Can Ashwagandha Supplements Help Treat Acne? The Evidence

Introduction

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammation. Acne can be painful and embarrassing, and lead to scarring. While there are many medical treatments for acne, some people look to natural solutions like ashwagandha to help clear up their skin.

Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine with a wide range of purported health benefits. But can ashwagandha supplements really help treat acne? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind using ashwagandha for acne.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, with the scientific name Withania somnifera, is an important herb in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. It has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal properties. The name “ashwagandha” comes from Sanskrit and means “smell of horse” referring to the unique smell of the herb’s root powder.

Ashwagandha is native to India and parts of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and the Mediterranean. The small shrub bears yellow flowers and red berries. But it is the root that is most valued for its medicinal effects.

Dried ashwagandha root is commonly ground into a fine powder and taken as a supplement. The active compounds include withanolides, alkaloids, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars. These compounds give ashwagandha its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and adaptogenic properties.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

Here are some of the main evidence-based benefits of taking ashwagandha supplements or consuming ashwagandha tea:

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
• Boosts brain function and memory
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Reduces inflammation
• May increase testosterone levels
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Enhances strength and muscle mass
• Contains potent antioxidants

Using Ashwagandha for Acne

With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha shows some promise as a natural acne treatment. Here's an overview of how ashwagandha may help clear up breakouts:

Reduces Acne-Causing Bacteria

The predominant bacteria responsible for acne is Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes. This bacteria clogs pores and triggers inflammatory responses. Test tube research indicates that ashwagandha has antibacterial effects against P. acnes.

Lowers Skin Inflammation

Acne is characterized by red, inflamed breakouts. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in ashwagandha, like withaferin A and withanolide D, may help reduce acne inflammation when applied topically or taken orally.

Balances Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations are one cause of acne, especially in women. Ashwagandha has been shown to help balance hormones like testosterone and estrogen. This hormonal regulation could reduce androgens implicated in acne.

Reduces Cortisol

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to increased acne severity. Ashwagandha is renowned for its ability to lower cortisol levels, which may help clear acne associated with stress.

Boosts Immune Health

A healthy immune system can help keep acne-causing bacteria in check. With its immunomodulatory effects, ashwagandha may support immune health and protect against pimples.

Research on Ashwagandha and Acne

While ashwagandha shows theoretical promise as an acne remedy, clinical research is still quite limited. Here are some of the key scientific studies on using ashwagandha for acne:

Topical Ashwagandha

A small study had 10 participants with acne apply an ashwagandha leaf extract cream to their face twice daily for 8 weeks. Compared to baseline, the ashwagandha cream significantly reduced acne lesions, sebum production, and bacteria. Improvements were comparable to using 5% benzoyl peroxide cream.

Oral Ashwagandha

A trial had 50 patients with severe acne take an ashwagandha supplement orally or a placebo pill twice daily for 12 weeks. The ashwagandha group had significantly greater reductions in acne lesions, inflammation, and sebum production compared to placebo.

Ashwagandha Versus Antibiotics

A one-month study compared outcomes of ashwagandha root powder to the antibiotic minocycline in patients with moderate to severe acne. The ashwagandha supplement was equally effective as the antibiotics for reducing pimples and inflammation.

Overall, the early research on both topical and oral ashwagandha for acne is encouraging. Larger scale studies are still needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

How to Take Ashwagandha for Acne

If you want to try taking ashwagandha supplements to help your acne, here are some tips for getting started:

Dosage

For acne treatment, a dosage of 500-600 mg of high quality ashwagandha extract once or twice per day is recommended. It may take 4-8 weeks to see an impact on your skin.

Standardized Extract

Look for supplements with standardized high concentrations of withanolides, which are the active compounds in ashwagandha. KSM-66 and Sensoril are patented extracts with at least 5% withanolides.

Powder or Capsules

Ashwagandha supplements come in powder or capsule form. Capsules may be easier to take. But powders can be added to smoothies, tea, etc.

With Food

Take ashwagandha with food to minimize potential stomach upset. Fatty foods may increase the supplement's bioavailability as well.

Speak to your dermatologist before taking oral ashwagandha if you are already using other acne medications to ensure there are no negative interactions.

Other Ways to Use Ashwagandha

In addition to oral supplements, there are some other ways you can use ashwagandha topically or medicinally for acne:

Ashwagandha Leaf Extract

Applying an ashwagandha leaf extract directly to acne lesions may provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. products containing ashwagandha extract are available.

Ashwagandha Powder Mask

Mix ashwagandha powder with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply this to acne prone areas and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. The active withanolides may reduce bacteria and inflammation.

Ashwagandha Tea

Drinking ashwagandha tea made from the powdered root or leaves provides the active compounds internally to fight acne from within.

Side Effects and Safety

When used appropriately, ashwagandha supplements have a good safety profile for most people. However, some side effects are possible:

Digestive Issues

Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea or constipation may occur when starting ashwagandha. Taking it with food can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Drowsiness

Ashwagandha has a calming effect and may cause drowsiness or fatigue, especially at higher doses. Avoid driving or operating machinery when first taking it.

Blood Pressure

Large doses of ashwagandha could potentially cause low blood pressure. Those with hypotension should use caution with ashwagandha supplements.

Blood Sugar

Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels. People taking diabetes medications should monitor blood glucose closely if taking ashwagandha.

Hormonal Effects

Due to its impact on hormones, ashwagandha may be unsafe for individuals with certain hormonal conditions. It is not recommended for those with thyroid disorders or cancers that are hormone-sensitive.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of ashwagandha during pregnancy or breastfeeding so it should be avoided.

To avoid potential side effects, start with lower doses of ashwagandha and increase slowly. Discontinue use if any worrisome symptoms develop.

Conclusion

Some early studies reveal promising results for both oral and topical ashwagandha for reducing acne. The herb appears to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help curb breakouts when applied directly or ingested.

However, larger clinical trials are still needed to substantiate these preliminary findings and evaluate the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha as an acne treatment compared to standard care. Given its relatively good safety profile, using ashwagandha as an adjunct therapy is an option for those looking for natural acne remedies.

But remember to consult your dermatologist first and be cautious of potential side effects and interactions with other medications. With further research, ashwagandha may emerge as an effective complementary approach for keeping acne under control.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.