The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a ban on the use of ashwagandha leaves and their extracts in dietary supplements, citing safety concerns raised by the Union Ministry of Ayush. According to FSSAI's advisory, only the root and its extracts are permitted for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals, and special dietary foods. This decision comes after reports indicated that some manufacturers were using ashwagandha leaves in their products. Experts, including consultant dietitian Kanikka Malhotra, noted that while ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, the leaves contain higher levels of reactive withanolides, which can lead to serious health risks such as liver toxicity and gastrointestinal distress. Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal emphasized that the ban specifically targets the leaves, which have not been approved for food use, while the root remains safe and widely utilized in both traditional and modern practices. Consumers are advised to check product labels; those specifying root extract are compliant with regulations, while products using leaf extracts should be approached with caution. The FSSAI has instructed state authorities to enforce this ban strictly and ensure that manufacturers transparently label the parts of the plant used in their products.