From the Guidelines
Ashwagandha should be discontinued perioperatively due to its potential to increase the risk of bleeding complications and interact with anesthetics. When considering ashwagandha safety, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly in the context of surgical procedures. According to a critical review published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases in 2020 1, the use of dietary supplements like ashwagandha can pose significant risks, including bleeding complications and interactions with anesthetics. Some key points to consider about ashwagandha safety include:
- Ashwagandha has sedative properties that can alter the safety profile of prescribed medications, particularly those used in anesthesia 1.
- The potential for ashwagandha to interact with other medications, such as those used to treat diabetes or hypertension, highlights the need for caution when using this supplement 1.
- Certain individuals, such as those with autoimmune conditions or hormone-sensitive conditions, may need to avoid ashwagandha or use it with caution due to potential risks 1.
- Common side effects of ashwagandha include digestive upset, drowsiness, and headaches, which can be mitigated by starting with a lower dose and assessing tolerance 1. Given the potential risks associated with ashwagandha, particularly in the perioperative period, it is recommended to discontinue its use before surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding complications and ensure safe anesthesia administration 1.
From the Research
Ashwagandha Safety
- The safety of Ashwagandha has been evaluated in several studies, with most indicating that it is generally safe for human use 2, 3, 4.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and stress levels, with a low certainty of evidence for both outcomes 2.
- Another systematic review and meta-analysis found that Ashwagandha formulations had beneficial effects on stress and anxiety, with limited adverse events reported 3.
- A review of preclinical and clinical studies found that Ashwagandha root and leaf extracts exhibited anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity, with potential benefits for depression and insomnia, and appeared to be safe for human use 4.
- However, it is noted that further information is required to determine the safety of Ashwagandha with long-term administration, and potential herb-drug interactions involving Ashwagandha need to be investigated 3, 4.
- The adverse effects associated with Ashwagandha are limited, with four studies reporting mild to moderate adverse events 3.