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  Abstract Summary Objective This review evaluates the known side effects and safety concerns associated with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), with emphasis on gastrointestinal, hepatic, and endocrine effects reported in human studies. Context Ashwagandha is widely used as an adaptogenic herb for stress, sleep, and hormonal support. Still, its increasing use in concentrated supplement form has raised questions about safety, product variability, and suitability for long-term use in diverse populations. Methods Used Approach A focused literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, case reports, and regulatory assessments to identify and evaluate adverse effects associated with ashwagandha supplementation. Data...

The past ten years have seen a hefty increase in Ashwagandha.  In former times, it was only available in Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic health sources.  Now, though, on drugstore shelves, inside the online fashion practices of celebrities, and even in your local grocery store's health food section next to jars of fish oil capsules or probiotics from GNC, treatments such as ashwagandha also belong.  Nonetheless, as with any surge in popularity, the chief question is: do doctors prescribe ashwagandha, or isit simply another personal-experience-driven fad? The answer is not black and white.  For one thing, doctors do not look...

Abstract Summary Objective To assess the physiological effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on the female body, with specific focus on stress regulation, hormonal balance, reproductive health, and thyroid function. Context Ashwagandha is a well-established adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to support stress resilience and endocrine health. Contemporary research has increasingly examined its relevance to women’s health, particularly in relation to chronic stress, menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, and reproductive dysfunction. Its primary mechanism of action appears to involve modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Methods Used Approach A focused review of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews...

Abstract Summary Objective To assess whether ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supports weight loss and improved body composition through stress reduction, hormonal modulation, and metabolic regulation. Context Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance stress resilience. Increasing evidence links chronic stress and elevated cortisol to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat. This has led to growing scientific interest in ashwagandha as a complementary intervention for stress-related weight management rather than as a direct fat-burning agent. Methods Used Approach A focused review of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and mechanistic research was conducted to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha...