The studied extract
Standardized root extract (e.g. KSM-66®, Sensoril®)
Has a steady amount of the active compounds, and it's the type used in research.
Good for: Sleep & stress
What variations of ashwagandha exist?
An adaptogenic herb used to ease stress, support sleep, and steady energy. Studied extracts are standardized for active compounds called withanolides. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The studied extract
Standardized root extract (e.g. KSM-66®, Sensoril®)
Has a steady amount of the active compounds, and it's the type used in research.
Good for: Sleep & stress
Usually skip
- The hit-or-miss powder (Unstandardized root powder)Strength changes from batch to batch.
- The sprinkle blend ('Stress blends' with many herbs at tiny doses)Each herb is often far below the amount that was studied.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Standardized root extract' on the label (the studied extract)
Watch out for
- Blends that hide how much of each herb is inside
- No standardization percentage (the measured amount of active compounds) on the label
Check with your provider first if…
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding: avoid it
- You have a thyroid condition: it may raise thyroid hormone levels
- You have an autoimmune condition, or take sedatives or medicines that calm the immune system
- You have liver concerns (rare liver injury has been reported)
In Dr. Lesher's store
7 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have ashwagandha. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Designs for Health
CatecholaCalm™
Has standardized root extract (the studied extract), good for sleep & stress
33.33 mg per serving
Integrative Therapeutics
Cortisol Manager® Allergen Free
Has standardized root extract (the studied extract), good for sleep & stress
Pure Encapsulations
Daily Calm
Has standardized root extract (the studied extract), good for sleep & stress
300 mg per serving
Vitanica
Cortisol Relief
200 mg per serving
Gaia Herbs Pro
Buy on Fullscript Daytime HPA
DaVinci Labs
Buy on Fullscript Libido
BioPharma Scientific
Buy on Fullscript nanoLEAN®, Natural Berry
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.