Health risks associated with ashwagandha supplements

Consumer protection groups and health agencies have raised alarms regarding the health risks associated with ashwagandha supplements. Initially, the organization Foodwatch warned that several brands were marketing the plant for stress and anxiety relief in ways that may violate EU regulations. Experts, including the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), cautioned that uncontrolled long-term use could lead to liver damage and adverse medication interactions, specifically advising children, pregnant women, and those with liver disease to avoid consumption.

These warnings were underscored by a severe medical case in the United Kingdom, where a woman suffered acute liver failure and subsequent brain damage following a year of consuming ashwagandha gummies purchased via social media. In response to such incidents, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued guidance advising consumers to exercise caution when purchasing supplements through online marketplaces, noting the difficulty in verifying product origins or identifying counterfeit items.