Will Ashwagandha Get Banned in The UK?

If you’ve ever drunk mushroom coffee or tried a stress-relief supplement, the chances are you’ve noticed ashwagandha among the list of ingredients. But have you ever given a second thought to what it actually is? 

This ancient medicinal herb, backed by numerous studies, boasts an impressive array of benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing cognitive function. Yet, in April 2023, Denmark made the decision to impose a complete ban on it, which given its list of benefits seemed rather absurd. However, given findings suggesting it has a harmful effect on hormones and may induce abortions, you can begin to see why they came to that decision. 

But is the UK heading for a similar ban at some point in the near future?

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is far from a recent discovery. Native to India, this medicinal herb has been used for thousands of years for its adaptogenic properties and ability to enhance overall well-being. Modern research has uncovered an array of impressive benefits.

However, in many of the cases listed below further research is required before strong conclusions can be drawn.

Reduced Stress

Perhaps Ashwagandha’s most acclaimed benefit is its ability to ease stress and anxiety. 

It achieves this by regulating key stress mediators, including heat shock proteins and cortisol, and by reducing the activity of the system that controls your body’s stress response, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. 

However, current research has yet to establish a clear consensus on the optimal dosage and form of ashwagandha needed to treat conditions like anxiety.

Testosterone Boost 

Some studies suggest that ashwagandha may naturally boost testosterone levels by increasing the amount of DHEA-S, a sex hormone crucial for testosterone production, in our bodies. 

Ashwagandha treatment can also support male fertility, significantly improving sperm concentration and motility in men with both low and normal sperm counts.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation in the body can be reduced by taking ashwagandha. 

This is because it contains WA, a compound that animal studies suggest may lower levels of inflammatory proteins. Some evidence indicates it may have similar effects in humans.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

The WA in ashwagandha, along with other compounds it contains, also has antioxidant effects on the brain, supporting overall cognitive health. 

Research also suggests that ashwagandha may boost cognitive function in older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment and in individuals with schizophrenia. The cognitive benefits may include

• Executive functioning
• Attention
• Reaction time
• Performance on cognitive tasks

Improved Sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping, ashwagandha could help. Studies have shown that it can:

• Have a positive impact on overall sleep quality
• Reduce anxiety levels improving sleep quality 
• Help people feel more alert upon waking up 

Why Did Denmark Ban Ashwagandha?

After exploring that impressive list of benefits, you’re probably thinking that ashwagandha is some sort of miracle herb capable of solving all your health and wellness concerns. So, what prompted Denmark to ban it early on last year?

Well, in a rather concerning development, the Danish Technical University released findings in 2020 indicating that ashwagandha could:

• Have a harmful effect on thyroid hormones
• Have a harmful effect on sex hormones
• Induce abortions

The university made these findings based on past scientific experiments.

Harmful effect on sex hormones: One study conducted on rodents revealed that ashwagandha may lead to a reduction in both the quality and quantity of sperm.

Harmful effect on thyroid hormones: A human trial indicated that ashwagandha could boost thyroid hormone levels. However, excessive increases may lead to thyrotoxicosis, a serious condition that can result in delirium, heart failure, and dehydration.

This obviously sounds extremely alarming, but the report lacks a definitive body of evidence to support these claims with any certainty. The occurrences are infrequent, and several studies cited do not indicate any thyroid issues.

No clinical evidence supports the university’s assertion that ashwagandha can induce abortions. Instead, the university referenced guidance from the World Health Organisation, which advises against its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

While there may be a lack of clear evidence, Denmark decided to err on the side of caution by implementing a complete ban on ashwagandha.

Will The UK Ban Ashwagandha?

The UK could very well be heading for a similar ban on ashwagandha at some point soon.

The government’s Food Standards Agency is urging stakeholders (including companies that manufacture, process, distribute, use, sell, or import supplements containing ashwagandha) to share crucial data on the herb. This initiative aims to compile a comprehensive evidence package, ultimately guiding future risk management recommendations.

Experts, trade organisations, international organisations, local authorities, consumers and individuals/collectives undertaking similar research have also been approached by the FSA.

The result of this call for evidence will determine the future of ashwagandha in the UK.