Evidence library
Evidence library
17 studies
Ashwagandha root extract and perceived stress in adults
An early, encouraging signal for one standardised extract. It does not tell us how ashwagandha performs over the long term or how different products compare.
Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety: a meta-analysis of randomised trials
The direction of evidence is consistent, but the certainty is moderate at best. Larger, longer and independent trials are still needed.
Liver injury associated with ashwagandha supplements
Rare but real. Anyone with liver disease, or who develops jaundice, itching or dark urine while taking ashwagandha, should stop and see a doctor.
Silymarin in biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Silymarin did not improve overall disease activity, but the fibrosis signal deserves further study. It is honest to call the evidence promising but unconfirmed.
Lifestyle weight loss and liver histology in NASH
Some of the strongest evidence in liver medicine: meaningful, sustained weight loss can reverse the inflammation of fatty liver and even some scarring.
Vitamin E or pioglitazone for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (PIVENS)
A landmark trial showing that a nutrient at therapeutic dose can change liver histology. It applies to the dose and population studied, and decisions belong with a doctor.
Long-term benfotiamine in type 1 diabetes
A useful null result. Benfotiamine is well absorbed, but whether it changes nerve outcomes depends on who is treated, and that question is still open.
Oral alpha lipoic acid for symptomatic diabetic neuropathy (SYDNEY 2)
Supports short-term symptom relief at 600 mg a day, the dose with the best balance of benefit and tolerability.
Four years of alpha lipoic acid in diabetic neuropathy (NATHAN 1)
Long-term use appears safe, with signals of benefit on clinical signs, but it did not meet its main goal. Evidence for slowing progression is not settled.
Long-term metformin use and vitamin B12 deficiency
Good reason for periodic B12 testing in people taking metformin long term, as the authors recommended.
Piperine and the absorption of curcumin
It explains why bioavailability matters and why formulations pair curcumin with piperine. It is not evidence of any health outcome.
Vitamin D3 and fractures in generally healthy adults (VITAL)
Supplements help most when they correct a shortfall. Testing and targeting are wiser than assuming everyone benefits.
Menaquinone-7 and bone loss after menopause
A plausible mechanism with a supportive trial on bone density. Fracture benefit remains unproven. People taking warfarin should not take vitamin K without medical advice.
Liver injury after herbal immune boosters during the pandemic
Traditional herbs can have strong effects. Use under guidance, avoid high doses taken for long periods without supervision and report symptoms early.
Sleep duration and mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Regularly sleeping too little is linked with poorer long-term health. Sleep belongs alongside diet and activity as a pillar of prevention.
Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag
One of the better-supported uses of melatonin, provided the timing is right. People with epilepsy or taking warfarin should seek advice first.
Causes of drug-induced liver injury in India
Herbal products are medicines in their own right. Quality, dose and medical guidance matter as much for them as for any other treatment.
How to read these summaries
Bars show the strength of the study design, from laboratory work to systematic review. Colour tags show the direction of the finding.