as compared with
untreated (control) mice. [25] In another study of mice, researchers also found a significant
increase in white blood cell and platelet counts in animals treated with extracts of
Ashwagandha. [26]
Ashwaganha may have anti-stress activities.
Ashwagandha was shown to increase swimming time in rats in physical working capacity
test, i.e. rats swimming endurance test. Significant increase in relative heart weight and
glycogen content in myocardium and liver was also observed in ashwagandha treated
group. [23]
Grandhi A and co-workers from Indian Drugs Research Association, Pune, prepared
aqueous suspensions of roots of an Indian drug Ashwagandha and the Korean drug
Ginseng. And, they supplemented mice with either one of these suspensions. They found
that a significant increase in mice swimming time after intake either one of these
preparations. [15]
Ashwagandha extracts may have benefits of anti-cancer effects.
Japanese researchers found that the leaf extract of Ashwagandha has a significant anti-
proliferative activity in human tumorigenic cells. However, it did not impart any protection
against the oxidative damage caused by high glucose and hydrogen peroxide to human
tumor cells suggesting that it can be used as an anti-tumor, but not as an anti-oxidant,
substance. [14]
Devi PU, an Indian researchers, noticed a significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects
in experimental tumors from the alcoholic extract of the dried roots of the W. somnifera
(Ashwagandha). Withaferin A gave a sensitizer enhancement ratio of 1.5 for in vitro cell
killing of V79 Chinese hamster cells at a non-toxic concentration of approximately 2 microM.
[12] This group also injected alcoholic extract of ashwagandha at daily doses of 200 to 1000
mg/kg body wt for 15 days starting from 24 hr after intradermal inoculation of 5 x 10(5) cells
of S-180 to BALB/c mice. They observed a significant increase in the volume doubling time
and growth delay was seen when the ashwagandha dose was increased from 500 to 750
mg/kg body wt. [10] They further obtained similar results in a study of Sarcoma-180 grown
on the dorsum of adult BALB/c mouse using alcoholic root extract of W. somnifera and their
modification by heat. [11]
SIDE EFFECTS OF ASHWAGANDHA
In a study of rats for intake of ginseng and ashwagandha for 90 days, researchers found
significant increase in body weight, food consumption and liver weight, and improved
hematopoiesis. They did not reveal any toxicity of brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidneys,
stomach, testis and ovaries. [17] Thus, ashwagandha probably is safe without serious side
effects.
However, there is a case about the toxicity or side effect of ashwagandha. The reporter
speculated that ashwagandha could increase serum concentrations of thyroid hormones
causing thyrotoxicosis of a 32-year-oild healthy woman in the case. Chronic fatigue is the
one of the main symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. The symptoms resolved spontaneously after
discontinuation of the ashwagandha capsules. [13]
Panda S and Kar A from D.A. University, Indore, India noticed that ashwagandha root
extracts could regulate thyroid function with special reference to type-I iodothyronine 5'-
monodeiodinase activity in mice liver. Furthermore, ashwagandha root extract significantly
reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as
superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. These findings reveal that the
ashwagandha root extract stimulates thyroidal activity and also enhances the
antiperoxidation of hepatic tissue. [16]
WARNINGS
People with thyroid or liver issues should not use this herb or related products without
doctors' recommendation.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR RERERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION. DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITE NOR BLOG
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514–5. 2. Duke JA. CRC
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514–5. 3. Bone K. Clinical Applications of
Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. 4. Wagner H, Nörr H,
Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76. 5. Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant
adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76. 6. Anabalgan K, Sadique J. Antiinflammatory activity of Withania
somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 1981;19:245–9. 7. Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of
glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of AlzheimerÂ’s disease and perturbed central
cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytother Res 1995;9:110–3. 8. Bone K. Clinical Applications of
Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. 9. Bone K. Clinical
Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41. [10]
Devi PU, et al, In vivo growth inhibitory effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse
tumor, Sarcoma 180. Indian J Exp Biol. 1992 Mar;30(3):169-72. [11] Devi PU, et al, Antitumor and
radiosensitizing effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on a transplantable mouse tumor, Sarcoma-180.
Indian J Exp Biol. 1993 Jul;31(7):607-11. [12] Devi PU. Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential
plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization. Indian J Exp Biol. 1996 Oct;34
(10):927-32. [13] van der Hooft CS, et al, Thyrotoxicosis following the use of ashwagandha. Ned Tijdschr
Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 19;149(47):2637-8. [14] Kaur K, et al, Evaluation of the anti-proliferative and anti-
oxidative activities of leaf extract from in vivo and in vitro raised Ashwagandha. Food Chem Toxicol. 2004 Dec;42
(12):2015-20. [15] A comparative pharmacological investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Dec;44(3):131-5. [16] Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after
administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1998 Sep;50(9):1065-8.
[17] Aphale AA, et al, Subacute toxicity study of the combination of ginseng (Panax ginseng) and ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) in rats: a safety assessment. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1998 Apr;42(2):299-302. [18]
Owais M, et al, Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant
against experimental murine salmonellosis. Phytomedicine. 2005 Mar;12(3):229-35. [19] Gupta SK, et al,
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) attenuates antioxidant defense in aged spinal cord and inhibits copper
induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modifications. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2003;19(3):211-22.
[20] Kuboyama T, et al, Axon- or dendrite-predominant outgrowth induced by constituents from Ashwagandha.
Neuroreport. 2002 Oct 7;13(14):1715-20. [21] Dhuley JN. Nootropic-like effect of ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera L.) in mice. Phytother Res. 2001 Sep;15(6):524-8. [22] Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific
basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):
334-46. [22] Tohda C, Kuboyama T, Komatsu K. Dendrite extension by methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots
of Withania somnifera) in SK-N-SH cells. Neuroreport. 2000 Jun 26;11(9):1981-5. [23] Dhuley JN. Adaptogenic
and cardioprotective action of ashwagandha in rats and frogs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Apr;70(1):57-63. [24]
Panda S, Kar A. Evidence for free radical scavenging activity of Ashwagandha root powder in mice. Indian J
Physiol Pharmacol. 1997 Oct;41(4):424-6. [25] Ziauddin M, et al, Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of
Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacol. 1996 Feb;50(2):69-76. [26] Agarwal R, Studies on immunomodulatory activity
of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999
Oct;67(1):27-35. [27] Dhuley JN. Therapeutic efficacy of Ashwagandha against experimental aspergillosis in
mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1998 Feb;20(1):191-8.
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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |