Ashwagandha
Also known as: Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha (Thyroid Support), Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera), Winter cherry
Overview
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb standardized for withanolides, with evidence supporting modest benefits for stress reduction, anxiety, and cortisol modulation. Multiple clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for stress-related symptoms, though effect sizes are generally moderate.
Compare Forms
4 formsDifferent chemical forms vary in absorption, side effects, and best use cases. Higher bioavailability scores indicate better absorption.
KSM-66 (Root Extract)
HIGH 100Root-only extract standardized to ≥5% withanolides; the most-studied branded form
💡 Well-absorbed. Largest evidence base of any extract: 24+ human trials.
- • Most clinical data
- • Energizing during day
- • Strength + cortisol benefits
- • Root-only (traditional)
- • More expensive than generic
- • Standard 600 mg dose
📝 Default choice. Ixoreal Biomed's branded extract.
Sensoril (Root + Leaf)
HIGH 90Root + leaf extract with ≥10% withanolides — higher potency, calming profile
💡 Higher withanolide content per mg. Effective at 125-250 mg.
- • More calming than KSM-66
- • Lower effective dose
- • Sleep evidence
- • Can be sedating during day
- • Includes leaf (some traditions exclude)
📝 Better for evening/sleep use than KSM-66. Natreon's branded extract.
Shoden (Root + Leaf, 35% Withanolide Glycosides)
HIGH 95Highest-potency standardized extract — 35% withanolide glycosides
💡 Very high concentration allows 120 mg to match higher doses of other forms.
- • Lowest effective dose
- • Strong sleep data
- • Premium quality control
- • Most expensive per mg
- • Newer brand, less long-term data
📝 Excellent for sleep. Arjuna Natural's branded extract.
Generic Ashwagandha Powder/Extract
GOOD 60Non-standardized root powder or low-strength extract
💡 Variable. Withanolide content often unverified.
- • Cheapest
- • Traditional whole-root form
- • No potency guarantee
- • Heavy metal contamination risk
- • May not work
📝 Skip unless lab-tested. Pay for a branded standardized extract.
Dosage
Benefits build over weeks
Anxiety, stress, low testosterone
Mechanism of Action
- • GABAergic activity
- • Cortisol reduction
- • Thyroid hormone support
Evidence Quality
Best-studied adaptogen for anxiety
Safety & Contraindications
- • May affect thyroid
- • Hyperthyroidism
- • Nightshade sensitivity
- • Drowsiness
- • GI upset
- • Headache
Avoid
Safe
Interactions
- • Thyroid meds
- • Sedatives
- • Immunosuppressants
- • Works with Rhodiola
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Buying Guide
- • Branded extracts
- • KSM-66 most studied
- • Can affect thyroid - monitor if on meds
- • 8 weeks for effects
- • May increase thyroid hormones
- • Monitor if on thyroid medication
- • Study-backed extracts preferred
Frequently Asked About Ashwagandha
How much Ashwagandha should I take?
When is the best time to take Ashwagandha?
Should I take Ashwagandha with food?
What is the best form of Ashwagandha?
Does Ashwagandha interact with medications?
What does Ashwagandha pair well with?
Who should not take Ashwagandha?
Top Products with Ashwagandha
Highest-scored catalog products containing Ashwagandha, ranked by our scoring engine.
Ashwagandha Root CapsulesNutricost95
Ashwagandha Extract PowderNootropics Depot95
Ashwagandha Extract TabletsNootropics Depot95
Thyroid Health Complex (formerly Thyrocsin)Thorne94
Related Guides
In-depth guides covering Ashwagandha — protocols, comparisons, and use cases.
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.