The long-term safety of ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, remains somewhat uncertain. Here's a summary of the current understanding based on available research:

1. Short-term Use: Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for use up to three months. Side effects reported in the short term include mild gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting¹².

2. Liver Concerns: Some rare cases of liver injury have been reported in association with ashwagandha use. These cases presented with symptoms like jaundice and occurred within weeks of starting supplementation. The liver injuries were primarily reported when using commercial herbal products identified as containing ashwagandha³⁴.

3. Clinical Trials: A few studies, such as one assessing a 4-week use of ashwagandha in healthy males, showed no adverse effects, suggesting short-term safety⁵. However, extensive research into long-term effects over months or years is lacking⁴⁶.

4. Potential Risks: It's also advised that people with specific conditions, such as liver issues, thyroid problems, or those who are pregnant or nursing, approach ashwagandha use with caution due to potential interactions or intensified risks⁴.

Overall, while ashwagandha is widely used and believed to be safe for short-term use, the lack of comprehensive long-term safety data suggests caution. Future studies are required to establish its safety profile over longer durations⁴⁶.

Footnotes

1. MedlinePlus ↩

2. Office of Dietary Supplements ↩

3. NCBI - LiverTox ↩

4. Vidyadhar G. Vaidya ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

5. K. Chandrasekhar ↩

6. Deepak Langade ↩ ↩²