The Ashwagandha Quiz: Myth vs Fact

Question 1

What is ashwagandha's botanical (Latin) name?

Accepted Answer

Withania somnifera — Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera, an evergreen shrub also known as 'Indian ginseng', used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine.

Answer

Panax ginseng

Answer

Rhodiola rosea

Answer

Ocimum sanctum

Question 2

For which uses does research suggest ashwagandha MAY be effective?

Accepted Answer

Insomnia and stress — Research shows some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress. Evidence is unclear for anxiety and insufficient for many other conditions.

Answer

Curing COVID-19

Answer

Reversing diabetes

Answer

Every health condition equally

Question 3

For how long is ashwagandha considered possibly safe?

Accepted Answer

Short term — up to about 3 months — Ashwagandha may be safe in the short term (up to about 3 months). There isn't enough information to draw conclusions about its long-term safety.

Answer

Indefinitely, with no limit

Answer

Only a single dose

Answer

Up to 10 years continuously

Question 4

Which group is specifically advised to AVOID ashwagandha?

Accepted Answer

People who are pregnant — Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and not used while breastfeeding. It's also not recommended before surgery or for those with autoimmune or thyroid disorders.

Answer

People who drink tea

Answer

Everyone over age 30

Answer

All athletes

Question 5

Although rare, ashwagandha has been linked to injury of which organ?

Accepted Answer

The liver — Although rare, there have been cases linking liver injury to ashwagandha supplements — a key reason to use third-party-tested products and stop if symptoms appear.

Answer

The lungs

Answer

The kidneys only

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None ever reported

Question 6

Which active compounds in ashwagandha are linked to its effects?

Accepted Answer

Withanolides — Ashwagandha contains withanolides, which have been associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Answer

Omega-3 fatty acids

Answer

Caffeine

Answer

Probiotics

Question 7

Why should people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer avoid ashwagandha?

Accepted Answer

Because it may increase testosterone levels — Because ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels, people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer are advised to avoid it.

Answer

Because it contains sugar

Answer

Because it's expensive

Answer

Because it tastes bitter