Are Natural Supplements Really Safe? Expert Flags Risks of Ashwagandha, Berberine, and Curcumin

Natural

supplements like Ashwagandha, Berberine, and Turmeric have flooded the markets, used for various purposes for all age groups. These are often marketed as “safe,” “herbal,” and “side-effect free.” Millions of people consume them daily to boost immunity, manage stress, lose weight, or even control blood sugar naturally, mostly without consulting a doctor. However, Dr Anshuman Kaushal, GI Robotic surgeon, has warned that “natural” does not always mean safe.

Why do people feel supplements are safe?

According to Dr Kaushal, since most supplements are derived from plants, roots, or herbs used in traditional medicine for centuries, there is a perception that they are totally safe. However, modern supplements are far more concentrated than traditional preparations. A capsule contains the equivalent of several cups of herbal decoction, dramatically increasing potency and risk.

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A post shared by Dr Anshuman Kaushal MD FACS (@theangry_doc)

Most popular supplements

Berberine

“Berberine is known as nature’s metformin,” Dr Kaushal said on Instagram. “It does control blood sugar levels, but its bioavailability is completely zero,” he said. “More than 80 per cent gets metabolised in the liver and does not get properly absorbed in the GI tract. It is just an expensive supplement,” he added. “It is not a metabolic miracle,” said Dr Kaushal. Various clinical trials and studies have said it may dangerously lower blood sugar levels when combined with diabetes drugs and can interact with blood-pressure-lowering medicines as well. Also, high doses often cause digestive distress. Berberine is also deemed unsafe during pregnancy or lactation and can cause brain damage in newborns.

Curcumin

Curcumin is an active ingredient in the spice turmeric - generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts. However, curcumin supplements can be dangerous at high doses or in specific individuals due to risks including liver injury, potential drug interactions, and contamination concerns.

“It has been told in the trials that 12 grams per day of curcumin is safe, but its bioavailability is pathetic, unless you add piperine, which is dangerous for your liver enzymes,” said Dr Kaushal. In recent years, doctors have reported cases of liver inflammation linked to curcumin supplements, especially in high doses, with long-term use and with products that are combined with piperine, the black pepper extract, which boosts absorption dramatically. While rare, these cases are serious and often reversible only after stopping the supplement.Also read: 5 Supplements That Are a Waste of Money, according to a Top Nutritionist

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, according to Dr Kaushal, is an adaptogen. “There is no FDA definition of an adaptogen. There is some evidence of stress reduction and a mild testosterone boost, but there are documented cases of liver injury.” “Ancient use does not mean modern safety,” Dr Kaushal added.

Other side effects of ashwagandha include drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhoea, nausea, and headaches; however, more serious but rare issues like liver injury, which include jaundice and itching, have also been reported, and it can interact with medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, thyroid, and immune conditions. So, always make sure to consult a doctor, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or having autoimmune and hormone-sensitive conditions.