Ashwagandha
Snapshot Top Picks Comparison Buying Guide FAQ
Adaptogens
Fat-soluble

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety and supports cognitive function.

Snapshot Top Picks Comparison Buying Guide FAQ

Snapshot

Primary Goal

Reduce stress and anxiety while supporting resilience to physical and mental stressors

Dosage Range

300-600 mg of root extract (standardized to 5-10% withanolides) daily

Best Time to Take

Morning for energy; evening for sleep support (varies by individual)

Time to Effect

2-4 weeks for noticeable stress reduction; 8-12 weeks for full benefits

Common Stacks

Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil, Magnesium, L-Theanine

Intake Notes

Can be taken with or without food; may cause drowsiness in some individuals

Top Picks

1
Ashwagandha KSM-66
AK
Capsule 300 mg (5% withanolides)
9.8 /10

Ashwagandha KSM-66

Jarrow Formulas
$19.95
Who it's for
Those seeking a premium, clinically-studied ashwagandha extract
Why we picked it
Uses the gold-standard KSM-66® extract with extensive clinical research
Buy Now
2
Ashwagandha Root
AR
Liquid Phyto-Caps 350 mg
9.6 /10

Ashwagandha Root

Gaia Herbs
$29.99
Who it's for
Those preferring liquid extracts and whole-herb preparations
Why we picked it
Uses proprietary extraction process to preserve full spectrum of plant compounds
Buy Now
3
Ashwagandha Gold
AG
Capsule 650 mg (standardized to 5% withanolides)
9.5 /10

Ashwagandha Gold

Nutrigold
$24.99
Who it's for
Health-conscious consumers seeking organic certification and rigorous quality
Why we picked it
Exceptional transparency with third-party testing and organic certification
Buy Now

Top 10 Comparison Table

RankProduct
NootroScore™
Key FeaturesPricingActions
1
Ashwagandha KSM-66
AK
Ashwagandha KSM-66
Jarrow Formulas
300 mg (5% withanolides)
Capsule
9.8
Contains clinically-studied KSM-66®Full-spectrum root extractCertified organic
$19.95
120 servings
$0.17 per serving
Buy
2
Ashwagandha Root
AR
Ashwagandha Root
Gaia Herbs
350 mg
Liquid Phyto-Caps
9.6
Helps body copeSupports energy andPromotes overall wellness
$29.99
60 servings
$0.50 per serving
Buy
3
Ashwagandha Gold
AG
Ashwagandha Gold
Nutrigold
650 mg (standardized to 5% withanolides)
Capsule
9.5
USDA organic KSM-66®Supports stress responsePromotes restful sleep
$24.99
90 servings
$0.28 per serving
Buy
4
Sensoril® Ashwagandha
SA
Sensoril® Ashwagandha
Nootropics Depot
125 mg (10% withanolides)
Capsule
9.3
Uses Sensoril®a potent extractPromotes relaxation
$19.99
60 servings
$0.33 per serving
Buy
5
Ashwagandha Extract
AE
Ashwagandha Extract
NOW Foods
450 mg
Capsule
9.0
Standardized extract withSupports nervous systemPromotes physical and
$14.99
90 servings
$0.17 per serving
Buy
6
Optimized Ashwagandha Extract
OA
Optimized Ashwagandha Extract
Life Extension
125 mg Sensoril®
Capsule
8.9
Contains Sensoril® extractHelps maintain mentalSupports stress response
$22.50
60 servings
$0.38 per serving
Buy
7
Ashwagandha
A
Ashwagandha
Organic India
800 mg
Capsule
8.8
Whole herb powderPromotes resilience toSupports energy and
$16.99
90 servings
$0.19 per serving
Buy
8
Ashwagandha
A
Ashwagandha
Youtheory
1,000 mg (KSM-66®)
Tablet
8.7
High-potency formula with000 mg KSM-66®Supports stress management
$19.99
60 servings
$0.33 per serving
Buy
9
Organic Ashwagandha
OA
Organic Ashwagandha
Himalaya
670 mg
Caplet
8.6
Vertically integrated fromSupports energy andPromotes mental well-being
$13.95
60 servings
$0.23 per serving
Buy
10
Ashwagandha Standardized Extract
AS
Ashwagandha Standardized Extract
Nature's Way
500 mg
Capsule
8.5
Budget-friendly standardized extractSupports stress managementPromotes physical endurance
$11.99
60 servings
$0.20 per serving
Buy

Buying Guide

Why It Matters

Ashwagandha is one of the few adaptogens with substantial clinical research backing its stress-reducing properties. Modern life's chronic stressors can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impact virtually every bodily system. By helping regulate the body's stress response, ashwagandha may improve mental clarity, physical performance, immune function, and overall quality of life.

Who Needs It

High-Stress Individuals

Those experiencing chronic stress, burnout, or anxiety may benefit from ashwagandha's cortisol-lowering effects and nervous system support.

Poor Sleepers

People with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns often experience improved sleep quality and reduced sleep onset time with ashwagandha.

Athletes & Active People

Research shows ashwagandha may enhance recovery, increase strength, and improve cardiovascular endurance during training.

How to Take It

Timing

Effects can vary between individuals. Some find ashwagandha energizing and prefer morning dosing, while others experience relaxation and improved sleep with evening dosing. Consider splitting the dose if taking twice daily.

Absorption

Taking with a meal containing healthy fats improves absorption. Some high-quality ashwagandha extracts include black pepper extract (piperine) to enhance bioavailability.

Cycles

While continuous use is generally well-tolerated, some practitioners recommend cycling (e.g., 6-8 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off) to prevent adaptation, though evidence for this necessity is limited.

Pro Tip: Keep a stress journal to track your progress. Benefits appear gradually, and documenting changes helps identify improvements.

What to Avoid

Unstandardized Products

Look for extracts standardized to a specific percentage of withanolides (typically 5-10%), which are considered the primary active compounds. Unstandardized products may have inconsistent potency.

Proprietary Blends

Some supplements include ashwagandha in proprietary adaptogen blends without disclosing specific amounts. These typically contain inadequate doses for clinical effectiveness.

Root-Only Focus

While withanolides are important, full-spectrum extracts that maintain the natural ratio of compounds may provide more balanced benefits than products focusing only on maximizing withanolide content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between different forms of ashwagandha?

  • Root extract most common (KSM-66®: 5% withanolides)
  • Sensoril®: more concentrated, 10% withanolides
  • Traditional forms: whole root powder (1-2g) and ashwagandha churna
  • Standardized extracts recommended for evidence-based benefits

How does ashwagandha compare to other adaptogens?

  • Ashwagandha: calming, supports sleep, hormone balance
  • Rhodiola: more stimulating, enhances physical performance
  • Holy basil: stronger anti-inflammatory properties
  • Eleuthero: focuses on energy and immune support

Can ashwagandha help with thyroid issues?

  • May support healthy thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroidism
  • Can increase T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels while normalizing TSH
  • Use caution if you have hyperthyroidism
  • Consult healthcare provider before supplementing

Is ashwagandha safe for long-term use?

  • Generally well-tolerated for periods up to 12 months
  • Some practitioners recommend cycling (6-8 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
  • Long-term safety studies beyond one year are limited
  • Consult healthcare provider if you have existing health conditions