Ashwagandha is a plant from the tomato family that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for many hundreds of years.

Also known as “Indian Ginseng”, the roots of this plant have adaptogenic properties that can lessen the effects of stress, improve mood and increase mental function.

Ashwagandha supplements are often taken for sexual health, as energy boosters, to support the immune system and to offer anti-oxidant protection. How do Ashwagandha supplements work?

As investigation into the phytochemical compounds contained within the root of the herb expand, new findings are emerging.

Currently, science has revealed two main types of compounds which result in medicinally beneficial effects. There are 12 steroidal alkaloids found in this plant as well as steroidal lactones, consisting primarily of withanolides.

Although research has identified at least 35 different withanolides in Ashwagandha powder, only 2 are currently seen to have significant benefits and then only in certain quantities.

Ashwagandha Powder Review

There is much discussion regarding how the parts of the plant should be used. Some manufacturers use both root and leaf to make the powder supplement.

The reasoning behind this is that they say both components are necessary to achieve optimum amount of active constituents.

Others say that only the root should be used in internal treatments and that this is the part that has the higher quantity of active compounds. In general, most dietary supplements sold today will only contain extracts from the root of the plant.

Ashwagandha extract is said to provide relief from the harmful effects of stress and anxiety. This supplement is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body to adapt and to maintain homeostasis or balance.

Stress can come from a number of different sources, including mental stress and environmental stress. It can come from a lack of sleep, illness, diminished immune system functioning, toxins, changes in the weather and many more conditions.

Ashwagandha is believed to help our bodies deal with stress by supporting increased energy levels and improved resistance to illness.

User reviews of Ashwagandha often say that it helps them to overcome fatigue, keep their minds sharp and helps to eliminate feelings of depression, irritability and anxiousness. Reports suggest that it can promote focus, memory, better quality sleep, and make them better capable of dealing with tension and changing situations.

Ashwagandha has been proven in human clinical trials to reduce levels of the hormone Cortisol, which is a major sign of high stress levels. Cortisol can have negative effects on the body when levels are chronically elevated, including weight gain and reduced immunity.

KSM 66 by Ixoreal Biomed advertises itself as the “World’s Best Ashwagandha”.

The company says that in early medicine, only the root would have been used. They provided research data for their product which is extract made from the root only.

KSM 66 is said to reduce anxiety, maintains testosterone levels and has sports nutrition benefits. It also claims to have the highest concentration of withanolides at over 5%.

The supplement is now sold in 500mg capsules under the name Ashwagandha Gold by Nutrigold. Average dose cost is $0.21.

Sensoril by NutraGenesis is another brand of Ashwagandha supplement that uses both root and leaf to provide the extract. The manufacturer claims that the supplement powder with optimal potency is one which contains a higher level of withanolides.

Their product underwent trials which established that the Sensoril extract could reduce anxiety levels by up to 50%. The product is now marketing directly relating to its anti-anxiety properties. The 250mg capsules cost around $12.60 for 60, which works out at $0.21 per dose.

Jarrows Formulas sell Ashwagandha 225mg capsules. For 120 capsules the cost is between $14-16. Interestingly, the ingredient label states that the Ashwagandha in their product is Sensoril extract. This would average out at just over $0.12 per dose, which is less than the Sensoril product itself.

Buying Ashwagandha Powdered Extract

Ashwagandha powered extract can be easily purchased on-line and in many herbalist or health stores. It is also provided in a variety of forms including tablets, loose powered extract, capsules, tinctures, syrup, tonics or tea-bags.

The powder is generally much cheaper to purchase than encapsulated supplements and prices will be lower when purchasing bulk quantities. However, the capsules are generally viewed as more convenient for dosing purposes and less likely to result in errors that cause the user to accidentally take too much.

As a comparison, Planet Herbals provide 60 tablets at 570mg, working out at approximately $0.09 per dose.

Starwest Botanicals sell a 1lb (0.56kg) pouch of loose extract powder for around $20. This amounts to a cost of approximately $0.02 per 570mg dosage.

They suggest this can be infused as a tea by pouring boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the supplement and allowing it to steep for 5 minutes. Reviewers also suggest a spoonful may be added to hot milk at bedtime.

Sometimes ashwagandha supplements can be sold under other names. Withania somnifera is the botanical name but it is also known as King of Ayurveda, Indian Ginseng, or Indian Winter Cherry.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment