Ashwagandha contraindications: who cannot take it?

The popularity of ashwagandha is on the rise, and the curious adaptogen is being tried by many people - tired, sleep-deprived, stressed or dreaming of better fitness in training and in... the bedroom. It is, after all, a plant that promises the 'strength and vitality' of a horse.

Unfortunately, ashwagandha is not suitable for everyone. Instead of a fast stallion or an energetic mare, it can make you... a muddled pony. Together with my doctor, I have prepared a list of contraindications and interactions of ashwagandha with medications and supplements.

See also:

• Ashwagandha
• Ashwagandha - morning or night?
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• Ashwagandha - when does it start working?
.
• Ashwagandha - dosage
• Ashwagandha - side effects
• Ashwagandha - what not to combine with?
.
• Indian ginseng
• Adaptogens

Ashwagandha - contraindications

Contraindications to the use of ashwagandha areand:

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• pregnancy,
.
• lactation,
.
• age under 18 years old,
• diagnosed with cancer,
• lactation,
.
• diagnosed cancer,
.
• diagnosed autoimmune disease, disease thyroid disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis,
.
• bleeding disorders,
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• ulcers,
.
• diseases liver,
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• adherence to sleep, sedative, anti-anxiety medication,
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• planned surgery,
.

If you have any doubts - ask your doctor. A specialist knows your condition best, and what medications and supplements you are taking, so he or she can most accurately advise you on whether ashwagandha is right for you.

Why ashwagandha is not indicated in these situations?

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy and lactation is a sensitive time in a woman's life, and there are no reliable scientific studies that have tested the use of ashwagandha during this periodand. It would be difficult to find volunteers who would take such a risk, and the moral issues of such a study remain.

The effects of this adaptogen on pregnancy and the fetus  and the effects of the compounds in this plant on the breastfed baby  are unknown. A 2012 review of studies published in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests that the use of high doses of ashwagandha may induce miscarriageand.

The use of ashwagandha during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Any dietary supplement or medication you use during this period, must be discussed with your doctor, so that your and your baby's health and life are safe.

Under 18 years of age

Adaptogens are not recommended for use in people under 18 years of age. The effect of this plant on the psychophysical development and behaviour of a developing child or adolescent is unknown - there is a lack of scientific research in this area.

There is a lot going on in a young person's body at the developmental stage, in almost every system. Ashwagandha, as a potent adaptogen, could potentially interfere with this process, and the effects of this are unknownand.

Cancer

Ashwagandha affects a biochemical pathway, called cell cycle checkpoints, that either exacerbates the effects of the disease or can nullify the effect of treatmentand.

In the course of cancer, these checkpoints do not work well, leading to irregular cell growth. Controlling these checkpoints is important in cancer treatment, and ashwagandha can interfere with this process.

This means that this plant can potentially interfere with the treatment process and act as a saboteur. In addition, according to research studies, ashwagandha can increase testosterone levels, so it should be avoided in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancerand.

Autoimmune diseases

In healthy individuals, the immune system protects the body from foreign substances and infections. In autoimmune diseases, there is an "error" in recognizing the body's own cells as a threat, so the immune system begins to attack and destroy the body's own healthy cells, tissues or organsand.

Autoimmune diseases areand:

• Diseases thyroid, e.g.  Hashimoto's disease, Graves-Basedov's disease,
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• Lesniowski-Crohn's disease,
.
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
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• black eye disease,
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• lupus erythematosus,
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• psoriasis,
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• alopecia areata,
• acanthosis nigricans,
• dermatitis,
dermatitis
• celiac disease,
• diabetes,
and
• type 1 diabetes,
.

According to some studies, ashwagandha can lower blood sugar levels, which seems to be a good option for people with diabetesand. However, these patients are usually already taking blood sugar-lowering medications, so adding ashwagandha can cause their blood sugar to drop too high, which can be dangerous to their health .

Other diseases

• Stomach ulcers. People with this ailment should not take ashwagandha, as it can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate unpleasant symptoms .
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• Anomalous blood pressure. Research suggests that ashwagandha has blood pressure-lowering effects . In people being treated for abnormal blood pressure, there may be an interaction between the medications used for this and ashwagandha, or an unexpected drop in blood pressureand.
.
• Hepatic diseases. In 2021-2023, several cases of patients who developed liver damage due to excessive use of ashwagandha were described. This is a potential risk, especially for people who suffer from diseases of this organand.
.

Interactions with medicines and dietary supplements

Ashwagandha is not just a plant. It is a powerful adaptogen with high biological activity. It may interact with medicines or dietary supplements containing specific active substancesand.

The table includes examples of medications, so if you are using others not listed in the table, all the more reason to advise your doctor before using ashwagandha.

Patients taking benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants or antidepressants should absolutely avoid ashwagandha, as this plant can exacerbate sedative, as well as GABAnergic, that is, reducing neuronal activity and inhibiting nerve signal transmission.

Planned surgical procedures

Data from animal studies show that ashwagandha may have a sedative or calming effect, slowing the central nervous systemand. Medications used during and after surgery in combination with ashwagandha may increase the slowing of the nervous system.

Stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before surgery and inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking.

See also: Ashwagandha - side effects

Ashwagandha - what does it help with?

Ashwagandha (also known as languid plant or Indian ginseng) is one of the best studied adaptogensand for its properties. Results to date suggest that systematic use of ashwagandha :

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• reduces mental stress and tension,
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• positively affects mood and motivation,
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• improves memory and concentration,
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• increases performance and endurance,
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• enhances regeneration,
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• increases testosterone and thyroid hormones,
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• alleviates some symptoms during menopause,
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• supports sexual health in men and women,
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• improves male fertility,
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• has antioxidant and tonic effects on the body.

The consumption of ashwagandha is safe, well tolerated and free of adverse effects for most peopleand.

To experience the benefits of consuming ashwagandha, it should be taken 8-12 weeks. After that, it is recommended to take a break. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended daily dose to avoid side effects.

See also compositional analyses of dietary supplements:

• Ashwagandha KSM-66: the purest extract
• Ashwagandha Naturell
• Ashwagandha Aliness
• Ashwagandha Solgar
• Ashwagandha SFD
• Ashwagandha Swanson
• Swanson Berberine

What instead of ashwagandha?

Can't take ashwagandha but really want to try a plant-based treatment? Alternatives for you include other plants and mushrooms. Familiarise yourself with the contraindications to their use - you may just end up with the right one for you?

Learn more about:

• Cordyceps
• Lion's Mane
• Reishi
• Hogweed
• Chaga
• Berberine
• Curcumin
• Piperine
• Cordyceps
• Black cumin oil
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
.
• Passionflower (Passiflora)

Summary