Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry or sleepberry, is a medicinal plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with over 3,000 years of use in Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda it is classified as a 'Rasayana' — a rejuvenating tonic said to promote vitality, longevity and stress resilience.
As a plant-based adaptogen, Ashwagandha is thought to help the body cope with physical and mental stress. Clinical studies provide initial evidence of possible benefits in several areas — though for many of these, definitive scientific evaluation is still pending. European regulatory bodies including the BfR (Germany), EFSA and national food safety authorities are actively reviewing the safety and regulatory status of Ashwagandha supplements.
European and national health authorities have raised safety concerns about Ashwagandha supplements. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR, September 2024) and other European bodies recommend caution, especially for:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Children and adolescents
- People with existing or previous liver conditions
- People taking thyroid, immunosuppressant, sedative or antidiabetic medications
Denmark has restricted Ashwagandha in food supplements. France and the Netherlands have issued official precautionary statements.
Source: BfR Communication 39/2024 · bfr.bund.de