At least 39 killed in fire at Indian pharmaceutical factory
The government of Telangana state, where the facility is located, has formed a five-member committee to probe the incident, the cause of which is yet to be disclosed by the company.
The explosion on Monday also injured 34, according to officials.
'We are still clearing the debris,' GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana fire disaster response service, told Reuters, adding that the building had completely collapsed.
'Once we are all done with the clearing, only then we will be able to assess if any other body is still remaining under the debris or if it is all clear,' Rao said.
Police officials said more than 140 people were working in the plant when the incident occurred. Twenty-five of the deceased were yet to be identified, district administrative official P. Pravinya said.
'I came out (of the plant) to use the restroom and heard a loud blast. It sounded like a bomb blast. I came out and saw fire. A part of the fire also spread towards me. I jumped the wall and escaped,' Chandan Gound, 32, who has been working at the factory for six months, told Reuters by phone.
'Many of them (those inside) managed to escape, but a large number were trapped and could not come out,' Gound added.
Sigachi, which makes microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), caters to clients in the pharma, food, cosmetic and specialty chemicals sectors in countries ranging from the US to Australia.
MCC's compressibility, binding properties, and ability to boost drug release make it a vital ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is also used to prevent the formation of lumps in food products, to maintain texture of cosmetic products, and as a fat substitute in low-calorie foods.
Sigachi's Telangana plant contributes a little over a fourth of its total capacity of 21,700 million metric tons per annum.
Its shares dropped about 8% on Tuesday and were headed for their sharpest two-day drop on record.
Sigachi halted operations at the plant for 90 days from Monday citing damage to equipment and structures. The plant is fully insured and the company is initiating claims.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people were killed and four others injured in a massive fire at a crackers factory in the Sivakasi manufacturing cluster in the southern Tamil Nadu state, a fire department official said. The incident is the latest in a series of fire accidents in the area.
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Adaptogens: What are they? And are they actually effective?
Feeling frazzled? Can't quite kick that midmorning slump? Enter adaptogens, a group of stress-fighting herbs and mushrooms that have started popping up in just about everything, from beverages to chocolate bars. Even though these compounds have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, they've become increasingly popular in the mainstream wellness world thanks to their potential to help your body naturally adapt to stress. In fact, the global adaptogens market is projected to surge to nearly $9 billion in 2025 and reach over $12 billion by 2035. In today's hectic world, it's clear that people are craving more natural ways to stay calm and balanced, and adaptogens are stepping into the spotlight. But despite all the buzz, there's still plenty of confusion about what adaptogens actually do, how they work and whether or not there's any science to back up their claims. Using my experience as a registered dietitian, I dove into the latest research and spoke with two integrative medicine physicians to better understand what adaptogens are and whether they're worth trying. Table of contents What are adaptogens? How they're thought to work What the science says Are adaptogens safe? Are adaptogens worth trying? Supplements to consider Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. What are adaptogens? Adaptogens are natural substances found in various herbs, roots and mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are believed to help the body adapt to all kinds of stress, including physical, mental and environmental stressors. They're thought to support the body's ability to maintain balance (known as homeostasis), helping you function more effectively under pressure. Some adaptogens have also been proposed to enhance endurance. In fact, they were first introduced into professional sports a little over 50 years ago as a way to boost physical performance and increase athletes' resilience to stress. Today, adaptogens are frequently featured in capsules, powders, teas, coffee and tinctures aimed at promoting relaxation, focus, endurance and immune health. Common adaptogens you might see on supplement or food labels include: Ginseng: Ginseng has been used as a calming agent in traditional Chinese medicine and has been promoted for stress, fatigue, anxiety and brain function. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a shrub that grows in certain parts of Asia and Africa. It's typically used to help reduce stress and contains a group of substances called withanolides, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Rhodiola: Rhodiola is a plant native to cold regions in Europe, Asia and North America. It's been used to support athletic performance (although studies are small and results are mixed), increase energy levels and boost mood. Reishi: Reishi is a type of mushroom with anti-inflammatory properties. It's most commonly used to support the immune system, though it's thought to be potentially protective against certain chronic diseases, like heart disease. That said, most studies have been performed in labs and on animals, not on humans, making it hard to determine the extent of these potential benefits. Cordyceps: This genus of parasitic fungi may support energy and athletic performance, although studies are small and limited. It has also been studied for its potential to stimulate the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation. Lion's mane: Another mushroom in the lineup, lion's mane has long been used to support brain and gut health, as well as to help the body respond to anxiety, stress and fatigue. Holy basil: Also sometimes called tulsi, holy basil is an herb that's believed to support general well-being and may support immune health, blood sugar management and mood, says Dr. Tokunbo Akandé, pediatrician, integrative medicine physician and founder of Harmony 360 Health. Eleuthero: Formerly known as Siberian ginseng, this herb has been purported to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue. It's important to note that while some adaptogens have more research than others to support their proposed benefits, overall research remains limited, but we'll get to that more in a bit. (back to top) How they're thought to work A 2025 review published in Applied Sciences indicates that adaptogens support your body's stress response system — especially the nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a key role in regulating stress hormones like cortisol. "By modulating cortisol production and stress signaling, adaptogens may improve resilience, mental focus, energy and immune function," says Dr. Shad Marvasti, board-certified physician and medical director at HonorHealth Integrative Medicine. This may also help your body stay steady under pressure, whether you're short on sleep, dealing with a demanding job or even recovering from a red-eye flight. Unlike quick fixes that might either rev you up or slow you down (like a cup of coffee or a sedative), adaptogens are thought to have a more gradual and grounding effect, bringing things back into balance when you feel a bit off. "Think of them as nature's stress buffers," says Akandé. "When the body is under stress, adaptogens [may] help normalize cortisol and improve resilience." That said, the science is still catching up, and there's a lot we don't know about these substances. (back to top) What the science says So do the health benefits of adaptogens actually live up to the hype? Here's what research shows so far. They may help manage stress Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, are often promoted as natural stress relievers. While more research is needed, a 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Functional Foods found promising evidence, particularly for ashwagandha. According to the review, taking ashwagandha supplements for 56 to 60 days was associated with reduced stress and lower cortisol levels compared with a placebo. Another review reported that short-term use led to a 32% drop in cortisol levels among healthy individuals. Though ashwagandha may offer short-term benefits, its long-term safety and effectiveness remain uncertain. Ginseng is another adaptogen with some evidence supporting its stress-relieving effects, though much of the research is older or based on small sample sizes. A 2023 study in the Journal of Ginseng Research, for example, found that 43 participants who took Korean red ginseng (also known as Asian or Panax ginseng) daily for eight weeks maintained more stable levels of serotonin and epinephrine — neurotransmitters involved in mood and stress regulation — compared with those in the placebo group, who experienced significant declines. Among participants with higher self-reported stress, those taking ginseng also showed smaller increases in cortisol and a milder drop in serotonin. As for other adaptogens, such as holy basil, lion's mane, rhodiola and eleuthero, human research on their stress-relieving effects remains limited or lacking altogether. Overall, while the stress-relief claims of adaptogens are enticing, it's important to take them with a grain of salt. They may help with short-term memory and other cognitive tasks Emerging research suggests that adaptogens may offer some brain-boosting benefits. A 2025 review in Nutrients reported that several small studies found daily ashwagandha extract may improve memory and attention and reduce fatigue in both healthy adults and individuals with cognitive impairment. Lion's mane also shows promise, with one review suggesting potential cognitive benefits in middle-aged and older adults. Meanwhile, a 2024 meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research found that ginseng had a significant effect on memory, although it did not produce meaningful improvements in overall cognition or attention. Overall, while early findings are encouraging, the evidence for adaptogens in supporting memory and cognitive function remains inconclusive. Larger, well-controlled human trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness and identify optimal dosages. They may fight fatigue, though research is mixed Another draw of adaptogens is their potential to combat fatigue. However, according to the 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Functional Foods mentioned earlier, research on various adaptogens for fatigue is mixed and more data is needed before conclusions can be made. They may help boost athletic performance Although adaptogens have a longer history of use by competitive athletes, they've more recently gained popularity among everyday gym-goers. Their appeal stems from their reputation for enhancing stamina, performance and recovery. Scientifically, the idea has some logic: Exercise is a form of physical stress, so if certain plant compounds help the body adapt to stress, they might also support greater endurance or performance under physical strain. A 2021 review found that ashwagandha may benefit strength, power, VO2 max, fatigue and recovery in both trained and untrained healthy men and women. However, many of the included studies were small and carried a potential risk of funding bias. Ginseng, cordyceps and rhodiola also show some evidence of supporting athletic performance and recovery — particularly in trained individuals — but as with ashwagandha, larger and more rigorous studies are needed to help strengthen these results. They may help bolster your immune system Preliminary test tube and animal studies suggest that adaptogens may support immune function, likely due to their anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 review in Pharmaceuticals concluded that certain adaptogenic herbs, including ashwagandha, rhodiola and schisandra, could be a useful addition to the management and prevention of viral respiratory infections. But more research is needed to determine the immune-supporting effects of specific adaptogens and define optimal dosages. (back to top) Are adaptogens safe? Adaptogens are generally well tolerated and considered safe for healthy adults, but they're not without risk. "Most adaptogens are safe when used appropriately, but they are not one-size-fits-all," says Akandé. "People with autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider first," he explains. Additionally, adaptogens may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, so it's important to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding them to your routine. According to Cleveland Clinic, common side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals, although this varies by the plant in question. It's important to keep in mind that some adaptogens, like ashwagandha, have been linked to rare but serious health issues, including liver injury and thyroid problems. While these cases have typically been in people who consumed very high doses, had an underlying health condition or took supplements containing other ingredients, it's still important to exercise caution and to always consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet. The Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate supplements in the same way it does medications. For this reason, it's important to purchase adaptogen supplements from reputable brands that test their products for label accuracy, ideally by a third-party organization. When taking adaptogens, start at a lower dose to assess your tolerance and never exceed the listed dosing recommendations, unless doing so under the specific supervision of a health care professional. (back to top) Are adaptogens worth trying? Adaptogens aren't a magic bullet for better health, and there's simply not enough research to definitively say they're worth the money. That said, if you're curious about whether these plant-based compounds could help your body better cope with stress, these products are generally safe to try — just talk with a health care professional first for personalized advice on safety and product recommendations. According to Marvasti, adaptogen supplements may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing chronic stress, low energy or trouble focusing. It's important, however, to keep expectations in check. The effects of adaptogens are intended to be subtle and gradual — more of a gentle nudge than a dramatic shift. They may also offer a slight boost to your workouts. That said, competitive athletes should exercise caution. While adaptogens themselves are not banned substances, the products they appear in may contain ingredients that could lead to disqualification. For peace of mind, look for adaptogen products certified safe for sport by organizations like Informed Sport and NSF. Beyond capsules and tinctures, adaptogens have found their way into everything from coffee and tea to protein bars, nonalcoholic drinks and even chocolate. These products can be a fun (and tasty) way to dip your toes into the world of adaptogens, but keep in mind that they often contain minimal, if any, effective dose — especially when added for marketing appeal. If you're targeting a specific health concern, third-party tested supplements that clearly state the type and quantity of adaptogens are a more reliable choice. Lastly, keep in mind that these products shouldn't be your only tool for managing stress. After all, adaptogens are just one piece of a broader wellness picture. "Adaptogens are a good complement to foundational wellness practices through healthy lifestyles including sleep, nutrition, movement and stress management," says Marvasti. (back to top) Supplements to consider We probably sound like a broken record, but it's important to first talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding any new supplements — including adaptogens — to your wellness routine. Once you get the go-ahead, here are a few brands and products worth looking into. (back to top) Meet our experts Tokunbo Akandé, MD, board-certified pediatrician, fellowship-trained integrative medicine physician and founder of Harmony 360 Health Shad Marvasti, MD, board-certified physician and medical director at HonorHealth Integrative Medicine (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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