Ashwagandha

Choosing the best Ashwagandha

The two best full-spectrum ashwagandha extracts are KSM-66® and Sensoril®. Of these two, KSM-66® has been the most extensively researched.

When buying an Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplement, make sure it's a broad-spectrum extract with a high concentration of active compounds (primarily withanolides and to a lesser extent oligosaccharides).

Broad-spectrum herbal extracts are often more effective than extracts containing only a few active compounds without the herb's other substances. They also significantly reduce the risk of side effects.

Two high-quality broad-spectrum Ashwagandha extracts with excellent customer reviews are KSM-66® and Sensoril®.

KSM-66®

KSM-66® is the only broad-spectrum ashwagandha root extract with a high concentration of withanolides. The manufacturer Ixoreal Biomed aimed to create an ashwagandha extract with a high concentration of active withanolides while maintaining the natural ratio found in the ashwagandha root.

Sensoril®

Sensoril® is a widely-used broad-spectrum Ashwagandha root/leaf extract, from both root and leaf. This extract has a unique composition and is standardized for (glyco)withanolides and oligosaccharides.

Sensoril® is a high-quality ashwagandha extract, but since there's less research on ashwagandha leaf compared to the root, we recommend always starting with KSM-66® above. While some people benefit more from Sensoril®, we hear even more positive customer feedback about KSM-66®.

Ashwagandha safety

It happens herbs are mixed up, or that a supplement intentionally contains herbs that are not listed on the label. Sometimes the product may be contaminated.

Cheap, lower-quality ashwagandha more often contains contaminated ingredients or even entirely different herbs and/or banned drugs. In the past, there have been many cases where health problems that appeared to result from supplement use (from other vitamin shops) were actually caused by dangerous illegal ingredients that were not listed on the label.

Some manufacturers do this to illegally increase the effectiveness of their 'supplements'. This is not only forbidden but can also be very dangerous for the user.

Therefore, do not just buy any (cheap) ashwagandha supplement. Make sure that you buy a high-quality and traceable ashwagandha extract such as KSM-66®. And if in doubt, ask for the COA (certificate of analysis) of the supplement you wish to buy.

How it works

Ashwagandha boosts energy and is popular for its relaxing effects. It helps balance the body and supports mood. It also benefits the heart, muscle development, and libido.*

* Health claim(s) pending European Commission approval.

Ashwagandha experiences

Ashwagandha is a botanical supplement with lasting effects that take time to become noticeable. It usually takes 2-4 weeks to feel the full effects. However, many people notice benefits within just a few days.

Is Ashwagandha safe for long-term use?

Ashwagandha is safe for both short and long-term use.

Side effects

Ashwagandha has no side effects.

Does Ashwagandha interact with medications?

Don't take Ashwagandha with medications that affect brain function (sleeping pills and/or antidepressants). We also advise against combining it with other medications.

Pre-existing health conditions

If you have existing health conditions, we don't recommend using ashwagandha due to limited research.

Pregnancy

Don't use ashwagandha during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not because of known side effects, but simply because there isn't enough information about its effects during pregnancy.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha has been called the flagship herb of Ayurveda. This herb has been known for centuries but has only recently gained worldwide attention because many scientific studies have been done with it in the field of pharmacology and health.

Ashwagandha is an exotic Indian herb and is often referred to as "Indian ginseng". Although the herb has a long history of medicinal use in India, it is not yet well known in Western cultures. Only recently has it received worldwide scientific attention and scientific studies with it in the fields of pharmacology and health.

Ashwagandha is a shrub found wild in nature in India and North America. The roots of the Ashwagandha plant have been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic healers. Ashwagandha roots offer many beneficial properties, including medicinal flavonoids.

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Updated: November 5, 2025