HomeAnswersAnesthesiologyashwagandhaCan Ashwagandha interfere with anesthesia?

Do I have to stop taking ashwagandha before a surgery?Will it interact with anesthesia?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Vivek Chail

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 25, 2015
Reviewed AtJanuary 29, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am scheduled for sinus surgery day after tomorrow. I have been given a list of medications which should not be taken and I have followed that.

However, I have been taking ashwagandha (herb supplement 470 mg once a day) to help with anxiety. I read online that this may interfere with anesthesia. I will be sure to mention this to the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery when I arrive, but I am curious if this is a cause for concern beyond just letting them know, or should I postpone surgery. I last took it yesterday night and will not take it again prior to surgery. Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a well known ayurvedic herbal medicine. 2. The following constitute its important effects on the human body:

  • It causes increase in energy levels.
  • It might interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and can cause manic episodes in patients.
  • It might be used as an aphrodisiac (to stimulate sexual desire) and for anti-aging.
  • In some people it might cause irritability, insomnia (sleeplessness), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), hypertension, skin rashes and nervousness.
  • It causes tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypertension, particularly in those patients who are on other stimulants or have a cardiovascular disease.
  • It interacts with oral anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, corticosteroids and hypoglycemic agents.

3. Taking ashwagandha before surgery might predispose the patient to perioperative bleeding. It may be a concern for complications during anesthesia.

In conclusion, it is suggested that ashwagandha has to be stopped for a week before a planned surgery, unless such a surgery is very urgent to be performed or when the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Please have a discussion with your doctor and reschedule your surgery by a week if recommended.

Revert back to an anesthesiologist online for further clarifications --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/anesthesiologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vivek Chail
Dr. Vivek Chail

General Practitioner

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