II. Definitions
- Adaptogen
- Substances theorized to increase resistance to emotional stress secondary to anxiety, Fatigue or infections
III. Indications
- Anxiety Disorder
- Emotional Stress
- Insomnia
IV. Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer
- Pregnancy (risk of Preterm Labor, abortifacient)
- Liver Disease (see below)
- Avoid in children (unknown safety)
-
Autoimmune Conditions
- Ashwagandha may have immunostimulant effects
V. Adverse Effects
- Well tolerated
- Mild gastrointestinal side effects
- Sedation Risk (when taken with Benzodiazepines)
- Severe liver injury (case reports)
- Avoid with Hepatotoxins (e.g. Isoniazid, Methotrexate)
VI. Efficacy
- Evidence limited to small studies (but highly variable study doses used)
- May be effective for Anxiety Disorder
- May be effective for Insomnia (total sleep time, sleep quality)
VII. Safety
- Avoid in pregnancy (Preterm Labor risk, abortifacient)
- Unknown safety in Lactation (avoid)
VIII. Resources
- Ashwagandha (NIH Health Info for Professionals)
IX. References
- (2024) Presc Lett 31(8): 48
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Related Studies
| Concepts | Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Organic Chemical (T109) |
| MSH | C030693 |
| English | Ashwagandha Extract, Ashwagandha, ashwagandha, Ashwagandha preparation |
Ontology: Withania somnifera (plant) (C1061163)
| Concepts | Plant (T002) |
| MSH | D032341 |
| French | Withania somnifera, Ginseng indien |
| English | Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, somniferas, Withania, Withania somniferas, somnifera, Withania, Withania somnifera (plant), withania somnifera, Withania somnifera, ashwagandha |
| Norwegian | Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha |
Ontology: ashwagandha root extract (C1364950)
| Concepts | Pharmacologic Substance (T121) |
| English | ashwagandha root extract |
