What is the best ashwagandha supplement?

Ashwagandha products vary by plant part, extraction method, withanolide concentration, daily dose, and additional ingredients. KSM-66 is generally described as a standardized root extract, while Sensoril uses a standardized root-and-leaf extract. These branded ingredients appear in products sold by multiple supplement companies and should not be treated as individual consumer brands.

A reliable product should disclose:
• The botanical name Withania somnifera
• Whether the extract comes from root, leaf, or both
• Extract ratio or standardized withanolide content
• Quantity per serving
• Identity, heavy-metal, pesticide, and microbiological testing
• Excipients and allergen information
• Batch number and expiration date

Thorne, Life Extension, NOW Foods, Gaia Herbs, and Garden of Life offer commonly compared ashwagandha products. AdvaCare Pharma also produces AdvaLife™ ashwagandha capsules and gummies for commercial distribution.

Evidence suggests that certain ashwagandha preparations may help with perceived stress or sleep over short periods, but studies use different extracts and doses. Safety data for long-term continuous use remain limited. Ashwagandha may cause gastrointestinal effects or drowsiness, has been associated with rare liver injury, and is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may also interact with thyroid, diabetes, blood-pressure, sedative, and immunosuppressive medicines.