The Ministry of Ayush has released findings from a large clinical trial showing that a standardised ashwagandha root extract is safe and well tolerated when taken daily for 24 weeks. The study, published in August 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, involved 1,200 healthy adults aged 18 to 70 years who had received at least one dose of the COVISHIELD vaccine. Researchers from nine institutions, including the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and the All India Institute of Ayurveda, conducted the trial across seven sites in India.
Key facts
- Study size: 1,200 participants enrolled; 1,032 (86 per cent) completed the full trial
- Duration: 24 weeks of daily treatment, with follow-up through week 28
- Dosage: 500 milligrams of standardised aqueous ashwagandha root extract daily, equivalent to 4 grams of raw root powder
- Study design: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Published: 20 August 2026 in Frontiers in Medicine
- Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI/2021/06/034496)
- Participating institutions: 9 research centres including Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, All India Institute of Ayurveda, National Institute of Ayurveda (Jaipur), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, and Savitribai Phule Pune University
- Researchers involved: 45 scientists from Ayurveda, clinical medicine, rheumatology and complementary health backgrounds
What the trial tested
Half of the participants received 500 mg of the standardised ashwagandha extract daily, while the other half received an identical-looking placebo. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving which treatment, a design that strengthens the reliability of the results. The trial examined liver and kidney function through blood tests measuring liver enzymes, bilirubin, creatinine and blood urea levels—the standard markers used to detect organ damage.
Safety findings
Over the 24-week period, all liver and kidney function parameters remained within normal reference ranges in both groups. The study found no evidence of treatment-related liver or kidney injury. No participant stopped taking the supplement due to an adverse event, and no serious side effects were attributed to the ashwagandha extract. This finding is significant because ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, but large-scale modern safety studies of standardised preparations are relatively uncommon.
Impact on vaccine immunity
The trial also assessed whether ashwagandha affected the body’s immune response to the COVISHIELD vaccine. Both the ashwagandha group and the placebo group maintained high levels of virus-neutralising antibodies (above 85 per cent), with no meaningful difference between them. This indicates that ashwagandha did not interfere with the vaccine’s protective effect.
What this means for you
If you are considering ashwagandha supplements, this study provides reassurance about their safety profile when taken as a standardised extract over an extended period. The trial specifically evaluated a 500 mg daily dose over six months in vaccinated adults and found no organ damage. However, the study does not make claims about ashwagandha’s effectiveness for any particular condition—it only confirms safety and tolerability. The findings apply to the standardised aqueous root extract tested; other preparations or dosages may differ. People with liver or kidney disease, those taking certain medications, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using ashwagandha supplements, as this trial did not include such groups.
Why the government supports this research
The Ministry of Ayush funded and coordinated this research to build scientific evidence for Ayurvedic treatments. Officials state that rigorous clinical trials help establish which traditional remedies are safe and effective, supporting their responsible use both within India and globally. The trial demonstrates a commitment to evaluating traditional medicine using modern research standards, rather than relying solely on historical use or anecdotal reports.