Optimized Ashwagandha Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Optimized 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
Optimized Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement by Life Extension 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 Sensoril. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension
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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 Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension
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 one active ingredient: Sensoril, a standardized extract of ashwagandha (also called Indian ginseng). Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb — one traditionally used to help the body manage stress.
The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: rice flour, cellulose, maltodextrin, stearate, and silica.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence shows ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The research on its use for bipolar disorder hasn't been established well enough to rate.
If you're thinking about this for sleep or worry, the data suggests it may help — but talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's the right fit for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects when they do occur are gastrointestinal — diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting — but these are uncommon at typical doses.
Drowsiness has been reported. Rare but serious concerns include liver damage (acute hepatitis, liver failure); case reports also describe abnormal thyroid function and, in one instance, bleeding in the brain.
Quality varies among products, so source matters. The safety data advise against ashwagandha during pregnancy because of a traditional concern about miscarriage.
There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're nursing.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with us if you use CNS depressants (sedatives, benzodiazepines like Valium or Klonopin, barbiturates), blood pressure medications, blood sugar medications, thyroid hormones, immune-suppressing drugs, or medications that affect your liver. These are Moderate severity 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.
Optimized Ashwagandha may help with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, and it's generally well tolerated. But it interacts with many medication types — especially sedatives, blood pressure drugs, blood sugar drugs, thyroid hormones, and immune-suppressing drugs.
Check your exact medications with our tool before starting, and avoid it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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 May 21, 2025.
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 Optimized Ashwagandha, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 737870888062 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 21, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 328609 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
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 Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Sensoril | 125 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Stearate, Silica
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.
General Statements
Scan for product info
Precautions
Read the entire label and follow directions carefully prior to use.
Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is damaged.
Consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one (1) capsule twice daily on an empty stomach, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Sensoril is protected under US Patent Nos. 6,153,198 and 6,713,092 and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.
Formulation
Gluten free Non GMO LE Certified
Enhances mental energy and concentration
Seals/Symbols
Non GMO LE Certified
Formula
Sensoril Clinically Proven
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Storage
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension 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 Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Sensoril
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...
Sensoril monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Life Extension's Optimized Ashwagandha contains a single active ingredient — Sensoril, a standardized ashwagandha extract — that interacts with several medication types.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants (sedatives, barbiturates, anxiolytics, and benzodiazepines like Valium or Klonopin), where ashwagandha may add to their sedative effects and increase drowsiness or impair alertness. This is a Moderate severity interaction.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to check if you take blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs), blood sugar medications (antidiabetes drugs), thyroid hormones, drugs that suppress your immune system (immunosuppressants), or medications that stress your liver (hepatotoxic drugs) — ashwagandha may add to their effects, raising the risk of low blood pressure, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or liver damage. All are Moderate severity.
Additionally, ashwagandha may reduce the effectiveness of a group of drugs processed by a liver enzyme called CYP1A2 — a Minor interaction.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,351 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact prescriptions before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Optimized 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 Optimized Ashwagandha interact with 1,372 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Optimized Ashwagandha interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sensoril
Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl SalicylateUrinary Antiseptic 2, Urised
How Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl Salicylate interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl Salicylate interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Avanafil interactionAvapritinibAyvakit
How Avapritinib interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Avapritinib interactionAxitinibInlyta
How Axitinib interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Axitinib interactionAzelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
How Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionBedaquilineSirturo
How Bedaquiline interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bedaquiline interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenylpropanolamineRespa ARM
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBelumosudil MesylateRezurock
How Belumosudil Mesylate interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Belumosudil Mesylate interactionBendamustineBelrapzo, Treanda, Vivimusta
How Bendamustine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bendamustine interactionBendamustine HydrochlorideBendeka
How Bendamustine Hydrochloride interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bendamustine Hydrochloride interactionBenzocaine, DextromethorphanTetra-Formula
How Benzocaine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Benzocaine, Dextromethorphan interactionBepridilVascor
How Bepridil interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bepridil interactionBexaroteneTargretin
How Bexarotene interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bexarotene interactionBictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideBiktarvy
How Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionBoceprevirVictrelis
How Boceprevir interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Boceprevir interactionBrentuximab VedotinAdcetris
How Brentuximab Vedotin interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Brentuximab Vedotin interactionBrexpiprazoleRexulti
How Brexpiprazole interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Brexpiprazole interactionBrigatinibAlunbrig
How Brigatinib interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Brigatinib interactionBromocriptineParlodel
How Bromocriptine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Bromocriptine interactionBrompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylephrineDimetapp DM
How Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine interactionBudenosidePulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler
How Budenoside interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Budenoside interactionBudesonideEntocort EC, Eohilia, Pulmicort, Tarpeyo, Uceris
How Budesonide interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Budesonide interactionBuproprion, DextromethorphanAuvelity
How Buproprion, Dextromethorphan interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Sensoril + Buproprion, Dextromethorphan interactionBuspironeBuSpar
How Buspirone interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Buspirone interactionBusulfanBusulfex, Myleran
How Busulfan interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Busulfan interactionCabazitaxelCabazitaxel, Jetvana
How Cabazitaxel interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Cabazitaxel interactionCabotegravir, RilpivirineCabenuva
How Cabotegravir, Rilpivirine interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Cabotegravir, Rilpivirine interactionCabozantinibCometriq
How Cabozantinib interacts with Optimized Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SensorilCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Sensoril + Cabozantinib interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Optimized 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.
Sensoril
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 Optimized Ashwagandha, from the product label.
Life Extension
See all Life Extension products- Name
- Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
- City
- Ft. Lauderdale
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 33309
- Phone Number
- 1-866-280-2852
- Web Address
- LifeExtension.com
Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension: Common Questions
Does Optimized Ashwagandha by Life Extension interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
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Is it safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Does ashwagandha work for anxiety?
What is Sensoril?
Can this affect my thyroid medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Optimized 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 Optimized Ashwagandha’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Optimized 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.
- Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
- Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
- Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
- Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
- Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
- Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
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