Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Family: Solanaceae Part Used: Root Evidence: RCT/Systematic Review

๐Ÿ“ Common Names (6 Languages)

EnglishAshwagandha
Hindi (เคนเคฟเคจเฅเคฆเฅ€)เค…เคถเฅเคตเค—เค‚เคงเคพ (Ashwagandha)
Urdu (ุงุฑุฏูˆ)ุงุดูˆฺฏู†ุฏฺพุง (Ashwagandha)
Arabic (ุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠุฉ)ุงู„ุฃุดูˆุงุบุงู†ุฏุง (Al-Ashwagandha)
FrenchAshwagandha
SpanishAshwagandha

โœ… Evidence-Based Benefits

Adaptogenic properties reducing stress and anxiety. Double-blind RCT showed 69% reduction in anxiety scores vs 11% with placebo (PMID: 23439798). Systematic review found consistent stress-reducing effects across 5 RCTs (PMID: 31517876).

๐Ÿ“š Key Citations:

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๐Ÿ”ฌ Clinical Trials

โš•๏ธ Evidence-Based Research: Clinical trials provide the highest level of evidence for herbal efficacy and safety. The trials listed below represent peer-reviewed research registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each trial includes detailed protocols, patient populations, interventions tested, and measurable outcomes. Click links to access full trial details and published results.

NCT03252106 - Ashwagandha for anxiety, Phase 3, Completed

High-quality clinical evidence supporting traditional uses.

RCT: 64 adults, 8 weeks, 69% anxiety reduction

Additional clinical validation.

๐Ÿ’Š Drug Interactions

Important: Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbs and supplements you are taking.

โš ๏ธ Sedatives & CNS Depressants (Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates)

Risk: Excessive sedation and drowsiness

Mechanism: Additive GABAergic effects

Action: Reduce dose of sedatives or avoid combination. Do not operate machinery

Evidence: Pharmacological studies (PMID: 28219383)

โš ๏ธ Thyroid Medications (Levothyroxine)

Risk: May increase thyroid hormone levels

Mechanism: Thyroid-stimulating properties of ashwagandha

Action: Monitor TSH and T4 levels. Avoid in hyperthyroidism

Immunosuppressants

Effect: May reduce efficacy of immunosuppressants

Action: Avoid in transplant patients or those on immunotherapy

Antidiabetic Medications

Effect: May lower blood glucose

Action: Monitor blood sugar, adjust medication as needed

Antihypertensives

Effect: May lower blood pressure

Action: Monitor BP regularly

โš ๏ธ Safety Information

Adverse Events

Generally well tolerated. Mild drowsiness (8% of users) or gastrointestinal upset (5%). Rare cases of hepatotoxicity reported (PMID: 32818573). Discontinue if liver enzyme elevation occurs.

References: PMID: 23439798

โ›” Contraindications

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution in hyperthyroidism and autoimmune conditions. May potentiate sedatives.

๐Ÿงฌ Mechanism of Action

Withanolides modulate the HPA axis reducing cortisol secretion. GABAergic activity contributes to anxiolytic effects. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

References: PMID: 23439798

๐Ÿ’Š Dosage & Administration

300-600 mg/day of standardized extract (5% withanolides) in divided doses. Clinical trials typically use 300mg twice daily for 8-12 weeks.

โš•๏ธ Note: Always consult healthcare provider for appropriate dosing, especially if taking medications.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support our educational content.

Data Retrieval Date: November 29, 2025

Compiled by: Sheraz Ahmed

License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Citation: Ahmed, S. (2025). Medicinal Herbs Database. Clinical Corner. https://welovelmc.com/medical-tools.htm

โš•๏ธ Medical Disclaimer

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

โš ๏ธ Important Warnings:

๐Ÿ”ฌ Evidence Limitations: While this database includes peer-reviewed research and clinical trial data, individual results may vary. Drug interactions and contraindications are based on current research and may change as new evidence emerges.

โš–๏ธ Liability: The author, compiler (Sheraz Ahmed), and publisher disclaim any liability arising from the use or misuse of information contained in this database. This is not medical advice.