Is Ashwagandha a banned substance?
BSCG (Banned Substances Control Group), an independent dietary supplement certification provider, has certified KSM-66 Ashwagandha as being drug free.
Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement product, review the product with the appropriate or designated athletics department staff. There are no NCAA approved supplement products. Dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test result.
Another notable ingredient is synephrine, which is included in DAS Labs most powerful pre-workout supplement Bucked Up WOKE AF. This is a banned substance by WADA as well as the NCAA, meaning this formula should be avoided by athletes who compete under these organizations.
"As testimony to the effectiveness of Maca for enhancing your performance, it has now been placed on the list of banned substances for professional sportsmen and women!
Yet another benefit of ashwagandha can be reaped in particular by athletes. Studies have shown the herb's potential benefits to both anaerobic and aerobic exercise.
Recently Denmark banned ashwagandha because of its potential negative impacts on hormones and its ability to induce abortion.
Is melatonin prohibited in sport? No, melatonin is not prohibited, so athletes are allowed to use melatonin. But keep in mind that in the U.S., melatonin is only available as a dietary supplement and all dietary supplements come with some amount of risk.
You are not eligible for participation in a sport if you have ever: (1) Taken pay, or the promise of pay, for competing in that sport. [Bylaw 12.1. 2] (2) Agreed (orally or in writing) to compete in professional athletics in that sport. (3) Played on any professional athletics team as defined by the NCAA in that sport.
POTENTIAL RISKS • Caffeine is a banned substance by the NCAA. A urinary caffeine concentration exceeding 15 micrograms per milliliter (corresponding to ingesting about 500 milligrams, the equivalent of six to eight cups of brewed coffee, two to three hours before competition) results in a positive drug test.
Is creatine prohibited? No, creatine is not prohibited. Although creatine can have a small effect on performance, the effects are not guaranteed and the specific training program remains most influential.
Is creatine legal in NCAA football?
NCAA-banned substances* (e.g., stimulants, anabolic steroids, testosterone products, marijuana) and impermissible Nutritional Supplements that NCAA member institutions may not provide to student-athletes (e.g., creatine, amino acids, ginseng, most energy or stimulant drinks)].
Third, the school has to send in lab results confirming the athlete's total “serum testosterone” level is within the allowable levels set by the relevant sport's NGB. The lab tests cannot be taken more than 28 days before the first date of the championship the athlete wants to compete at.

Marijuana, Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice; K2; JWH-018; JWH-073), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Delta-8). Growth hormone (hGH), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Erythropoietin (EPO), IGF-1 (colostrum; deer antler velvet), Ibutamoren (MK-677). Exceptions: Insulin, Synthroid and Forteo are not banned.
The NCAA has banned all use of cannabinoids, including CBD, by college athletes,[26] even though its policies permit medical exceptions for other banned substances.
Is growth hormone prohibited in sport? Yes. Growth hormone is in the category of Anabolic Agents on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and is prohibited at all times and for all levels of athletes, including elite, junior, and masters-level athletes.
Ashwagandha is not prohibited for use by Military Service Members, and it should not produce a positive result on a routine military drug screening test.
Why is ashwagandha not advisable for people with autoimmune disorders? In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system is already overactive. Because ashwagandha can stimulate the immune system, it can rev up your immune system even more, and that can be harmful.
In a study involving men aged 40 to 70, subjects given a supplement of ashwagandha extract showed an increase in testosterone by about 15 percent on average and an 18 percent increase in DHEA (a hormone that helps produce other hormones, including testosterone) [7].
The biologically active components of the ashwagandha plant's leaves are withanolides, a naturally occurring steroid.
Clinical Overview
Ashwagandha has been used as an adaptogen, diuretic, and sedative and is available in the United States as a dietary supplement.
Is ashwagandha considered a steroid?
No, Ashwagandha is not a steroid. It's worth noting that ashwagandha is generally well tolerated and has a range of potential health advantages. Withanolides, steroids found naturally in nightshades, are responsible for their adaptogenic health effects.
"Bupropion, caffeine, nicotine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pipradrol, and synephrine: These substances are included in the 2022 Monitoring Program and are not considered Prohibited Substances," WADA explains.
The NCAA bans the following classes of drugs: Stimulants. Anabolic agents.
The NCAA lists six problematic flavors: Power-C, Energy, B-Relaxed, Rescue, Vital-T and Balance. According to NCAA, the flavors each have one of the following impermissible or banned substances: taurine, caffeine, guarana seed extract, L-theanine, green tea extract, ecgc, Rooibos tea extract or glucosamine.
While the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not set an official age limit for student-athletes to play college sports, their strict eligibility requirements can limit older students' ability to play.
College Sports Eligibility
The good news, when it comes to college sports, is that as long as you have never enrolled in college full-time, you have 5 years of eligibility starting from the first time you do enroll full-time.
The NCAA Eligibility Center will assign your high school's lowest passing grade for a pass/fail class so long as the course receives credit toward graduation.
Technically, that means NCAA athletes still can buy Xyience, Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy on their own and not get in trouble unless they drink too much of them, causing them to flunk a drug test because of caffeine.
Whether Viagra is allowed or prohibited, it remains illegal for athletes to use prescription medication not ordered for them, Tygart of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said. He and others cautioned that the use of Viagra could also result in such side effects as severe headaches and changes in vision.
Watch Your Caffeine Intake
The NCAA allows athletes to drink caffeine, they just have a limit on how much can be consumed. The NCAA allows for 15 micrograms per milliliter of caffeine concentration.
Is whey protein NCAA approved?
Thanks to the NCAA's approved protein ruling, athletic programs are now allowed to provide athletes with protein supplements. Fuel your athletes with the purest, premium quality whey isolate protein on the market.
42 Labotz and Smith reported creatine use at 28% within a NCAA, Division I collegiate athletic program. 27 Past creatine has been reported at 30% among male collegiate athletes.
Tobacco use in all forms is prohibited during practice and competition by student- athletes and game personnel, and may result in ejection from the game.
The USADA also says “only illegal” products contain ostarine. It's on the NCAA's banned-substances list as an “anabolic agent,” along with other SARMs.
Natty means no chemical substances used. Creatins is present in abundance in red meat and will not be consideres as against laws of nature if you consume creatine supplements. if you consume protein supplemnets, aminos, creatine and multivitamine in your diet - you still are very much natty.
The reason the NCAA doesn't test for nicotine is because it is not on its list of banned substances, Wilfert said. "It is not included in the banned drug list, probably because the drug testing program is more about performance enhancement," Wilfert said.
Failing a test for a banned drug (other than cannabinoids and narcotics) means the student tis not eligible to participate again until the student has been withheld from the equivalent of one season of regular season competition. The student will be charged with losing that season for all sports.
The NCAA tests for steroids, peptide hormones and masking agents year-round and also tests for stimulants and recreational drugs during championships. Member schools also may test for these substances as part of their athletics department drug-deterrence programs.
Anywhere from 18 to 26 players on a football team will be tested each time. Both the teams and the players tested are selected at random. Each team is tested at least once a year.
Terry Newton banned for two years for taking human-growth hormone.
Is mk677 banned in sports?
The Ibutamoren MK-677 has not been approved by the FDA and its use is considered prohibited (and illegal), while it is detected and prosecuted in most sporting events around the world. A special body performs doping tests.
LONDON — In a major breakthrough in the fight against doping, a British rugby league player has become the first athlete to be suspended for using human growth hormone. Terry Newton admitted taking the substance in a statement released by his attorneys on Friday.
- Stimulants.
- Anabolic Agents.
- Alcoholic and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only)
- Diuretics and Other Masking Agents.
- Street Drugs.
- Peptide Hormones and Analogues.
- Anti-estrogens.
- Beta-2 Agonists.
Because their structures are similar, delta-8 is expected to stay in the body for the same amount of time as delta-9 THC. For occasional users, this could be as little as 2 to 5 days. For regular users, it could be up to 15 days.
Some of the most famous athletes endorsing CBD are professional golfer Rickie Fowler, NFL player Rob Gronkowski, and MMA fighter Nate Diaz. NBA player Klay Thompson, heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs, and soccer player Megan Rapinoe are other professional athletes who use CBD in sports.
Although this test is accurate and there have been several confirmed cases of athletes who have admitted the use of hGH, the isoform test has a limited window of detection, usually on the order of one or two days following administration of the hormone.
Ashwagandha is permitted, however, for use as a dietary supplement component, requiring FDA notification within 30 days of marketing a product (if a “structure-function” claim is made) and product manufacturing according to dietary supplement GMPs.
Whether you are studying an NFL playbook or studying for a big test, Ashwagandha serves as a great brain booster to give focus and calm edgy nerves. Ashwagandha is the perfect natural solution for anyone feels overwhelmed, tired and easily irritated.
The root of Ashwagandha is regarded as tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant.
Advocates believe that ashwagandha is an adaptogen Adaptogens "Adaptogen" is a term for certain foods and supplements that are said to help the body cope with "stress." Stress may be psychologic (in the mind), but also may be physical (in the body), and... read more .
What brand of ashwagandha is FDA approved?
Xwerks Ashwa
Xwerks is a well-known health supplement brand that uses natural ingredients to produce its products. The ingredients are ethically sourced, and the manufacturing occurs in FDA-approved facilities.
Taking a gentle adaptogen while traveling helps your body better adapt to the strain of travel. As I suffer from anxiety while flying, I take ashwagandha several times during a flight to help relieve the anxious discomfort that accompanies plane travel.
Ashwagandha increases luteinizing hormone (LH) and protects the body from oxidative stress, which increases testosterone levels. Scientific studies prove ashwagandha improves testosterone levels in men.
Every day, Brady takes electrolytes and trace mineral drops, a multivitamin, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, an antioxidant, essential fish oils, protein powder, and a probiotic.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and helps the body manage stress and anxiety. In fact, it has been shown to reduce anxiety and insomnia in rats by 69%. Similarly, magnesium, a natural Xanax alternative, helps calm the mind and improve mood.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most popular herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It is known as an energy booster, and many prefer it to drinking coffee, because it doesn't give you the jitters, interfere with sleep, and is not addictive.
Ashwagandha uses: This herb can help you feel calm and happy | HealthShots.
Ashwagandha can increase immune response, so it's recommended that individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or other conditions) avoid taking ashwagandha [1].
Avoid ashwagandha if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a thyroid condition or an autoimmune disease. Ashwagandha can also interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressants, sedatives, thyroid hormone, diabetes drugs, and blood pressure reducers.
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with various possible health benefits. Study findings suggest that it may help reduce anxiety and stress, support restful sleep, and even improve cognitive functioning in certain populations. Ashwagandha is likely safe for most people in the short term.
References
- http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/AMA/compliance_forms/DI/DI%20Summary%20of%20NCAA%20Regulations.pdf
- https://www.ncsasports.org/ncaa-eligibility-center/age-limit
- https://thenutritioninsider.com/wellness/best-ashwagandha-supplements/
- https://www.opss.org/article/ashwagandha-dietary-supplement-products
- https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2015/6/10/ncaa-banned-substances.aspx
- https://www.medicoexperts.com/how-to-take-ashwagandha-powder-to-increase-testosterone/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-ashwagandha
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/first-steroid-cycle-best-beginners-steroids-cycles-for-bodybuilding-bulking-and-cutting-news-262071
- https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/warning-smoothie-could-end-careers/news-story/cf0049cee6b42dfe8a4cba122f8b239c
- https://blog.umd.edu/brainwideopen/2019/02/05/the-potential-of-ashwagandha-in-aiding-athletic-performance/
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/ashwagandha
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/ashwagandha
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/03/10/what-to-know-about-ashwagandha-the-herbal-supplement-blows-up-on-tiktok-without-much-medical-research-support/
- https://eatfor.life/ashwagandha-dangerous-repercussions/
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/deceptive-spice-extract-offers-cautionary-tale-for-chemists/
- https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2009/02/09/daily47.html
- https://standtogethertrust.org/stories/the-victims-of-drug-testings-false-positives/
- https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/feb/22/terry-newton-wakefield-contract-cancelled
- https://healthmatch.io/erectile-dysfunction/ashwagandha-for-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/athletes-melatonin/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
- https://wou.edu/sahandbook/student-athlete-handbook/ncaa-banned-substances/
- https://manmatters.com/blog/ashwagandha-benefits-for-men-3/
- https://www.sacbee.com/health-wellness/article265717306.html
- https://www.sportsnet.ca/more/first-hgh-case-0/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318407
- https://nimhansnews.online/ashwagandha-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/xanax-alternatives-natural-otc-xanax-for-stress-anxiety-and-sleep-news-214622
- https://www.2adays.com/blog/ncaa-banned-substances-can-athletes-consume-caffeine/
- https://www.healthshots.com/mind/happiness-hacks/ashwagandha-uses-this-herb-can-help-you-feel-calm-and-happy/
- https://www.henryford.com/blog/2022/12/ashwagandha
- https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/fjollaarifi/ashwagandha-emotions-tiktok
- https://www.ocolly.com/ncaa-dips-into-tobacco-usage/article_39082a02-7826-5654-bad4-1616bbb3c9b5.html
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-know-about-ashwagandha-for-stress-6374003
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/09/21/ncaa-substance-drug-policy-xyience-energy-drink-advertising-college-football-playoff/90723304/
- https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2016/7/20/ncaa-drug-testing-program.aspx
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/ashwagandha.html
- https://www.mskcc.org/news/truth-about-ashwagandha
- https://www.healthline.com/health/legal-steroids
- https://www.takecareof.com/articles/does-ashwagandha-make-you-sleepy
- https://elmandrye.com/blogs/news/do-supplements-show-up-on-drug-tests-what-you-need-to-know
- https://havasunutrition.com/blogs/blog/the-super-supplement-why-tom-brady-takes-ashwagandha
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/legal-steroids-gnc-why-you-should-never-buy-top-5-reasons-updated-news-230518
- https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/delta-8-legality-drug-tests
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/which-substances-are-tested
- https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/blog/10-benefits-of-ashwagandha-for-skin-and-hair.html
- https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/12/24/18155202/clemson-suspensions-dexter-lawrence-ped
- https://www.takecareof.com/articles/how-long-does-ashwagandha-take-to-work
- https://www.elo.health/answers/who-should-not-take-ashwagandha/
- https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/urine-drug-screening-minimizing-false-positives-and-false-negatives-to-optimize-patient-care
- https://www.thestate.com/health-wellness/article261523392.html
- https://envycbd.com/blogs/news/cbd-for-athletes-sports
- https://havasunutrition.medium.com/the-super-supplement-why-tom-brady-takes-ashwagandha-7d25a2ab01b8
- https://www.bsk.com/news-events-videos/cbd-on-campus-many-questions-few-answers
- https://www.quora.com/Is-taking-5mg-of-Creatine-per-day-still-Natty-or-natural-since-no-one-could-get-that-much-in-a-natural-way
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/19-ashwagandha-benefits-for-men-best-ashwagandha-withania-somnifera-pills-for-mens-health-testosterone-muscle-growth-natural-ksm-66-ashwagandha-supplements-estrogen-blockers-testo-boosters-news-261200
- https://www.bbsattorneys.com/blog/ncaa-drug-testing-consent-requirements/
- https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/ss/slideshow-drugs-false-positive-test
- https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/sports/23iht-viagra.1.18066743.html
- https://www.elo.health/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-ashwagandha/
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/ashwagandha-dosage/
- https://www.sportdecals.com/blogs/p/how-do-years-of-eligibility-work-in-college-sports
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha-dosage
- https://www.feelgoodhealth.co.za/blogs/feelgood-health-blog/why-maca-has-been-banned-for-athletes
- https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/ashwagandha-benefits-for-men/
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/best-ashwagandha-supplements-review-top-ashwagandha-product-brands-2023--news-257473
- https://swimswam.com/ncaa-further-outlines-new-transgender-eligibility-requirements/
- https://outworknutrition.com/blogs/learn/is-ashwagandha-an-effective-supplement-for-building-muscle
- https://www.sacbee.com/health-wellness/article273486830.html
- https://www.si.com/showcase/nutrition/bucked-up-pre-workout-review
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
- https://www.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/public/files/Advertising_Promotional_Standards_2019.pdf
- https://gustavus.edu/athletics/handbook/NCAABannedSubstances.php
- https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/ashwagandha-testosterone/
- https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2021/12/tom-brady
- https://www.sportsrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Caffeine_and_Athletic_Performance_WEB.pdf
- https://www.healthline.com/health/ashwagandha-for-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.drphelts.com/ashwagandha-fights-fatigue-and-stress
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/supplements-travel-nutritionist/
- https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-health-and-nutrition/why-did-denmark-ban-ashwagandha
- https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/growth-hormone-what-athletes-should-know/
- http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/Initial_Eligibility_FAQ.pdf
- https://honehealth.com/edge/health/ashwagandha-testosterone/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/
- https://4endurance.com/blogs/nutrition/ashwagandha-benefits-of-the-most-powerful-adaptogen
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
- https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2015-06/view_breaking-news/ksm-66-ashwagandha-validated-as-bscg-certified-drug-free/
- https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/99/table-of-contents/hg99-herbprofile-ashwagandha/
- https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/what-can-cause-false-positives-on-drug-tests
- https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/5-proven-benefits-of-Ashwagandha
- https://golcdragons.com/custompages/Compliance%20Information/13-14%20DrugTestingPoliciesBroch[1].pdf
- https://www.greatgreenwall.org/supplements/does-ashwagandha-raise-testosterone-levels/
- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/ibutamoren-mk-677-sarm-risks-side-effects-results-alternatives-news-215682
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/natural-steroids
- https://www.marca.com/en/ncaa/2023/04/13/643810dae2704efe6d8b4609.html
- https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/athletes-need-know-creatine/
- https://www.vitafoodsinsights.com/sports-nutrition/ashwagandha-athletic-performance-recovery-infographic
- http://www.espn.com/gen/s/2000/1207/929862.html
- https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/i-tried-taking-ashwagandha-for-stress-and-this-is-what-happened
- https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1548&context=etdarchive
- https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/drug-testing-sport-hgh-human-growth-hormone/2014-07
- https://www.atomicstrengthnutrition.com/pages/coaches