Ashwagandha extract KSM-66

Ashwagandha extract KSM-66

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that has been used for many years. In recent years, ashwagandha has gained popularity as a natural supplement in both the health and sports category. Ashwagandha supplements get most of their functions due to the active ingredients, called withanolides. These withanolides can have several useful effects. It is important to realize that ashwagandha supplements can contain different percentages and types of Withanolides. Therefore, users should always look at the Withanolides content and the type of extract.

Ashwagandha is also known as:
-Withania somnifera
-Withanolide (active ingredient)
-KSM-66 (extract brandname)
-Indian ginseng
-winter cherry

Many people are confused about the name “KSM-66” when looking at this type of supplement. KSM-66 is branded, full-spectrum ashwagandha extract with a withanolide content of 5%, as measured by HPLC testing.

Functions of Ashwagandha extract KSM-66

Unfortunately, due to European legislation, we cannot describe all the effects and functions of this product. Not even if these have been confirmed by research. Nevertheless, we do our best to provide you with as much relevant information as possible.

Many studies have looked into the functions and effects of ashwagandha [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Based on the findings of these studies, many people have started consuming Ashwagandha supplements. This has made this product very popular in several supplement categories, including the health, hormone, sleep, and performance category. However, several studies have indicated that it can have several other beneficial effects.

Who can use Ashwagandha extract ?

Ashwagandha supplements can be beneficial for a wide variety of people. This is not surprising since it has become a popular in several supplement categories, including the health, sleep, hormone, and performance category.

How should I use Ashwagandha extract ? / Dosages

The recommended dose of Ashwagandha can vary depending on the form of the supplement and the reason for taking it. Users should also look at the quality of the product and the withanolide content in order to make conclusions about the optimal daily dosage. For products containing a Withanolide content of 5%, most studies suggest consuming 300-600mg per day. This is often consumed by taking smaller doses two times per day. These are commonly taken with a meal in the morning, and the other in the evening. However, higher amounts of 600mg – 1000mg per day, may be beneficial for athletes which have an intensive exercise regimen [4]. Furthermore, for some specific effects dosages of op to 5000mg per day can be beneficial.

Stacking / combining

Ashwagandha is often stacked with a wide variety of other products. It is commonly combined with: Rhodiola Rosea, GABA, and L-theanine.  Due to their functions and effects, it appears that these combinations work very well together. However, there are many more beneficials combinations possible.

Where does Ashwagandha extract come from ?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb that can mainly be found in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East and some parts of Africa. It is an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers, and it is often claimed that the roots have a horsey smell.

It is important to realize that there are clear differences between available extracts and the used plant parts. High quality Withania somnifera- / Ashwagandha extract, is created using the root of the plant. However, cheaper extracts often include the extract of leaves. More information regarding this topic can be found below.

Other information

Root extract, leave extract and withanolide content
When looking for a high quality product, users should only consider high quality root extracts. Unfortunately, several products contain leaves in order to increase the claimed amount of withanolides. This may seem beneficial, since withanolides are considered to be important active ingredients. However, not all withanolides are useful and safe. Furthermore, most studies regarding the functions and safety of these of products, refer exclusively to root extract and not leaf extract. Nonetheless, several products use leave extract since this is much cheaper and results in larger profits.

Safety & competitive use

Safety
Several studies have examined the safety and effectiveness of ashwagandha root extract. In a review of many different studies, it was found that reasonable safety has been established by 30 human trials [1]. However, pregnant women should avoid using these products. Furthermore, the safety of leave extracts has not been established and should be avoided.

Competitive use
Due to the possible benefits of this product, it is currently used by a large amount of athletes. Currently, the use of this product is allowed in both amateur and professional sports.

Correct use
A dietary supplement can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle. However, it should not be a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded, since side effects may occur otherwise. As with any supplement, we advise users to consult a physician before use. In particular if you use medication or have health complaints. This product should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This product should not be used by people who have liver problems. Furthermore, this product should not be used by persons under 18 years of age and must be kept out of the reach of children. Keep this product in a cool and dry place to maintain the quality. Stop consumption if you experience side effects.

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.

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