Is Ashwagandha Safe? FSSAI’s Warning Raises Questions
Ashwagandha has quietly become one of the most popular wellness supplements in India. From stress relief to better sleep, it is often marketed as a natural solution for modern lifestyle problems. But a recent advisory from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has brought fresh attention to how safe these products actually are.
The concern is not about ashwagandha itself, but about how it is being used in supplements. According to the latest guidelines, only the root of the ashwagandha plant and its extracts are permitted in food products and nutraceuticals. The use of leaves, in any form, is not allowed.
This distinction matters more than it seems. Traditionally, ashwagandha roots have been used in Ayurveda and are considered relatively safe when consumed in recommended amounts. However, the leaves contain higher concentrations of certain compounds that may not be suitable for regular consumption.
Experts point out that these compounds, particularly certain withanolides, can cause irritation to the gut and may even pose risks like liver toxicity when consumed in higher concentrations.
The problem is that many consumers may not know what part of the plant they are actually consuming. In several products, labels simply mention “ashwagandha” without specifying whether it comes from the root or other parts of the plant. This lack of clarity has become a key concern for regulators.
The concern is not about ashwagandha itself, but about how it is being used in supplements. According to the latest guidelines, only the root of the ashwagandha plant and its extracts are permitted in food products and nutraceuticals. The use of leaves, in any form, is not allowed.
This distinction matters more than it seems. Traditionally, ashwagandha roots have been used in Ayurveda and are considered relatively safe when consumed in recommended amounts. However, the leaves contain higher concentrations of certain compounds that may not be suitable for regular consumption.
Experts point out that these compounds, particularly certain withanolides, can cause irritation to the gut and may even pose risks like liver toxicity when consumed in higher concentrations.
The problem is that many consumers may not know what part of the plant they are actually consuming. In several products, labels simply mention “ashwagandha” without specifying whether it comes from the root or other parts of the plant. This lack of clarity has become a key concern for regulators.
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