2019;98(37):e17186. Ashwagandha contains several active constituents including: The mechanism of how ashwagandha works, for all of its purported benefits, is not well understood. After eight weeks, statistically significant improvements were seen in both aerobic capacity and recovery for those who took ashwagandha. Hydroxyzine has moderate interactions with at least 207 different drugs. Still, a seal of approval from one of these agencies is your best bet for supplement quality since dietary supplements and herbs are not regulated in the United States. More are needed for more definitive results. Ashwagandha. No, that's not true all the time. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on physical performance: systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis. However, some adverse effects are generally associated with ashwagandha. Go to the ER right away. Ashwagandha has no known moderate interactions with any drugs. 2014;20(12):901-908. doi:10.1089/acm.2014.0177, Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, et al. Does Synthroid interact with supplements that may help with arthritis, such as ashwagandha, collagen, or turmeric? . Who Shouldn't Take Ashwagandha? J Altern Complement Med. View abstract. Doses higher than that may interact with lexapro, or produce more pronounced effects. Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Cureus 2022;14(10):e30787. Read more: 15 Celebrities Who Struggle With Anxiety and Depression. 2021 Nov 25;13(2):100510. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, et al. Fuladi S, Emami SA, Mohammadpour AH, Karimani A, Manteghi AA, Sahebkar A. View abstract. When people can't obtain all of the nutrients the Food and Drug Administration recommends, they typically look into taking supplements. Ajgaonkar A, Jain M, Debnath K. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. V. The effect of total alkaloids (ashwagandholine) on the central nervous system. In 2020 and 2021, some people began using ashwagandha to diminish the harmful effects of COVID-19, although there is no evidence to support that use. It is also recommended that people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer avoid using ashwagandha due to possible hormone changes caused by the herb. 2016;5(4):40. doi:10.3390/antiox5040040, Vitale KC, Hueglin S, Broad E. Tart cherry juice in athletes: a literature review and commentary. Take extra care if you are taking iron supplements. Talk with a healthcare provider about the right ashwagandha dosage for your needs. Although ashwagandha is mainly considered safe, side effects may be possible. 2020;12(2):e7083. View abstract. The effect of total alkaloids on the smooth muscles. Gopal S, Ajgaonkar A, Kanchi P, et al. View abstract. The effect of standardized ashwagandha extract (35% withanolide glycosides) on fatigue, vitality and associated steroid hormonal systems in healthy aging, overweight men (40 to 70 years of age; BMI, 25 to 35) was investigated via a 16-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial (N=57). Certain supplements may contain ingredients that are dangerous when mixed with specific medications, even if they are safe on their own. Consult a doctor before taking any medication. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the . To prolong shelf life, ashwagandha supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004;42(12):2015-2020. In the study, no adverse events were reported by participants who took the herb. Suryawanshi G, Abdallah M, Thomson M, Desai N, Chauhan A, Lim N. Ashwagandha-Associated Acute Liver Failure Requiring Liver Transplantation. Again, be sure to talk to your doctor about adding ashwagandha to immunosuppressant drugs. It's much more likely for certain foods, like grapefruit juice or herbal supplements, to affect antidepressant function. . For more information, read the "What else do I need to know?" section below. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The herb has been proven to interact with many other drugs, the interaction with SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or Benzodiazepines are not proven scientifically. Among the five cases, ashwagandha dosing ranged from 450 to 1,350 milligrams daily. This is one of the more common food-drug reactions. Vitamin D supplementation improves anxiety but not depression symptoms in patients with vitamin D deficiency. 2017 Jan;22(1):96-106 View abstract. Hello! View abstract. Although ashwagandha is one of the more well-studied herbals on the market, there have not been extensive drug-interaction studies with it. Taking ashwagandha with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness. View abstract. View abstract. National Library of Medicines list J Ethnopharmacol. Nat.Prod.Res 2005;19(6):567-571. Twelve studies were included in the final review, and researchers concluded that ashwagandha showed more improvements in physical performance than placebo pills. Additionally, ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels in the body. This product may cause you to be sleepy. 2022;15(9):1067-1080. doi:10.1080/17512433.2022.2121699, Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of Ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. However, tyramine-rich foods like cheeses, beer and other fermented products are dangerous for people taking MAOIs. When taken inappropriately, ashwagandha can have side effects and potentially serious medicinal interactions. St. John's wort can cause a buildup of serotonin in the body when taken with antidepressants. However, many studies supporting the use of ashwagandha are small or poorly designed. Ashwagandha may be able to help with insomnia. It's worth noting that a drawback of both these studies is that they were performed on small sample sizes. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. Study participants were randomized to receive a placebo, 225 milligrams per day of ashwagandha, or 400 milligrams per day of ashwagandha for 30 days. View abstract. They should also be kept from direct sunlight and stored in their original bottle or container. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. ashwagandha and guggul used for thyroid conditions and find out if they are beneficial. View abstract. Interactions with other substances: ashwagandha may interact with certain medications, supplements, and herbs. Therefore, it should be used cautiously with drugs used to treat diabetes, including: Just like with potential interactions between ashwagandha and diabetes drugs, there may be a potential issue with drugs used to treat high blood pressure as studies show ashwagandha mayhave blood-pressure-lowering effects. View abstract. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) This means they can cause drug-drug interactions, and they can have all the usual side effects and risks that pharmaceutical can have. The specific components of physical performance included strength and power, endurance, and fatigue/recovery. Does Ashwagandha Interact With Any Medications? Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides 9 and 10, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. Which is why it might lead to sleepiness and drowsiness with medications such as Wellburtin. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. 2021;2:72-81. doi:10.1016/j.crtox.2021.02.002. This is called a medicine interaction. Byetta, Trulicity, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Bydureron, Victoza, Mounjaro), Sulfonylureas (e.g. Myxedema Coma. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera and it is also known as "Indian ginseng . 2018 Mar;24(3):243-248. Animal research and one case study indicate that the herb might increase serum concentration of thyroid hormones, according to Ray Sahelian, a medical doctor who specializes in natural supplements. Tumori 8-31-1994;80(4):306-308. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Significant improvements were seen in all sleep parameters for those who took ashwagandha (300 milligrams twice daily). root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults. Last updated on Feb 3, 2023. View abstract. These include drugs like thyroid desiccated, levothyroxine, or liotrix. According to an August 2016 study in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine Journal, taking ashwagandha with antidepressants like SSRIs can be a safe, effective and healthy way of supporting your mental health. Ashwagandha interferes with immunoassay measurements of digoxin, a medication primarily used for treating congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. J Res Ayur Sid 1980;1:370-385. The study took place over 10 weeks, and participant results were assessed based on sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset. Another traditional use of ashwagandha in Ayurveda is for memory issues. 8-16-1995;95(1-2):189-193. A randomized double blind placebo controlled study of ashwagandha on generalized anxiety disorder. Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. Curr Clin Pharmacol. Cureus. Yes: Ashwagandha is a wonderful tonic that reduces inflammation, balances hormones and supports immune function. Sriranjini SJ, Pal PK, Devidas KV, Ganpathy S. Improvement of balance in progressive degenerative cerebellar ataxias after Ayurvedic therapy: a preliminary report. Herbal supplements, like St. John's wort or garcinia cambogia, are much more likely to affect the functionality of your antidepressants compared to vitamins or mineral tablets. Taking high doses of ashwagandha may increase your risk of side effects. People taking certain medications may need to avoid using ashwagandha. Some symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels include fatigue, increased appetite, sweating, restlessness, diarrhea, hair loss, insomnia, itching and high blood pressure. Nagashayana N, Sankarankutty P, Nampoothiri MRV, et al. I am wondering if it is okay to take with my prescriptions. Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) root extract in improving sexual function in women: a pilot study. Anbalagan, K. and Sadique, J. Examples of immunosuppressants include azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, prednisone and corticosteroids. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. Read More. Antidepressants come in various forms. View abstract. As an adaptogen, helping the body resist physiological and psychological stress, Steroidal lactones (withanolides, withaferins), GLP-1 Agonists (e.g. It is just a general precaution that ashwagandha may decrease blood sugar. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for anxiety, insomnia, aging, and other conditions that may be exacerbated by stress. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Food Chem.Toxicol. People using ashwagandha for physical performance may need to take higher doses of up to 1,250 milligrams daily to see benefits. In recent years, some researchers have assessed how ashwagandha may benefit physical performance. Synthroid is not known to interact with these supplements. Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Sairam, K., and Ghosal, S. Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Mixing tyramine and MAOI antidepressants can result in headache, nausea, anxiety, dangerously high blood pressure and even hemorrhagic stroke. Of the 58 participants in the study, those who took ashwagandha had reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) as well as lower perceived stress scores by the end of the eight-week study. First and foremost, I want to point out this it can tricky to determine whether or not a dietary/herbal supplement will interact with prescription drugs due to a general lack of studies on the matter. It was concluded that participants from all five studies found improvements in their anxiety. Taking it with drugs that increase levels of thyroid hormone (e.g. doi:10.7759/cureus.6466, Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Some of these interactions can be life-threatening. Panda S, Kar A. The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. This product can contain high amounts of iron. In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not ashwagandha supplements interact with prescription drugs. The April 2008 issue of "Therapeutic Drug Monitoring" notes that some herbal products interfere with methodology used to measure drug levels in a patient's bloodstream. Ashwagandha has mild interactions with at least 29 different drugs. Lousewort - Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide, Cassia Cinnamon - Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Abuta - Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Opium, English Adder's Tongue - Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, Patricia Kane (pk) Protocol - Indomethacin, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (pemf) Therapy - Cabozantinib. A total of 525 drugs are known to interact with Xanax. Sharada, A. C., Solomon, F. E., Devi, P. U., Udupa, N., and Srinivasan, K. K. Antitumor and radiosensitizing effects of withaferin A on mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in vivo. Phytotherapy Research 1991;5:111-114. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on physical performance: systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis. However, these results have not been proven in humans. Consult your doctor before taking ashwagandha if you use digoxin. Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. J.Altern.Complement Med. Bjrnsson HK, Bjrnsson ES, Avula B, et al. 2021;16(9):e0257843. View abstract. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:91-3. As with many other herbal supplements, little research is available on possible interactions. There is concern that ashwagandha interacts with anesthesia commonly used in surgery. Phase III randomized clinical trial of BV-4051, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in moderate SARS-CoV-2 infections and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers. By Brittany Lubeck, RD Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with your thyroid. Bhattacharya SK, Satyan KS, Ghosal S. Antioxidant activity of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Underactive Thyroid. View abstract. J Clin Psychiatry. A total of 0 drugs are known to interact with ashwaganda. Another study (a systematic review and meta-analysis) found that ashwagandha may benefit athletes. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. Ashwagandha appears to stimulate your endocrine system . Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is defined as an inability to get adequate sleep. Of note, the benefits were strongest in those who took at least 600 milligrams per day of ashwagandha for at least eight weeks. Ashwagandha May Interact With Certain Drugs. Some people should avoid using ashwagandha due to safety concerns. ", Mayo Clinic: "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)", Cleveland Clinic: "Depression Medicines: Risks / Benefits", Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry: "Use of Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Depressive Disorders", Food and Drug Administration: "Vitamins and Minerals Chart", World Journal of Biological Chemistry: "Complexity of Vitamin E Metabolism", NCBI Bookshelf: "Depression in Adults With a Chronic Physical Health Problem: Treatment and Management", Journal of Medicine and Life: "Nutrition and Depression at the Forefront of Progress", Harvard Health Publishing: "Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Psychiatric Drugs", Complementary Therapies in Medicine Journal: "Evaluation of the Efficacy of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial", Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), Noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. Sehgal, V. N., Verma, P., and Bhattacharya, S. N. Fixed-drug eruption caused by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): a widely used Ayurvedic drug. Talk with a healthcare provider about which herb or supplement may be best for you. . Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Tohda, C. [Overcoming several neurodegenerative diseases by traditional medicines: the development of therapeutic medicines and unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms]. Ashwagandha, an herbal supplement commonly used in traditional Indian medicine, is the latest fad herb trending on social media. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a natural herb used for centuries in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha has no known moderate interactions with any drugs. OTHER NAME(S): Ajagandha, Amangura, Amukkirag, Asan, Asana, Asgan, Ashwagandha has most often been used by adults in doses up to 1000 mg daily, for up to 12 weeks. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186, Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP. If you take thyroid medicine, consult your doctor before using ashwagandha. Since you don't mention any drugs in your question, we'll list some of the potential interactions below. One study, published in Phytotherapy Research, reported that ashwagandha supplementation reduced blood sugar and A1c levels, although this was a relatively small study. Most ashwagandha supplements are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Pharmacological evaluation of ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects. 2012;10(1):48-49. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Agarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, Patwardhan B. blood glucose). View abstract. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:27-35. These are drugs like diazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, or zolpidem. View abstract. Dietary supplements: what you need to know. Sedatives: Since ashwagandha can both energize and induce restorative sleep, it might negate or amplify the effect of other sedative drugs, especially the benzodiazepines. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. We have said that the elements ashwagandha meds of will ashwagandha interact with diabetic meds cause, ashwagandha interact diabetic principle and ontology are the objects of our research. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) on the process of ageing on human volunteers. There is no scientific evidence to support one supplement form over another, which means you should choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. View abstract. View abstract. I was told that I had an allergic reaction to penicillin when I was a child. Immunopharmacol.Immunotoxicol. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.