Large Trial Finds 24 Weeks of Ashwagandha Safe Without Liver or Kidney Harm

A large multicentre clinical study conducted in India found that daily intake of standardised Ashwagandha root extract for 24 weeks was well tolerated, showing no evidence of liver or kidney injury.

The Ministry of Ayush released a statement regarding the study published on August 20 in Frontiers in Medicine, highlighting it as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing Ashwagandha's prolonged use and safety after COVISHIELD vaccination.

The outcome demonstrated a favourable safety and tolerability profile of Ashwagandha over the 24-week period.

The liver and kidney function indicators, including liver enzymes, bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea, stayed within normal reference ranges, showing no treatment-related hepatic or renal damage.

Moreover, no serious adverse events were linked to the intervention, and no participant withdrew due to adverse effects.

The research involved 1,200 healthy adults aged between 18 and 70 who had received varying doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine; about 86% completed the study.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg of standardised aqueous Ashwagandha root extract daily, equivalent to 4 grams of raw root powder, or a placebo. The trial took place across seven Indian sites with comprehensive clinical and immunological evaluations.

The intervention lasted 24 weeks with follow-up extending to week 28.

The study team comprised 45 researchers across nine institutions, representing various disciplines including ayurveda, clinical medicine, and rheumatology.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, stated that these findings contribute robust scientific evidence supporting Ayurveda's safety and proper application.

emphasized that high-quality clinical research enhances Ayurveda's scientific credibility and promotes its responsible global use in health and wellness.

Lead author Dr Arvind Chopra remarked that Ashwagandha did not compromise vaccine-induced immunity, as both Ashwagandha and placebo groups maintained high neutralising activity.

The virus-neutralising response exceeded 85% in both groups without significant differences, confirming Ashwagandha's safety alongside COVISHIELD vaccine effects.