Beautiful Plants For Your Interior
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
Withania somnifera
One of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine — used for over 3,000 years as a Rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) for vitality, strength, and longevity. Ashwagandha is now one of the most clinically studied adaptogens in the world — with robust human trial evidence supporting its ability to reduce cortisol, combat stress, improve sleep, support testosterone, and enhance cognitive function.
What Is It?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small evergreen shrub native to India, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. Its name means "smell of horse" in Sanskrit — referring both to its strong aroma and its traditional use for imparting horse-like strength and vitality.
The root is the primary medicinal part, containing a unique group of steroidal lactones called withanolides — particularly withaferin A and withanolide D — that are responsible for most of its adaptogenic and pharmacological activity.
KSM-66 is the most clinically studied branded ashwagandha extract — a full-spectrum root extract standardized to 5% withanolides using a proprietary green chemistry process that preserves the complete natural root compound profile.
The root is the primary medicinal part, containing a unique group of steroidal lactones called withanolides — particularly withaferin A and withanolide D — that are responsible for most of its adaptogenic and pharmacological activity.
KSM-66 is the most clinically studied branded ashwagandha extract — a full-spectrum root extract standardized to 5% withanolides using a proprietary green chemistry process that preserves the complete natural root compound profile.
How It Works
Ashwagandha's adaptogenic benefits operate through multiple interrelated pathways:
- HPA axis regulation — directly modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's central stress response system, reducing the cortisol output associated with chronic stress
- Cortisol reduction — withanolides inhibit the enzymes involved in cortisol synthesis and reduce the sensitivity of cortisol receptors, lowering baseline stress hormone levels
- GABA mimicry — some withanolides bind to GABA-A receptors, producing calming effects that reduce anxiety without causing sedation
- Thyroid support — supports T3 and T4 thyroid hormone production, contributing to improved energy and metabolic function
- Testosterone and reproductive hormones — clinical studies show significant increases in testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone) in men, supporting vitality and muscle recovery
- Neuroprotection — promotes dendrite and axon growth in neurons and protects against beta-amyloid accumulation associated with cognitive decline
- HPA axis regulation — directly modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's central stress response system, reducing the cortisol output associated with chronic stress
- Cortisol reduction — withanolides inhibit the enzymes involved in cortisol synthesis and reduce the sensitivity of cortisol receptors, lowering baseline stress hormone levels
- GABA mimicry — some withanolides bind to GABA-A receptors, producing calming effects that reduce anxiety without causing sedation
- Thyroid support — supports T3 and T4 thyroid hormone production, contributing to improved energy and metabolic function
- Testosterone and reproductive hormones — clinical studies show significant increases in testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone) in men, supporting vitality and muscle recovery
- Neuroprotection — promotes dendrite and axon growth in neurons and protects against beta-amyloid accumulation associated with cognitive decline
Side Effects & Considerations
Ashwagandha has been used safely for thousands of years with a strong modern clinical safety record:
- Well tolerated by most people at standard doses
- May cause mild digestive upset — take with food to minimize
- Thyroid-stimulating effects — those with hyperthyroidism or on thyroid medications should consult their doctor
- May interact with immunosuppressant and sedative medications
- Contraindicated during pregnancy — traditional use suggests abortifacient properties at high doses
- Those with autoimmune conditions should use caution and consult a healthcare provider
- May lower blood sugar — monitor if on diabetes medications
- Rare cases of liver injury reported at very high doses — stick to recommended amounts
Typical Dosage Range
300mg – 600mg daily
Most clinical studies use 300-600mg of KSM-66 or equivalent standardized extract daily — typically divided into morning and evening doses.
The 300mg dose in Troomy Recovery provides meaningful adaptogenic support. For stress and
cortisol reduction, allow 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use to experience full benefits.
Can be taken with food to minimize any digestive effects.
Evening dosing may enhance sleep quality due to cortisol-lowering effects.
Research Notes
- Chandrasekhar et al. (2012) — Gold-standard double-blind RCT published in the Indian Journal of
Psychological Medicine found KSM-66 ashwagandha significantly reduced serum cortisol by 27.9%
and stress scores by 44% compared to placebo over 60 days.
- Wankhede et al. (2015) — Published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, found
KSM-66 supplementation significantly increased muscle strength, size, and recovery while reducing
exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Pratte et al. (2014) — Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, demonstrated
significant improvements in stress, anxiety, and overall wellbeing with ashwagandha root extract over 8 weeks.
- Choudhary et al. (2017) — Randomized double-blind trial in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved memory, cognitive function, and information processing speed in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Psychological Medicine found KSM-66 ashwagandha significantly reduced serum cortisol by 27.9%
and stress scores by 44% compared to placebo over 60 days.
- Wankhede et al. (2015) — Published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, found
KSM-66 supplementation significantly increased muscle strength, size, and recovery while reducing
exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Pratte et al. (2014) — Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, demonstrated
significant improvements in stress, anxiety, and overall wellbeing with ashwagandha root extract over 8 weeks.
- Choudhary et al. (2017) — Randomized double-blind trial in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found ashwagandha supplementation significantly improved memory, cognitive function, and information processing speed in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.