Adaptogen

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera · winter cherry

Mechanism

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a classic adaptogen whose effect is attributed to withanolides. Human and rodent-model studies describe a reduction of stress and cortisol parameters as well as GABAergic and anxiolytic effects. Controlled efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies in the horse are practically absent, so transfer to the horse remains speculative. Because withanolides have centrally depressant/anxiolytic properties, the FEI status must be checked before any competition; adaptogenic/sedative botanicals may be captured as Controlled Medication. Note: Withania somnifera belongs to the nightshade family.

Cautions

· Horse-specific efficacy/PK data largely lacking
· Sedative/adaptogenic: check FEI status before competition
· Nightshade plant; use in pregnancy/lactation not sufficiently studied

Sources

PMID:23439798Chandrasekhar et al. 2012 — Ashwagandha & stress/cortisol (human RCT)

Monograph WithaniaMonografie Withania somnifera

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo established equine dose; standardised root extract in practice approx. 5–10 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Nervousness & Stress →adaptogen — FEI: check status before competition

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Ashwagandha a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Ashwagandha as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Ashwagandha allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Ashwagandha is listed with the FEI status “Controlled (withdrawal)”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Ashwagandha?

Stated in the profile: No established equine dose; standardised root extract in practice approx. 5–10 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Ashwagandha?

The profile cites: PMID:23439798, Monograph Withania, and FEI EPSL 2024.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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