Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha as it relates to DILI in Health report: Genetics of Antibiotics-Induced Liver Injury

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties. It is believed to help the body cope with stress and promote overall well-being. However, there have been reports linking Ashwagandha to drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Ashwagandha and DILI

There have been a few case reports suggesting a potential association between Ashwagandha consumption and liver injury. In these cases, individuals developed symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and liver inflammation after taking Ashwagandha supplements. While the exact mechanism of how Ashwagandha may cause liver injury is not fully understood, it is believed that certain compounds in the herb may have hepatotoxic effects in some individuals.

Precautions

If you are considering taking Ashwagandha supplements, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of DILI. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a history of liver problems or are taking medications that may interact with Ashwagandha.

Conclusion

While Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses, there have been rare cases of liver injury associated with its use. It is important to be cautious and monitor for any signs of liver damage if you decide to take Ashwagandha supplements. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if Ashwagandha is safe for you and prevent any potential risks to your liver health.

Supplements for DILI

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Green tea extract

    Contains catechins which may increase oxidative stress and liver cell damage when combined with hepatotoxic antibiotics.

  2. Greater celandine

    Alkaloids like chelidonine may further impair liver function when the organ is under stress from antibiotics.

  3. Chaparral

    Nordamnacanthal is a quinone that could synergistically increase antibiotic liver toxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction.

  4. Germander

    Diterpenoids may amplify antibiotic liver injury by disrupting bile salt export and causing cholestasis.

  5. Mistletoe

    Contains toxic lectins which could worsen immunological reactions or alter detox pathways of antibiotic metabolites.

  6. Skullcap

    Flavonoids may inhibit pathways involved in hepatic metabolism and clearance of antibiotics from the liver.

  7. Valerian

    Isovaltrate and other constituents thought to directly damage cell membranes, potentially worsening antibiotic hepatocellular toxicity.

  8. Kava kava

    Kavalactones like desmethoxyyangonin may inhibit CYP450 liver enzymes important for antibiotic clearance.

  9. St. John's wort

    Hyperforin alters PXR nuclear receptors and could decrease bile acid transport, contributing to antibiotic cholestasis.

  10. Ginseng

    Ginsenosides may inhibit P-glycoprotein transporters important for antibiotic efflux from hepatocytes, allowing accumulation of toxic levels.

  11. Aloe vera

    Anthraquinone glycosides possibly damage cell membranes and worsen antibiotic-mediated liver cell necrosis.

  12. Ashwagandha

    Withanolides thought to cause oxidative stress which synergizes with redox-cycling antibiotic metabolites.

  13. Andrographis

    Diterpene lactones may reduce bile acid secretion and flow, contributing to cholestatic injury.

  14. Noni juice

    Anthraquinones could impair mitochondrial function and increase antibiotic hepatotoxicity.

  15. Peppermint oil

    Menthol interferes with CYP450s and UGTs involved in antibiotic metabolism and clearance.

  16. Kratom

    Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are metabolized in liver and could enhance antibiotic toxicity.

  17. Ephedra

    Ephedrine alkaloids may deplete glutathione and reduce the liver's defense against antibiotic oxidative damage.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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