Ashwagandha Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Ashwagandha against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 1,372 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains a single active ingredient: ashwagandha root powder. There are no inactive ingredients listed.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Ashwagandha is rated possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — meaning there's some evidence it may help, but it's not conclusive. For bipolar disorder, the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate it either way.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are mild — diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting — and these don't usually happen at typical doses.
Drowsiness has been reported. Rare serious cases include acute liver damage and, in one report, reversible brain blood vessel narrowing with bleeding.
During pregnancy, ashwagandha is traditionally thought to carry a miscarriage risk and should be avoided. There isn't enough safety information for breastfeeding, so it's best not to use it while nursing.
If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you take this, double-check with your pharmacist if you're on thyroid hormone replacement, blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives (including benzodiazepines), diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, or any medication that can stress your liver. These are the ones where ashwagandha has documented interactions.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Ashwagandha may help with sleep, anxiety, and stress if you're otherwise healthy and not on medications that interact with it. If you take thyroid medication, blood pressure drugs, sedatives, diabetes medication, immunosuppressants, or medications that affect your liver, check your exact prescriptions with the tool on this page first.
Always mention ashwagandha to your pharmacist — it's a real plant medicine with real effects.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Ashwagandha, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Banyan Botanicals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 618192060834 |
| Net contents | 2.55 Ounce(s); 72 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 24, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 305577 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | 0.5 Tsp(s) | -- |
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon with warm water, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Ayurvedic Herbs
Seals/Symbols
USDA Organic
Formulation
USDA Organic Certified Organic Certified Organic by: QAI
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.25 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container64 Amounts shown are per serving.
Ashwagandha
Interacts with1,372 drugs
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...
Ashwagandha monograph & interactionsAshwagandha by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Banyan Botanicals Ashwagandha has documented interactions with several medication types.
The most serious concern is ashwagandha's potential to boost thyroid hormone effects — if you're on thyroid replacement medication like levothyroxine, it may amplify both the desired effect and any side effects, and there's a case report of someone developing overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) after using ashwagandha with levothyroxine.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Ashwagandha also carries Moderate-severity interactions with blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs (CNS depressants, benzodiazepines), diabetes medications, and drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants). With blood pressure meds, the risk is low blood pressure (hypotension).
With sedatives and benzodiazepines, the concern is too much drowsiness. With diabetes drugs, there's a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
With immunosuppressants, ashwagandha may work against them. There's also a Minor interaction with certain medications metabolized through the liver (CYP1A2 substrates), where ashwagandha might lower their blood levels, and a Moderate concern with drugs that can damage the liver (hepatotoxic drugs) — ashwagandha itself has been linked to rare cases of acute liver injury.
Although ashwagandha shows some immune-boosting activity in research, it's not clear how this plays out clinically with all immunosuppressive medications. Altogether, these interactions span 1,351 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to verify your specific prescriptions before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Ashwagandha?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Ashwagandha interact with 1,372 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Ashwagandha interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Antidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaAntihypertensive Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acebutolol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Ashwagandha with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Ashwagandha
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
Benzodiazepines
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.
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.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.
Thyroid Hormone
Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.
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.
Serotonergic Drugs
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Ashwagandha, from the product label.
Banyan Botanicals
See all Banyan Botanicals products- Name
- Banyan Botanicals
- City
- Albuquerque
- State
- NM
- ZipCode
- 87113
- Phone Number
- 1-800-953-6424
- Web Address
- banyanbotanicals.com
Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions
Does Ashwagandha by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take ashwagandha while pregnant?
Is it safe to take ashwagandha while breastfeeding?
Will ashwagandha help me sleep?
What's the most common side effect?
Can ashwagandha damage my liver?
Does ashwagandha work for anxiety?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Ashwagandha is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Ashwagandha’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Ashwagandha's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 32 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Ashwagandha 32 references
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
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