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Withania Somnifera, or Ashwagandha, is an herbal supplement that comes from the roots of an evergreen shrub plant native to India. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and other applications to prevent mental and physical stress.
People also use Withania Somnifera for a variety of specific health conditions, including anxiety, arthritis and chronic liver disease among others. Currently, its therapeutic properties has not been validated for any specific medical use.
Withania Somnifera is generally well tolerated and has a low risk of adverse effects. Serious Withania Somnifera side effects have not been reported, but it could interact with some medications.
Before using Withania extract, check with a doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you. Always follow dosage guidelines closely to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.
Stress
Mood
Sleep- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
- Protects against oxidative stress
Top Ashwagandha Products* ❯Withania Somnifera Side Effects
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Few negative Withania Somnifera effects have been reported. Numerous studies have shown this supplement has a good safety profile, while some report mild side effects.
No dangerous effects have been reported. According to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement is rated as Possibly Safe when taken appropriately for short periods of time.
It has been used safely in clinical trials for up to 12 weeks in length. More research is needed to make conclusions on the safety and potential side effects of long-term use of this supplement.
A review looked at preliminary studies on Withania Somnifera to check for results of toxicity among other purposes. The review noted that the studies showed “little or no associated toxicity.” The reviewers concluded that more clinical trials are needed to understand Withania Somnifera side effects and uses for a range of health conditions. [1]
Safety of Withania Somnifera Extract
Researchers tested the effects of this herb on stress in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled human study. This study gave adults with chronic stress 300 mg of high-concentration, full-spectrum Withania Somnifera root extract each day for two months.
The extract lowered stress to a significant level in participants and reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Further, this study tested human subjects for 60 days, finding no serious side effects.
It found mild Withania Somnifera side effects, including constipation, a reduced appetite, nasal congestion, drowsiness, cough and cold. The researchers did not find the Withania Somnifera adverse effects statistically significant compared to the control group. [2]
In another clinical study, healthy young adults took 500 mg a day of standardized Withania Somnifera root extract in capsule form. The study found that this supplement improved physical performance by increasing power, velocity and VO2 max.
The researchers concluded that the supplement might benefit muscular strength and coordination, speed and generalized weakness. The subjects took these capsules for eight weeks, and the dosage and length of time seemed safe for the participant group. [3]
Withania Somnifera Drug Interactions
Withania Somnifera supplements could be dangerous for people taking certain medications or supplements because of potential interactions. It could have moderate interactions with diabetes drugs, CNS depressants, immunosuppressants, benzodiazepines and antihypertensive drugs, and minor interactions with thyroid hormone.
In addition, it could potentially interact with supplements that have blood pressure-lowering or sedative effects. People who take these drugs or supplements should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using Withania Somnifera.
Further, this herb might lead to CNS depression when it interacts with anesthesia and other medications for surgery.
The effects of Withania Somnifera may cause problems for people with specific diseases. Its studied properties might be harmful for people with autoimmune diseases, hyper- and hypotension, diabetes, thyroid disorders and peptic ulcer disease.
This supplement is considered likely unsafe for pregnant women because it could increase the risk of abortion. There is not enough information on its effects on lactation, so lactating women should avoid it.
Withania Mechanisms of Action
Withania Somnifera supplements are commonly taken for anxiety and stress relief. A study on rats found that bioactive glycowithanolides (WSG) from the root of Withania Somnifera provide mood stabilizing effects.
In the study, the WSG showed both anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Also, the WSG lowered levels of tribulin, a marker for anxiety, in the brains of the rats.
The researchers compared the WSG to the drugs lorazepam for anxiety and imipramine for depression, and found that WSG had similar effects to these drugs. [4]
A review of studies on Withania Somnifera found that many preliminary research trials have confirmed certain properties in this herb. These studies have found antioxidant, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
The review also noted that Withania Somnifera has anti-tumor and immune boosting activity. [1]
Reviews of Withania Somnifera
On Amazon.com, customers left reviews that capsules of Withania Somnifera powder relieved their anxiety, depression and stress. Some people noted that it helped them sleep while others reported feeling more wakeful when taking it.
In reference to reported Withania Somnifera side effects, some users noted in their reviews feeling drunk or experiencing heart palpitations, increased appetite or an itchy leg rash. Some also reported dizziness, headaches and other symptoms. [5]
Taking Withania Somnifera Safely
The common recommended dosage of Withania Somnifera is 1-6 g in capsule form each day. In different forms, it has been taken in 3 g of powder two times a day or 2-4 mL of extract or tincture three times a day.
It has also been used in tea form with brewed root or the whole herb with differing amounts.
To ensure safety, users should take this supplement for short periods of time. Withania Somnifera long-term side effects are not as well studied.
- Mishra LC et al. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. (2000)
- Chandrasekhar K et al. A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian J Psychol Med (2012)
- Sandhu J et al. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults. Int J Ayurveda Res. (2010)
- Bhattacharya SK et al. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine. (2000)
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment