Ashwagandha – a botanical with broad-spectrum health benefits

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most treasured botanicals in Ayurveda, India’s ancient medical system. This adaptogenic botanical, often referred to as the “Prince of Herbs,” is considered a flagship botanical of Ayurvedic medicine, boasting a broad range of therapeutic benefits.

Numerous studies support its use for cognitive function, stress, muscle strength, endurance and recovery, glucose metabolism, hormone balance, sleep, sexual function, and thyroid health.*

Although the best ashwagandha extracts are often sought for their withanolide content, the plant contains a complex array of phytochemical components beyond withanolides, with the highest phytochemical concentration being found in the ashwagandha roots. It is the synergistic effect attributable to this diverse set of active compounds that is believed to contribute to ashwagandha’s multiple therapeutic properties.

The problem: adulteration

As consumer awareness of ashwagandha and its many benefits increases, so does demand on ashwagandha suppliers, creating pressure for increased cultivation. As cultivators and ashwagandha suppliers struggle to meet the growing demand for ashwagandha, the problem of economic adulteration becomes a growing concern.

Although it is difficult to know what portion of ashwagandha on the market is adulterated, reports continue to surface that validate this concern.1

Much of the adulteration comes as a result of non-root parts (stems and flowering parts) being added to the roots, with no standardization of bioactives with which to determine and confirm the quality of the material. Although the roots typically contain the highest concentration of withanolides, these bioactives can also be found in the plant’s other parts, but to a potentially lesser degree. Hence, when a blend of plant parts is used in a preparation, it is imperative that the extract be standardized to contain a certain amount of the bioactive compounds – in this case withanolides.   

Because much of the research has been done using pure root extracts, the addition of aerial parts that naturally contain far less of these beneficial compounds can diminish the potential health benefits, unless the extract is standardized to ensure a particular percent of the desired active compounds. Otherwise, the consumer receives fewer benefits at the same price, with cultivators and producers making more profit at the consumer’s expense. 

The solution: Know your supplier

Finding a reputable ashwagandha supplier is essential. That’s where Thorne comes in. Thorne cares deeply about where its ingredients come from. Thorne takes no shortcuts – we source only the highest quality ingredients, while simultaneously taking steps to protect the environment.

We partner only with suppliers whose practices emphasize quality, science, and sustainability. We look for either all-root extracts or extracts that have been standardized.

Shoden® ashwagandha is a key ingredient in Thorne's Advanced Testosterone Support formula, selected for its ability to support healthy testosterone levels in men,* as demonstrated by clinical studies. 

Shoden ashwagandha stands out as a premium form of Withania somnifera, offering several unique advantages over other ashwagandha extracts. One of the key benefits of Shoden is its high bioavailability. Through a specialized extraction process, Shoden delivers a higher concentration of withanolides – an industry-leading 35% withanolide glycosides, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This enhanced bioavailability allows for better absorption and more efficient utilization by the body, ensuring that users receive the maximum potential benefit at a lower dose, compared to other ashwagandha extracts preparations.

Several studies have explored the potential of Shoden to support testosterone levels in men.* In a clinical trial published in 2019 in the American Journal of Men’s Health, men who supplemented with Shoden experienced improvements in testosterone levels and overall vitality.2 

One of the mechanisms behind this effect is Shoden's ability to help manage stress by supporting a healthy cortisol response.* Elevated cortisol, often linked to chronic stress, can interfere with the body’s natural production of testosterone. By promoting a balanced cortisol response, Shoden helps create an optimal environment for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.*

KSM-66®, the form of ashwagandha used in three of Thorne’s encapsulated supplements, is a full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract developed by Ixoreal Biomed.3 According to Ixoreal Biomed, it contains the highest concentration of withanolides of all major “root only” extracts available on the market today, in addition to a wide array of synergistic compounds,

Where other extracts might contain as little as 1.5% withanolides, KSM-66 contains more than a 5% concentration of withanolides, as measured by HPLC. 

Ixoreal Biomed is the world’s only major supplier of ashwagandha to own the entire supply chain – from farm to pharmacy. KSM-66 is produced using a proprietary extraction process, based on “green chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or other chemical solvents. That means no hidden substances. Green chemistry principles are non-polluting and require the least number of resources and amount of energy, while simultaneously generating minimal or no waste. 

Among other certifications, KSM-66 and its manufacturing are USDA-certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Its benefits have been validated in 24 human trials – all randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies.

KSM-66 is an ingredient in Thorne’s Memoractiv, to support mental focus; in Thyrocsin, for healthy thyroid function; and in Stress Balance, to promote the body’s response to everyday stressors.* 

NooGandha® from Specnova is the form of ashwagandha used in Thorne’s Daily Greens Plus. This ashwagandha preparation is extracted via a patented process to accentuate not just its withanolide content but also other key botanical compounds, such as alkaloids and saponins, that have nootropic and cognitive benefits.* A double-blind study found 225 mg and 400 mg of NooGandha balanced cortisol levels and reduced anxious feelings, perceived stress, and food cravings.4 In another study, acute dosing of NooGandha in healthy volunteers resulted in improved sustained attention and short-term working memory.5

NooGandha provides 3.5% withanolides, as measured by HPLC. NooGandha is non-GMO and is delivered without excipients or fillers.

The bottom line

Better ingredients mean better potency, absorption, and digestibility – and ultimately better health and wellness. It’s all about making sure you can trust who makes your supplements. And at Thorne we take clinical validation very seriously. Thus, we have chosen different forms of ashwagandha based on the supportive research on each and it intended use in a supplement.

Thorne is dedicated to building trust with customers like you – through high-quality, safe, and effective nutritional supplements to ensure those who choose Thorne will choose Thorne for a lifetime.

References

  1. Singh V, Mundkinajeddu D, Agarwal A, et al. Adulteration of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots and extracts. Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin. Austin, TX: ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program; 2018. (researchgate.net) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343862896_Adulteration_of_Ashwagandha_Withania_somnifera_Roots_and_Extracts [Accessed January 27,2025] 
  2. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. Am J Men’s Health. 2019;13(2): 1557988319835985.
  3. Ashwagandha: KSM-66 – The highest concentration, highly bioavailable, full spectrum root extract http://ksm66ashwagandhaa.com/ [Accessed January 27, 2025]
  4. Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, et al. Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult's cognition and mood. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2021;13(2):100510. 
  5. Xing D, Yoo C, Gonzalez D, et al. Effects of acute ashwagandha ingestion on cognitive function. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(19):11852.