Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, which belongs to the pepper family, is found in India and Africa. The roots of ashwagandha are used medicinally.

The health applications for ashwagandha in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine are extensive. Of particular note is its use against tumors, inflammation (including arthritis), and a wide range of infectious diseases.¹ The shoots and seeds are also used as food and to thicken milk in India. Traditional uses of ashwagandha among tribal peoples in Africa include fevers and inflammatory conditions.² Ashwagandha is frequently a constituent of Ayurvedic formulas, including a relatively common one known as shilajit.

The constituents believed to be active in ashwagandha have been extensively studied.³ Compounds known as withanolides are believed to account for the multiple medicinal applications of ashwagandha.⁴ These molecules are steroidal and bear a resemblance, both in their action and appearance, to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) known as ginsenosides. Indeed, ashwagandha has been called "Indian ginseng" by some. Ashwagandha and its withanolides have been extensively researched in a variety of animal studies examining effects on immune function, inflammation, and even cancer. Ashwagandha stimulates the activation of immune system cells, such as lymphocytes.⁵ It has also been shown to inhibit inflammation⁶ and improve memory in animal experiments.⁷ Taken together, these actions may support the traditional reputation of ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen⁸—an herb with multiple, nonspecific actions that counteract the effects of stress and generally promote wellness.

Some experts recommend 3–6 grams of the dried root, taken each day in capsule or tea form.⁹ To prepare a tea, 3/4–1 1/4 teaspoons (3–6 grams) of ashwagandha root are boiled for 15 minutes and cooled; 3 cups (750 ml) may be drunk daily. Alternatively, tincture 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, is sometimes recommended.

The safety of ashwagandha in pregnancy and lactation has been questioned in the popular literature and some other sources.¹⁰ These theoretical concerns appear to be based on ashwagandha's alkaloid, specifically nicotine, content.¹¹ Alkaloids, as a family, are known for their ability to affect the central nervous system and their potential to cause toxicity. Although ashwagandha's adaptogenic effects are attributed to its steroidal lactones, known as withanolides, it contains numerous other constituents, including an array of alkaloids such as nicotine.¹² These alkaloids are concentrated in the leaves, with only small amounts being present in the root, which is by far the most commonly used part of the plant. Alcohol extracts contain the highest amounts of alkaloids.¹³

In a study in rats, ashwagandha demonstrated no maternal or fetal toxicities, even at high doses.¹⁴ Its many historical uses include improving fertility, bringing on pregnancy, preventing miscarriage, and promoting lactation.¹⁵ Nonetheless, there are also reports of its use to induce abortion, although there is no information about the parts or doses used for this purpose.¹⁶

Given its long and broad history of use, the toxic potential of ashwagandha appears to be very low when used in typical amounts. Nevertheless, ashwagandha's safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been rigorously studied and therefore cannot be confirmed.