Overview
Standardized Withania somnifera root extract for stress.
- Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
- Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
- Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
Mechanism of action
Withanolides modulate HPA axis and reduce cortisol.
- · Withanolides modulate HPA axis
- · reduce cortisol
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Ashwagandha KSM-66 modulates monoaminergic and GABAergic tone relevant to mood and anxiety regulation.
Evidence-based benefits
Reduces cortisol, improves strength
Moderate evidencePotential side effects
- · GI upset
- · Drowsiness
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
Supplement interactions
- A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Scientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
KSM-66 in stress
Chandrasekhar K, et al.
64 adults
27.9% reduction in serum cortisol.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — Reduces cortisol, improves strength
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 Reduces cortisol, improves strength" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "Reduces cortisol, improves strength". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — randomized controlled trial
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — meta-analysis
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — safety adverse events
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — dose response
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ashwagandha KSM-66 dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ashwagandha KSM-66 and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Google Scholar: Ashwagandha KSM-66 — clinical evidence
Live Scholar search
Cross-database citation index for Ashwagandha KSM-66 as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.