KSM-66® is a specialised extract of Withania somnifera, more commonly known as ‘Ashwagandha’. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has become a staple herb, theorised to help the body resist physiological and psychological stress. Even the very name of the herb (“ashwa” for horse and “gandha” for smell) is owing to the root which smells like a horse, according to Ayurveda texts. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that the specific form of Ashwagandha known as KSM-66® might be beneficial for relief of mild anxiety and stress. In one prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the stress-relieving effect of Ashwagandha root extract was investigated in 60 stressed healthy adults. Study participants took KSM-66® capsules at doses of 125 mg or 300 mg twice per day for eight weeks, or placebo. The study found that KSM-66® taken at a total daily dose of 250mg or 600 mg resulted in statistically significant improvements in sleep quality and reductions in perceived stress scores.1
The producer of KSM-66® is the only ashwagandha manufacturer in the world with its own farms, production facilities, testing laboratories, research centre and distribution. This means that all phases of production can be overseen to ensure extensive safety assessments and maintain high quality and a price advantage. As a result, KSM-66® is the botanical with the highest number of certifications. KSM-66® and its manufacturing have gone through the most extensive inspections and safety assessments in the industry for the labels of 100% USDA Organic, Non-GMO (Non-GMO Project Verified), Gluten Free (by GFCO), Kosher and several others. For several of the factors listed above, KSM-66® was awarded the Sports Nutrition Ingredient of the year, by The NutraIngredients Asia 2018, the recipient of “SFE-Herbal Industry Leader Award” 2016, Frost & Sullivan 2014 “Product Innovation in Botanicals” award, “Best Botanical Ingredient” award for 2013 at Natural Products Expo West and “Innovative Ingredient of the Year” award for 2012 at Panacea.
Great disparities exist between the active ingredients in herbal supplements on the market. KSM66® is the highest concentration, most bioavailable full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract on the market today, retaining all the natural constituents of the herb in the original balance. Some manufacturers of ashwagandha use the plant’s leaves instead of just the root, however KSM-66® uses ONLY the roots with no addition of leaves. This is because, for maximum clinical effectiveness, the ashwagandha extract is conceptualised primarily as a root extract, not only in ayurveda textbooks, but also in the standard references. If a herb has been selected for use in a nutraceutical product to have a certain effect it is important that it has been standardised to ensure it contains a therapeutic level of active ingredients. Withanolides are one of the major biologically active components of Ashwagandha which are believed to be involved in the majority of biological functions of Ashwagandha. KSM-66® has the highest percentage of withanolides of all branded root-only extracts available today, with more than 5% concentration of withanolides as measured by HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography). This is achieved using a first-of-its-kind, unique extraction process, based on “Green Chemistry” principles, without using alcohol or any synthetic solvents. Conversely, Withaferin-A is a withanolide which has cyto-toxic (toxic to living cells) effects which occurs naturally in Ashwagandha. KSM-66®, has negligible levels of Withaferin-A, making it a favourable choice for those concerned about this compound.
Finally, KSM-66 has a neutral taste and is not bitter, making it an excellent choice for use in foods and beverages. IMUNI Sleep + Mind Balance has encapsulated the KSM-66® extract for you, however its neutral taste means it is also ideal for those people who cannot swallow capsules or simply wish to open the capsule and stir it into water.
To learn more about KSM-66® you can check out the website here at: ksm66ashwagandhaa.com
References:
- Salve J et al. 2019. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cereus. 11(12): e6466. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/