Ashwagandha - Zocor (Simvastatin) Interaction
Herbal: Ashwagandha
Also Known As: Withania somnifera, Ajagandha, Amangura, Asan, Asana, Asgand, Asgandh, Asgandha, Ashagandha, Ashvagandha, Ashwaganda, Ashwanga, Asoda, Asundha, Aswagandha, Avarada, Ayurvedic Ginseng, Cerise d'Hiver, Clustered Wintercherry, Ghoda Asoda
Drug: Simvastatin
Brand names:
Zocor
![](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/OBrXo3ni0aNq6p1xr8LXWNogoaVtCExyhTj9MEzw.jpg)
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 23, 2024
Interaction Details
Simvastatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
Ashwagandha With Zocor (Simvastatin) - Additional Details
![Ashwagandha With Simvastatin](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/questions/width_800/tm29Q3QKMgIb4jtOU0wpGPhImUV4ekENX63J2EEt.png)
There is currently no known interaction between ashwagandha and Zocor (simvastatin), as described above.
This is likely because both substances work on different pathways in the body and the fact that ashwagandha doesn't appear to affect Zocor metabolism.
Studies have suggested that ashwagandha may have some inhibitory effects on certain CYP metabolizing enzymes in the liver, but these effects are generally considered to be mild and not clinically significant.
Overall, no clinically significant interaction is expected between Zocor and ashwagandha. They are generally considered safe to take together.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Björnsson HK, Björnsson ES, Avula B, et al. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: A case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Liver Int. 2020;40(4):825-829.
- Ireland PJ, Hardy T, Burt AD, Donnelly MC. Drug-induced hepatocellular injury due to herbal supplement ashwagandha. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2021;51(4):363-365.
- Suryawanshi G, Abdallah M, Thomson M, Desai N, Chauhan A, Lim N. Ashwagandha-Associated Acute Liver Failure Requiring Liver Transplantation. Am J Ther 2023;30(1):e80-e83.
- Pusec CM, Wolsky R, Llerena C, Sura P. A Case of Supplement-Induced Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(10):e30433.
- Lubarska M, Halasinski P, Hryhorowicz S, et al. Liver Dangers of Herbal Products: A Case Report of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023;20(5):3921.
- Tóth M, Benedek AE, Longerich T, Seitz HK. Ashwagandha-induced acute liver injury: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023;11(3):e7078.
- Bokan G, Glamocanin T, Mavija Z, et al. Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Ayurvedic Ashwagandha as Assessed for Causality by the Updated RUCAM: An Emerging Cause. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023;16(8):1129.
- Philips CA, Valsan A, Theruvath AH, et al. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury-A case series from India and literature review. Hepatol Commun 2023;7(10):e0270.
Interaction Details
Simvastatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
Ashwagandha With Zocor (Simvastatin) - Additional Details
![Ashwagandha With Simvastatin](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/questions/width_800/tm29Q3QKMgIb4jtOU0wpGPhImUV4ekENX63J2EEt.png)
There is currently no known interaction between ashwagandha and Zocor (simvastatin), as described above.
This is likely because both substances work on different pathways in the body and the fact that ashwagandha doesn't appear to affect Zocor metabolism.
Studies have suggested that ashwagandha may have some inhibitory effects on certain CYP metabolizing enzymes in the liver, but these effects are generally considered to be mild and not clinically significant.
Overall, no clinically significant interaction is expected between Zocor and ashwagandha. They are generally considered safe to take together.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022.
Ashwagandha Overview
![Ashwagandha](https://hellopharmacist.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/herbals/width_250/eXZAcJQVvPh7zkIEX96bU5dnv7HTrs4TkC2kfmCK.jpg)
Simvastatin Overview
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Simvastatin is used together with diet, weight-loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Simvastatin is also used to decrease the amount of fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (''bad cholesterol'') and triglycerides in the blood and to increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (''good cholesterol'') in the blood. Simvastatin may also be used to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood in children and teenagers 10 to 17 years of age who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition in which cholesterol cannot be removed from the body normally). Simvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
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Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats with simvastatin has been shown to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Ashwagandha - More Interactions
Ashwagandha interacts with 1273 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.