Ashwagandha

Is Ashwagandha dangerous?

No, high quality pure ashwagandha extracts such as KSM-66® are not dangerous. KSM-66® Ashwagandha entered the market in 2011 after a whopping 14 years of R&D (research and development) by Ixoreal. This full-spectrum ashwagandha extract comes entirely from the ashwagandha root and is very safe.

This KSM-66® Ashwagandha extract has very many users worldwide precisely because it is so safe. It is:

• 100% derived from the ashwagandha root
• Full-spectrum extract with natural proportions
• Extracted without alcohol or synthetic solvents
• Totally free of heavy metals and other contaminants
• Successfully used in24 "gold standard" clinical trials (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials)
• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS status)
• The herbal extract with the largest number of certifications
• Organic
• Non-GMO

Warning RIVM / Lareb

The RIVM warns that as a precaution one better not use ashwagandha supplements. This is based on nine cases worldwide of completely reversible liver damage in the past 23 years.

There are several tens of millions of people who use ashwagandha supplements, plus many who use it as part of Ayurvedic medicine. Nine cases of liver problems out of such a huge number of users is exceedingly low.

In addition to this, these nine patients made a full recovery.

And as if that weren't enough in ashwagandha's favor: in most of these nine cases, it is completely unclear whether the liver damage was due to ashwagandha or something else.

The Lareb (adverse reaction center / National registry evaluation for side effects) itself also indicates that the liver damage in the four patients may have been the result of something else: "Sometimes it is possible that the herbs have been switched or that they contain herbs that are not on the label. Sometimes the product may be contaminated. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the liver damage in the reports may have been caused by something else in the product." (source: Lareb)

Many low-quality supplements contain contaminated ingredients and sometimes even entirely different herbs and/or banned drugs. In the past, it has often occurred that health problems that appeared to be the result of supplement use were caused by ingredients that were present in the supplement, but were not listed on the label.

There are manufacturers who do this to increase the effectiveness of their "supplements" illegally. Not only is this illegal, but it can be very dangerous to the user.

Therefore, do not buy just any (cheap) ashwagandha supplement. Ensure yourself that you are buying a high quality and traceable ashwagandha extract such as KSM-66®

Buy the Best Ashwagandha

The two best full-spectrum ashwagandha extracts are KSM-66® and Sensoril®. Of these two, KSM-66® is backed by the most research.

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

Broad-spectrum herbal extracts are often more effective than herbal extracts that contain only a few active ingredients without the rest of the herb's compounds. And it also greatly reduces the risk of side effects.

Two high quality broad-spectrum Ashwagandha extracts with also very good customer experiences are KSM-66® and Sensoril®.

KSM-66®

KSM-66® is the only broad-spectrum ashwagandha root extract with a high concentration of withanolides. The goal of manufacturer Ixoreal Biomed was to create an ashwagandha extract with a high concentration of active withanolides, but in the ratio as originally present 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 on (glyco)withanolides and oligosaccharides.

Sensoril® is a high-quality ashwagandha extract, but because less research has been done on the effects of ashwagandha leaf than root, we recommend always starting with KSM-66®. Although there are those who benefit more from Sensoril®, we hear more positive experiences from customers about KSM-66®.

Mechanism of action

Ashwagandha provides energy and is widely used for stress. It helps balance the body and is good for the mood. In addition, it also has a good effect on the heart, on the development of muscle mass and on libido.*

* EC approval health claim(s) pending.

Ashwagandha experiences

Ashwagandha is a botanical supplement that provides long-lasting effects that are noticeable in the somewhat long-term. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks before the full effects are noticeable. However, many people experience effects within just a few days.

Is Ashwagandha safe for long-term use?

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

Side effects

There are no side effects associated with the use of Ashwagandha. However, it is not wise to use it during pregnancy and/or lactation.

Does Ashwagandha have interactions with medications?

Do not use Ashwagandha in combination with drugs that affect brain function (sleep medications and/or antidepressants).

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.

Use together with Ashwagandha

The supplements below are often used together with Ashwagandha for their effects:

• L-Theanine
• Rhodiola
• Ginseng
• CBD oil
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B complex
• GABA

Updated: March 7, 2024