Food Safety And Standards Authority Of India Bans Ashwagandha Leaves In Health Supplements

India’s food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has prohibited the use of ashwagandha leaves and their extracts in health supplements, tightening oversight on a widely consumed herbal ingredient.

Authorities issued the directive after identifying that several manufacturers had incorporated non-permitted plant parts into nutraceutical products.

The regulator clarified that only ashwagandha roots and their extracts remain approved for use under existing food safety regulations.

Ashwagandha, a traditional adaptogen, continues to gain global traction for its perceived benefits in stress management, energy enhancement, and overall wellness.

Experts note that classical medicinal systems have consistently relied on the root component, which has stronger scientific validation and a more established safety profile.

Regulators flagged safety concerns linked specifically to the leaf extract.

Studies indicate that leaves contain higher concentrations of reactive compounds, such as withaferin-A, which may pose risks including liver toxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and potential neurological effects when consumed in supplement form.

FSSAI has instructed state authorities to enforce strict vigilance and initiate legal action against violators.

Manufacturers must now clearly disclose the plant part used on product labels, ensuring transparency for consumers.

Experts describe the move as a targeted intervention rather than a blanket ban, emphasising that root-based products remain compliant and widely accepted.

The decision underscores a broader regulatory push to align traditional ingredients with modern safety standards. It also reinforces the importance of evidence-based usage in the expanding nutraceutical market, where consumer trust and product integrity remain critical.

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