Ashwagandha - a golden adaptogen under regulatory pressure
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been one of the most popular adaptogens in Europe over the years. It supported stress reduction, improved sleep quality, mood, concentration and hormonal balance. However, an increasing number of EU member states restricts or prohibits its use in food supplements.
In which countries is Ashwagandha already banned or restricted?
As at the date of publication of the entry (2025):
- 🇫🇷 France: Ashwagandha has been included on the list of banned plants in supplements - products with its content are removed from the market.
- 🇧🇪 Belgium: Ashwagandha supplements are treated as medicinal products and require special authorisations.
- 🇩🇪 Germany: Products with ashwagandha may be blocked by local health authorities.
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Plant under observation - not recommended for use in new formulations.
- 🇵🇱 Poland: Available for now, but the market is closely following the announcements from the European Commission and EFSA.
Why is Ashwagandha controversial in the EU?
🔍 Insufficient toxicological and clinical data - despite thousands of years of use in Ayurveda.
⚖️ Differences between strains and quality of raw material - some batches may contain active substances in too high a concentration.
📜 Novel Food approval - Many countries cite the lack of a clear classification.
🧠 Effects on the HPA axis - can be regarded as a substance with medicinal rather than supplementary action.
What does this mean for supplement manufacturers and brands?
❌ Products with ashwagandha may be blocked for export to some EU countries.
❌ Supplements with this plant may be withdrawn from shelves or taken off e-commerce platforms.
❗ New formulations with ashwagandha are increasingly being rejected in the application process.
What instead of Ashwagandha? Adaptogenic alternatives with potential
The supplement market abhors a void - many brands are already looking for safe, legal substitutes with similar effects. Examples:
- Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea) - legal, proven, has an adaptogenic effect.
- Schisandra - great for stress and the liver.
- Bacopa monnieri (Bacopa monnieri) - has a nootropic effect and supports memory.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) - relieves stress and supports immunity.
- Functional mushrooms - Reishi, Lion's Mane, Maitake - natural adaptogens without regulatory risk.
Pharmadot - assistance with recipe adaptation and regulatory compliance
At Pharmadot We help brands adapt their formulations to current legal requirements - both in Poland and across the EU. We offer:
- Composition audit and recommendations of alternatives,
- Designing new adaptogenic formulations,
- Contract manufacturing and white label with low MOQ,
- Assistance with applications and documentation.
Summary: Ashwagandha in retreat - time for thoughtful change
The supplement market is changing rapidly - what was popular yesterday may be outlawed today. If you are planning to develop a brand or update your product line, it is worth betting on the regulatory and legally stable adaptogens.
👉 Contact us and find out how to safely develop your supplement portfolio in line with trends and European Union requirements.
