Ashwagandha is popularly known as a herbal remedy, but it also has serious side effects, shares Dr Shubham Vatsya. With the growing attention given to traditional, herbal medicines in recent years, ashwagandha has been popularised in the market as a supplement that provides multiple health benefits. However, there has been a growing concern about the herbal remedy harming the liver over time.
To help us understand the true nature of the substance, Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj, Delhi, took to Instagram on March 17 and explained both the benefits and possible side effects. The scientific name of ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. According to the Cleveland Clinic website, it is an evergreen shrub that is found in India, Africa, and parts of western Asia.
Ashwagandha is scientifically proven to have multiple health benefits, shared Dr Vatsya. The herb has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic properties. They are also seen to be neuroprotective and help induce sleep. A related benefit is lowering cortisol levels in the blood, which helps lower stress. In men, ashwagandha is known to improve testosterone levels.
Multiple studies have shown that Ashwagandha poses a number of health risks, which include causing liver disorder, cautioned Dr Vatsya. It is also not safe for people with thyroid disorders and pregnant women. Explaining the reason why ashwagandha poses a health risk, Dr Vatsya stated, “The issue is that when the ashwagandha shrub grows, its roots absorb heavy metals such as lead and nickel from the soil.”
Sometimes, the heavy metals stay in the plant parts even after they are purified and turned into supplements. This can then cause multiple organ damage.
How should one take ashwagandha?
According to Dr Vatsya, an individual needs to keep two things in mind while considering taking ashwagandha supplements.
Ashwagandha is only safe for consumption when:
It has been well purified and prepared
A doctor is advising the right dosage
As per the Cleveland Clinic website, ashwagandha is commercially available for consumption in the following forms:
Capsules
Gummies
Liquid drops
Powders that can be mixed into drinks
Short-term side-effects of ashwagandha consumption include drowsiness and gastrointestinal troubles, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea.
