Description
You may have heard of Ashwagandha before; it is quickly becoming one of the most well-known herbs world-wide for its potent and proven abilities to increase the body’s resistance to stress, increase energy and much more. What most people do not know; however, is that not all Ashwagandha is created equally, and therefore may not provide its proclaimed benefits.
Ashwagandha is the name used in Ayurvedic medicine, which in Sanskrit loosely translates to “smell and strength of a horse”, alluding to its effects on strength and vitality. However, this rejuvenating herb goes by a few different titles. Its scientific or species name is withania somnifera, which in latin, somnifera, means “sleep-inducing” and withania means shrub, pointing to its relaxing, anti-stress properties. The herb also has its common names, “Indian Winter cherry” and “Indian Ginseng”.
Each of these names points out a different feature, potential function or utility of the herb, but these are not guaranteed. First off, how and where an herb is grown will have a big impact on its quality, which is why choosing ashwagandha that is grown organically is key. However, what really determines the true potential and capability of an ashwagandha plant is its preparation. In order to utilize the therapeutic benefits that a medicinal plant possesses comes down to how it is prepared.
Not All Ashwagandha is Created Equally
Ashwagandha, like many other medicinal botanicals, are typically not therapeutic or even completely non-toxic in their raw state. In order to make the medicinal constituents in ashwagandha bioavailable, and to be rendered non-toxic, it has to be processed in a very particular way.
The Ashwagandha plant is a member of the nightshade or solanacea family. And like other nightshades, in its raw state, it contains anti-nutrients like lectins and oxalates. Typically, a healthy liver can process some of these anti-nutrients, but regular consumption of them, or in high doses, can cause harm. Oxalates for example can bind with calcium in the blood and crystallize, forming liver and urinary stones. Some lectins may have beneficial effects in the short term, stimulating the secretion of immunoglobins IgA and IgG, On the short term, this can have beneficial effects, such as in the case of using the herbs Echinacea or certain extracts of Ashwagandha. On the other hand, some lectins cause the loss of gut epithelial cells, damage the gut lining, interfere with nutrient digestion and absorption, and overstimulate the immune system.
In order to get around these potential issues with the Ashwagandha plant, there are a few basic preparation methods commonly used; alcohol extractions and hot water decoctions (teas). While these methods are generally effective and fine, reducing the levels of plant toxins, while activating some of the therapeutic agents, they are crude and may result in varying concentrations of active ingredients. There is a superior way to extract ashwagandha; however, an ancient method that results in a very high-potency, incredibly pure and beneficial final product.
THE KSM66© DIFFERENCE
KSM66 Ashwagandha© is a trademarked preparation method of Ashwagandha. It utilizes ancient preparation techniques that bring about an extract of Ashwagandha with the most optimal ratios of the star constituents known as witholanides.
Specifically speaking, authentic KSM-66 features a milk extraction process that involves pre-treating the Ashwagandha roots with milk. This step of processing is consistent with ancient methods described by traditional Ayurvedic practices and related sacred texts.
The company that patented KSM66 has taken this traditional technique and refined the process with the use of state of the art technologies, which greatly enhance the ratios and concentration of the withanolides that give ashwagandha its famous health benefits. It also results a very pure and safe form of ashwagandha, unlike some others, which can have a higher concentration of potentially toxic withanolides. In short, the unique processing methodologies of KSM66 make it a superior ashwagandha extract.
Here are a few of the main reasons you may want to choose KSM66 over other ashwagandha extracts:
- KSM-66 is one of the highest concentration, full-spectrum, bio-available ashwagandha extract on the market.
- KSM-66 has the most extensive collection of research studies and clinical trials over all other ashwagandha extracts. Most of ashwagandha’s famous benefits have only been clinically proven using KSM66.
- KSM-66 has the highest percentage of withanolides of all branded root-only extracts available today.
- KSM66 ashwagandha is the only ashwagandha manufacturer in the world with its own farms, production facilities, testing laboratories, research center and distribution, covering all basis of product control.
- KSM-66 has won multiple awards and has the highest number of certifications as a botanical “medicine”.
- KSM-66 goes through the most extensive inspections and safety assessments in industry. It is GMP certified according to (USP, NSF, NPA-UL, WHO) It is 100% USDA Organic, Non-GMO (Non-GMO Project Verified), Gluten Free (by GFCO), BSCG-drug free, Kosher, Halal, HACCP and more.
- KSM-66 has a pleasant neutral taste, almost malty in taste. Most other ashwagandha has a off-putting scent, and is bitter in taste.
- KSM-66 has negligible levels of the cytotoxic withanolide, Withaferin A. Not many people realize that ashwagandha’s only recorded negative side effects are due to taking extremely high doses, of improperly prepared ashwagandha that is high in the cytotoxic withaferin A. This is not a concern with KSM66.
- KSM-66 is a very clean, non-toxic extract that does not use alcohol or any synthetic solvents.
- KSM-66 is GRAS Affirmed, Vegetarian, Safe and Shelf-stable.
KSM66 Health Benefits
Stress Reduction: Perhaps ashwagandha’s number one benefit, is its ability to act as an adaptogen, reducing stress. According to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study utilizing KSM66 Ashwagandha, it was found to reduce stress and anxiety in adults. This was determined over 60 days by measuring serum cortisol levels, which were substantially reduced in those taking Ashwagandha, relative to a placebo group. 1
Thyroid Balancing: The most sought-after benefit of Ashwagandha by our community is its effects on thyroid function. Ashwagandha has been historical prescribed for thyroid imbalances, and modern science verifies its efficacy. In one study done on subclinical hypothyroid patients, treatment of KSM66 ashwagandha at 600 mg daily for 8-weeks found it to effectively normaliz serum thyroid hormone levels, including TSH, T3, and T4. 2
Increases Progesterone: In a study done on sexual addicted mice, ashwagandha extract was found to significantly increase progesterone levels. In another study done on diabetic rats, ashwagandha supplementation was found to also increase progesterone. 3 4
Stress-induced Weight Gain: In study 300 mg of KSM-66 Ashwagandha, twice daily has been shown to cause a significant reduction in “perceived stress”, “emotional eating behavior” and weight gain in 4-8 weeks. Additionally, a statistically significant decrease of 22.2% was observed in serum cortisol level (a stress hormone that can suppress metabolism and cause anxiety and weight gain). KSM-66 Ashwagandha supplementation also resulted in a 3.0% and 2.9% reduction in bodyweight, respectively. It also reduced test scores for ‘Uncontrolled’ and ‘Emotional Eating behavior’ compared to a placebo group. 5
Fertility & Sexual Function: A number of studies have demonstrated the pro-fertility effects of KSM66. For example, in females, KSM66 supplementation can result in greater sexual “arousal”, “lubrication”, “orgasm” and “satisfaction”. These benefits are likely due to its effect on progesterone, testosterone, prolactin and estrogen. In studies done on healthy men and men facing infertility, supplementing with KSM66 resulted in a 167% increase in sperm count, 53% increase in semen volume, and 57% increase in sperm motility on day 90 from baseline. Furthermore, the studies show a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum testosterone levels and a reduction in prolactin with treatment of KSM66 compared to placebo. 6 7
Additional, proven benefits of KSM66 include:
- Anti-Aging
- Improved Memory/Cognition
- Extended life span
- Improved General Health in elderly and stressed
- Increased athletic performance and cardiovascular health
Tips on Dosage and Use
If you read the listed health benefits, most of the studies find that a dose range between 600-3000 mg can achieved Ashwagandha’s known benefits. 600 mg appears often in most case studies, and taken 1-3 times a day, anywhere between 30-90 days.
For most precise results, measure the KSM66 using a milligram scale. You can also use tsp. measurements. Although not exact, 1 tsp equates to roughly 1303 mg. Relying on teaspoon. measurements will not be very precise though as the density and volume of the product will determine the exact weight, and this is hard to get exact using a teaspoon.
Dose Recommendation: For general use and ease, 1/4 tsp ≈ 600 mg
Use Recommendation: Mix directly into water, coffee, smoothies or your choice of beverage.
Ingredients: 100% Organic, KSM66 Ashwagandha Extract by Ixoreal Biomed.
contains 5% Withanolides (HPLC measured), <1% Withaferin A (Guaranteed)
Servings Per Bag: each bag contains 106, 600mg servings. Studies show 600 mg 1-2 times daily to be effective for most desired benefits. If taken twice daily, each 2.3 oz jar (64g) contains 95 servings.
