Organic Ashwagandha Root Extract

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to India and North America. Its root and leaves are used to make a powder or extract, often for use in supplements or functional foods.

Manufacturers add ashwagandha extract for its adaptogenic properties, believed to help the body manage stress. It is most commonly found in beverages, particularly wellness shots and functional drinks, and sometimes in snack bars.

Ashwagandha is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in certain food categories. While often marketed for stress relief and energy, scientific evidence for these effects is mixed and more research is needed. JECFA has not established a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI) for ashwagandha. Some studies suggest potential liver toxicity at very high doses, but this is not a concern at typical intake levels found in food products.