TikTok Supplement Leads to Liver Failure, Transplant

A 44-year-old mother from Lymm, Cheshire, is in intensive care following a severe reaction to ashwagandha gummies bought online for £5. Lois Kinder, previously healthy, experienced acute liver failure in early July 2026, leading to an emergency transplant. During the surgery on July 22, complications arose, including a blood clot and multiple cardiac arrests, resulting in significant brain injury. Her medical team suspects the ashwagandha supplement, widely promoted on social media for its calming effects, triggered the liver failure. This incident follows growing concerns and reports linking ashwagandha to liver injuries, noted by US and Australian regulatory bodies since 2011.

Kinder's symptoms began with nausea and vomiting in early July 2026, rapidly progressing to jaundice and collapse by July 13. She spent weeks in an induced coma at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham's specialist Liver Intensive Care Unit. While she has since woken and can recognize family and make small movements, her long-term recovery is uncertain. Experts warn that despite its 'all-natural' image, ashwagandha can cause mild side effects but also rare, severe liver damage requiring intervention. Health authorities are investigating the safety profile of ashwagandha due to increasing reports of adverse effects.