Ashwagandha

Aka: Ashwagandha, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Withania Somnifera

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II. Definitions

  1. Adaptogen
    1. Substances theorized to increase resistance to emotional stress secondary to anxiety, Fatigue or infections

III. Indications

  1. Anxiety Disorder
  2. Emotional Stress
  3. Insomnia

IV. Contraindications

  1. Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer
  2. Pregnancy (risk of Preterm Labor, abortifacient)
  3. Liver Disease (see below)
  4. Avoid in children (unknown safety)
  5. Autoimmune Conditions
    1. Ashwagandha may have immunostimulant effects

V. Adverse Effects

  1. Well tolerated
  2. Mild gastrointestinal side effects
  3. Sedation Risk (when taken with Benzodiazepines)
  4. Severe liver injury (case reports)
    1. Avoid with Hepatotoxins (e.g. Isoniazid, Methotrexate)

VI. Efficacy

  1. Evidence limited to small studies (but highly variable study doses used)
  2. May be effective for Anxiety Disorder
  3. May be effective for Insomnia (total sleep time, sleep quality)

VII. Safety

  1. Avoid in pregnancy (Preterm Labor risk, abortifacient)
  2. Unknown safety in Lactation (avoid)

VIII. Resources

  1. Ashwagandha (NIH Health Info for Professionals)
    1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/

IX. References

  1. (2024) Presc Lett 31(8): 48

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