Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 450mg (standardized extract), 2-3 times a day. Most Common Dosage 450mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. Dosage Forms		Adult RDI Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Narcotic medications
•	Anti-anxiety medications
•	Sedative and hypnotic medications
•	Thyroid medications

Ashwagandha root, also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, is an important herb from the Ayurvedic or Indian system of medicine. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for the treatment of debility, emaciation, impotence, and premature aging.(1) This dietary supplement is used to enhance mental and physical performance, improve learning ability, and decrease stress and fatigue.(2) Ashwagandha is a general tonic to be used in stressful situations, especially insomnia, overwork, nervousness, and restlessness.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
Ashwagandha has been reported safe in recommended dosages.(3)

Health Conditions
Based on pharmacology, do not use in individuals with hyperthyroidism; ashwagandha has been reported in an animal study to increase T4 activity and subsequently thyroid function.(4)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Based on pharmacology, do not use in pregnancy due to potential abortifacient effects.(5)

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Boone K. Withania – The Indian Ginseng and Anti-aging Adaptogen. Nutrition and Healing. Jun1998;5(6):5-7.
² Singh A, Naidu PS, Gupta S, Kulkarni SK. Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants in a mouse model of chronic fatigue syndrome. J Med Food. Dec2002;5(4):211-20.
View Abstract
³ Boone K. Withania – The Indian Ginseng and Anti-aging Adaptogen. Nutrition and Healing. Jun1998;5(6):5-7.
⁴ Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the Regulation of Circulating Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Female Mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Nov1999;67(2):233-9.
View Abstract
⁵ Sudhir S, et al. Pharmacological Studies on Leaves of Withania somnifera. Planta Med. Feb1986;1:61-63.

Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)