[Thyrotoxicosis following the use of ashwagandha]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Nov 19;149(47):2637-8.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

A 32-year-old healthy woman developed thyrotoxicosis while taking capsules that contained ashwagandha herbal extract for symptoms of chronic fatigue. She was not taking any other remedies or medications. During the first few weeks, she took the capsules only occasionally without any symptoms, but after increasing the dose, she experienced clinical symptoms indicative of thyrotoxicosis. This was confirmed by laboratory assessment. The symptoms resolved spontaneously after discontinuation of the ashwagandha capsules and laboratory values normalised. To our knowledge, this relationship has not been reported previously in humans. Data from animal studies, however, have suggested that ashwagandha can increase serum concentrations of thyroid hormones. This case study suggests that thyrotoxicosis is a potentially serious side effect of ashwagandha.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fatigue / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood*
  • Thyrotoxicosis / chemically induced*
  • Withania / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Ashwagandha