Page 322 - 2025中醫藥與天然藥物聯合學術研討會-中醫藥與天然藥物的挑戰Ｘ機遇與未來大會手冊

TC-07

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Product quality and implications for

consumer safety

1
1,2
1
1,2
Elmira Kartbayeva, Gulnaz Seitimova, Proma Khondkar, Abeer Ahmed, Denia
1
1
Mae Billoso, Mudassir Ahmed, Anthony Booker* ,#,1,3

1
University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, UK
2
Al-Farabi Kazakh National university, al-Farabi Avenue 71, Almaty, Kazakhstan
3
UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, UK
* Email: a.booker@westminster.ac.uk

Abstract
Recent reports of liver toxicity associated with Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal have led to
regulatory restrictions and bans in several countries. Hepatotoxic reactions may be intrinsic,
idiosyncratic, or due to adulteration, with known contaminants including aflatoxins,
pyrrolizidine alkaloids, heavy metals, incorrect species, or inappropriate plant parts.
Traditionally, W. somnifera is consumed as an aqueous root extract, and deviations in extraction
methods may alter its established safety profile. This study aimed to investigate the quality and
consistency of commercially available W. somnifera products. Samples were sourced from
internet-based retailers and subjected to comprehensive quality assessment, including HPTLC,
NIR, and HPLC techniques. Physical parameters such as tablet hardness, disintegration and
friability were also measured, alongside evaluations for label compliance. Results revealed
substantial variability in both the composition and concentration of key metabolites, with
several products containing minimal levels of important withanolides. Over 90% of the samples
failed to meet national labelling standards, with many making unauthorized therapeutic claims.
No evidence of leaf contamination was found in products labelled as root extracts. However,
the use of non-traditional extraction methods significantly altered the chemical profiles
compared to the traditional aqueous extract. These findings underscore the inconsistent quality
of W. somnifera products available online and emphasise the need for stricter quality control
and regulatory governance.

Keywords: Ashwagandha; Withania somnifera; Quality; Liver toxicity