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Ashwagandha study finds no liver or kidney damage
A large-scale placebo-controlled study conducted by researchers in India has provided reassuring results regarding the safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine in August 2026, monitored 1,200 healthy adults aged 18 to 70. Led by rheumatologist Dr. Arvind Chopra from the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases in Pune, the research found no evidence of liver or kidney damage among participants.
These findings contrast with reports from some physicians regarding severe liver damage and fatalities linked to the supplement. While Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and has gained popularity via social media for stress and sleep, regulatory responses vary by region. Denmark has banned its sale in dietary supplements, and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has advised against its consumption for two years. However, the supplement remains available in German drugstores in various forms, including capsules, powders, and gummies.
Entities
Arvind Chopra · Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung · Centre for Rheumatic Diseases · Frontiers in Medicine · Pune
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has advised against taking Ashwagandha for two years. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Some doctors have reported severe liver damage and deaths associated with Ashwagandha. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Denmark has banned the sale of Ashwagandha in dietary supplements. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The study was led by Dr. Arvind Chopra from the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases in Pune. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] A study of 1,200 healthy adults found no evidence of liver or kidney damage from Ashwagandha. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de