Parasomnia, Acute Confusion, and Transient Amnesia Temporally Associated With Ashwagandha Ingestion
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: ) is a widely used adaptogenic supplement promoted for stress reduction and general wellness. Although generally well tolerated, rare but clinically significant adverse events have been documented. We report a case of acute neurotoxicity in a 40-year-old man temporally associated with ashwagandha ingestion. The patient presented with prolonged sleep, abnormal sleep behaviours, acute confusion, and retrograde amnesia. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation excluded alternative causes. Discontinuation of ashwagandha, along with supportive management, resulted in complete symptom resolution. The underlying pathophysiology may involve GABAergic modulation mediated by withanolides, with interindividual variability in drug metabolism contributing to susceptibility. This case highlights the importance of clinician awareness regarding potential neuropsychiatric complications of herbal supplements and underscores the need for careful patient counselling about their use and possible drug interactions.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.95438
Authors: Thushani Anuththara, Sarah S Amin, Benedict Sebastiampillai
Institution: Peterborough City Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415554804