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Understanding the Potential Liver Toxicity of Ashwagandha Supplements

Explore the safety concerns regarding ashwagandha (*Withania somnifera*), including reported cases of liver injury, symptoms, and guidelines for cautious use under medical supervision.


  • can ashwaganda be toxic for your body?

  • While ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is generally considered safe for most people, there have been several reports of ashwagandha-induced liver injury123.

    Instances of liver damage caused by ashwagandha have surfaced from different parts of the world, including Japan, Iceland, India, and the USA1. Symptoms reported in these cases included jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and acute hepatitis2. The liver injury can present in patterns described as hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed3.

    One particular study noted that five patients developed jaundice and symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, pruritus, and abdominal discomfort within 2-12 weeks of using ashwagandha3. The liver injury was self-limiting in most cases, with liver tests normalizing in 1-5 months after discontinuation of the supplement, although some cases required intensive pharmacological treatment13.

    Due to the potential risk of liver toxicity, it is advisable to use ashwagandha supplements with caution and under medical supervision, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions or are taking other medications that can affect liver function23.

    Footnotes

    1. Marta Lubarska et al. "Liver Dangers of Herbal Products: A Case Report of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury," PMC, 2022. 2 3

    2. Cyriac A. Philips et al. "Ashwagandha-induced liver injury—A case series from India and literature review," PMC, 2023. 2 3

    3. Goran Bokan et al. "Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Ayurvedic Ashwagandha: An Emerging Cause," PMC, 2023. 2 3 4 5

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