KSM-66® Ashwagandha Powder & Capsules

KSM-66® Ashwagandha is an expertly formulated extract of Ashwagandha containing the highest concentration of the root available today, created by Ixoreal Biomed after 14 years of refinement (1).

Ashwagandha is a treasured plant in Indian Aryuvedic medicine.  It is a nervine tonic and an adaptogen, or an herb that can promote a healthier response to stress (2).

Pure Nootropics has chosen the high-quality, standardized extract of Ashwagandha root present in KSM-66® Ashwagandha to provide the benefits of this traditional herb in a contemporary and accessible form.

KSM-66® Ashwagandha Benefits

 KSM-66® Ashwagandha extract has been clinically tested in humans and has strong evidence to support its benefits (1):

• Mood and stress support (ref)*
• Supports sexual health in males (ref)* and females (ref)*
• Promotes a healthy body weight (ref)*
• Supports cognitive health (ref)*
• May enhance cardiorespiratory fitness (ref)*
• May promote muscle recovery after resistance-training exercise (ref)*

KSM-66® Ashwagandha Mode of Action

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called “Indian ginseng” because of its similar functions to the Ginseng plants and its function as an adaptogen.  However, only plants belonging to the genus Panax which contain ginsenosides are considered true ginsengs (3).

The root of the Ashwagandha plant is the part of the plant commonly used medicinally but the root and leaves can also be utilized topically.  The bioactive chemical constituents include the steroidal lactones of withanolides and withaferins, alkaloids, and saponins.  Other chemical compounds found in the aerial parts of the plant contain withanolide-R and withasomniferin-A (2).

Research in animals (which may not be representative of the effects in the human body) suggest that Ashwagandha creates an anti-stress effect through corticosterone signaling and suppressing glutamate neuron excitations, notably through the withanolide glycosides.  Although it is not fully understood at this time, Ashwagandha appears to protect the animal brain from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.  Withanolides can induce antioxidant activity after ingestion and may also prevent corticosterone (a glucocorticoid) release, creating a neuroprotective effect in animals (4).

Further research in animals (which, again, may not be representative of the effects in the human body)  suggests that Withanolide-A works on the cholinergic system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine).  Ashwagandha may increase serotonin receptor signaling and enhances the signals through GABAa receptors (a subclass of GABA receptors). Ashwagandha’s effects on the adrenergic neurotransmission pathways are also not understood at this time but suggest its involvement in this area (4).

KSM-66® Ashwagandha Capsules

Pure Nootropics’ KSM-66® Ashwagandha Capsules provide 300 mg per capsule.  Suggested use for adults is 1 capsule by mouth up to three times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

 KSM-66® Ashwagandha Capsules Side Effects & Toxicity

The formulation of KSM-66® Ashwagandha involves milk, and this product contains milk constituents (1).

Side effects to Ashwagandha may include gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and vomiting; and rarely, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and burning/itching/discoloration of the skin (5).

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing (5).

The LD50 for Ashwagandha in rats was achieved at a dose of 465 mg/kg; and in mice, a dose of 432 mg/kg (5).

If you are taking thyroid medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha, as it may cause adverse effects (5).

If you are taking benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Klonopin, Dalmane, Xanax, Ativan, Versed, and others) OR barbiturates, anxiolytics, or other sedatives, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha because of its additive effects to sedatives (5).

If you are taking diabetes medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha because of its ability to lower blood sugar and using the medications and Ashwagandha together may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (5).

If you are taking blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives), please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha because of its ability to increase the risk of blood pressure that is too low.  Herbs and supplements that may increase the risk of blood pressure that is too low are casein peptides, andrographis, cat’s claw, fish oil, coenzyme Q-10, lyceum, theanine, stinging nettle and others (5).

If you are taking immunosuppressants, please consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning supplementation with Ashwagandha because of its immunostimulating effects which may counteract immunosuppressive therapy (5).

If you are being treated for a peptic ulcer, avoid Ashwagandha because of its irritating activity on the gastrointestinal tract (5).

If you are having surgery, discontinue use of Ashwagandha for 2 weeks prior, due to its ability to potentiate sedatives (5).

For further information, please see our References Tab above.