21/05/2026
In Ashwagandha, the root is the traditionally preferred medicinal part in most classical systems. But some manufacturers use leaves to cut cost or increase extract potency — often without proper standardization.
Ashwagandha leaves contain higher concentrations of certain withanolides and compounds like withaferin A, which can act as a potential cellular toxin in excess.
Improperly processed or overdosed leaf extracts may increase the risk of:
• Liver stress / hepatotoxicity
• Gastric irritation
• Excess immune stimulation
• Hormonal imbalance
• Unpredictable adverse effects
The problem is not Siddha or herbal medicine.
The problem is unethical formulation, poor standardization, and blind marketing.
“Natural” doesn’t mean “side-effect free.”
Even herbs demand knowledge, purification, dosage, and responsibility.