A regional safety advisory has been issued regarding the use of medicines containing ashwagandha, which are commonly available as over-the-counter products in pharmacies and supermarkets.
This herb, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, has recently been linked to a number of people being hospitalized with sudden and severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has received reports from consumers who experienced “adverse events” (side effects) such as severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when taking the herb, 16 of whom required hospitalization. Announced.
In many of these cases, the adverse health effects quickly resolved once the product was discontinued, but the TGA said the patients who were hospitalized remained in a sufficiently serious condition.
“In some reports, vomiting and diarrhea occurred after one dose, and in others it was initially mistaken for food poisoning.” health notification read.
In addition, up to February 5, the TGA had received 12 reports of people experiencing liver damage after taking herbal supplements or medicines containing Withania somnifera.
Four of these cases required hospitalization.
Although the risk of liver damage from ashwagandha consumption is relatively low, multiple cases have been reported by drug regulatory authorities in other countries and have been mentioned in the scientific literature.
“This is a relatively new issue globally and we continue to closely monitor emerging evidence,” the TGA said.
“If further supporting evidence is found, regulatory action will be considered. may include changes.”
Withania somnifera has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used throughout the world as a medicinal herb.
Newly discovered gastrointestinal side effects and extremely rare liver risks associated with the use of this herb have triggered safety investigations by therapeutic regulators.
There are currently 320 medicines containing Withania somnifera listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). However, it does not include medicines purchased online from overseas suppliers.
Anyone who experiences symptoms such as dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, stomach pain or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes after taking ashwagandha should immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor. We recommend that you take it.
People with a current history of liver disease should avoid use as a precaution.
“Sudden vomiting or diarrhea after just one or two doses may not be liver damage, but rather an acute reaction, which should resolve once you stop taking the drug,” the TGA advises.
“If this happens, stop using it and consult a doctor.”
