Ashwagandha extract KSM-66

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb with a long history of use. In recent times, it has gained popularity as a natural supplement in both the health and sports sectors. The efficacy of ashwagandha supplements largely stems from their active ingredients, known as withanolides, which can yield various beneficial effects. It is crucial to understand that ashwagandha supplements may vary in terms of the percentages and types of withanolides they contain. Therefore, users should consistently assess the content of withanolides and the type of extract.

Ashwagandha is also recognized by various names, including:

Withania somnifera
Withanolide (active ingredient)
KSM-66 (brand name of the extract)
Indian ginseng
Winter cherry

There is often confusion surrounding the term “KSM-66” when considering this type of supplement. KSM-66 is a branded, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract with a withanolide content of 5%, as measured through HPLC testing. This information is significant because users should opt for high-quality root extracts to achieve optimal effects.

Functions of Ashwagandha extract (KSM-66)

Numerous studies have investigated the functions and impacts of ashwagandha [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In light of the results from these studies, a considerable number of individuals have initiated the use of Ashwagandha supplements. This surge in popularity has extended across various supplement categories, encompassing health, hormones, sleep, and performance. Nevertheless, multiple studies have suggested that ashwagandha may also yield numerous additional advantageous effects.

Recommended use of Ashwagandha extract (KSM-66)

The recommended Ashwagandha dosage can vary based on the supplement’s form and the purpose of use. Users should also consider the product quality and the withanolide content to draw conclusions about the optimal daily intake. For products with a 5% withanolide content, most studies recommend a daily consumption of 300-600mg. This amount is typically divided into smaller doses taken twice a day, often with a meal in the morning and another in the evening. However, higher quantities ranging from 600mg to 1000mg per day may prove advantageous for athletes engaged in intensive exercise routines [4]. Additionally, for specific effects, dosages of up to 5000mg per day can be beneficial.

References

1. Tandon, N., & Yadav, S. S. (2020). Safety and clinical effectiveness of Withania Somnifera (Linn.) Dunal root in human ailments. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 255, 112768.
2. Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019). Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cureus, 11(12).
3. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37).
4. Bonilla, D. A., Moreno, Y., Gho, C., Petro, J. L., Odriozola-Martínez, A., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on physical performance: Systematic review and bayesian meta-analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 6(1), 20.
5. Pérez-Gómez, J., Villafaina, S., Adsuar, J. C., Merellano-Navarro, E., & Collado-Mateo, D. (2020). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 12(4), 1119.
6. Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 43.
7. Gannon, J. M., Brar, J., Rai, A., & Chengappa, K. R. (2019). Effects of a standardized extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on depression and anxiety symptoms in persons with schizophrenia participating in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Ann Clin Psychiatry, 31(2), 123-129.
8. Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Husniati Yaacob, L., & Abdul Rahman, R. (2021). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 16(9), e0257843.