Ashwagandha (scientific name Withania somnifera) is one of the most central herbs used in Ayurveda1 for neurological disorders 2. It is considered an “adaptogen,” a substance that helps the body adapt to stress 3, and has been used for centuries as a nerve tonic to normalize overexcited nerves and nootropic to improve cognitive function. Modern preclinical and clinical research studies support its continued use4. Active phytochemicals in the herb – including anaferine, beta-sitosterol, withaferin A, withanolide B, and withanolide D – have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier 5 and to curb the type of nerve toxicity implicated in multi-neurodegenerative diseases5,6. The protective effects of ashwagandha are believed to be accomplished by restoration of mitochondrial and endothelial function and mitigation of apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress mechanisms4.

      To evaluate the prenatal developmental toxicity potential, ashwagandha was given orally to pregnant rats during the period of major tissue and organ development at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day and the effects tested. No evidence of maternal or fetal toxicity was observed, and there were no changes in body weight of mothers or number of viable fetuses or malformations therein, at any of the dose levels studied7.

      In the context of breastfeeding, though ashwagandha has been used to simulated breastmilk production in the ayurvedic system of medicine, studies have not been conducted.

     Of note, ashwagandha is in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family9, and so may need to be avoided by sensitive individuals.

References

1. Mandlik Ingawale DS, Namdeo AG. Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(2):183-226. doi:10.1080/19390211.2020.1741484

2. Zahiruddin S, Basist P, Parveen A, et al. Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments. J Ethnopharmacol. Jul 15 2020;257:112876. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112876

3. Bhattacharya SK, Muruganandam AV. Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. Jun 2003;75(3):547-55. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00110-2

4. Dar NJ, MuzamilAhmad. Neurodegenerative diseases and Withania somnifera (L.): An update. J Ethnopharmacol. Jun 28 2020;256:112769. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112769

5. Kumar G, Patnaik R. Exploring neuroprotective potential of Withania somnifera phytochemicals by inhibition of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors: An in silico study. Med Hypotheses. Jul 2016;92:35-43. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2016.04.034

6. Kataria H, Wadhwa R, Kaul SC, Kaur G. Water extract from the leaves of Withania somnifera protect RA differentiated C6 and IMR-32 cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37080. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037080

7. Prabu PC, Panchapakesan S. Prenatal developmental toxicity evaluation of Withania somnifera root extract in Wistar rats. Drug Chem Toxicol. Jan 2015;38(1):50-6. doi:10.3109/01480545.2014.900073

8. Withania. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed(R)). 2006.

9. Paul S, Chakraborty S, Anand U, et al. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects. Biomed Pharmacother. Nov 2021;143:112175. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175