Examining the Long-term Safety of Ashwagandha: Benefits, Risks, and Clinical Insights
This discussion explores the long-term safety of Ashwagandha, reviewing clinical trials and case reports. Highlights include potential health benefits, risk of liver injury, and the importance of consulting healthcare providers for safe usage.
Long term safety of ashwaganda
The long-term safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been studied in several clinical trials and case reports with mixed results.
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Clinical Trials: A study involving 80 healthy participants consuming Ashwagandha root extract (300 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks found no severe side effects or abnormalities in vital signs or biochemical parameters, including liver function^1^. Another study also concluded that Ashwagandha was well-tolerated over a prolonged period, confirming its safety in reducing stress and improving cognitive functions^2^.
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Liver Safety: Despite these positive outcomes, there have been increasing reports of ashwagandha-induced liver injury (HILI). Multiple cases of liver damage, including severe jaundice and hepatocellular injury, have been documented in various countries^3^^4^. A comprehensive case series from India highlighted this concern, indicating the herb's potential hepatotoxic effects in certain individuals^3^.
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Narrative Reviews: Reviews of Ashwagandha's health benefits and risks emphasize potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects, along with risks of liver injury and other adverse effects. The need for careful monitoring and further research into the herb's long-term safety and varying dosages is frequently highlighted^5^.
In conclusion, while Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for short-term use, there are potential risks of liver injury with long-term or high-dose use. Individuals should consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or liver issues.
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