ZYVORA

Herbal · 7 min read

Ashwagandha: the adaptogen with the strongest cortisol evidence

What KSM-66 and Sensoril extracts actually do — and why the timing matters.

Ashwagandha: the adaptogen with the strongest cortisol evidence
Educational only — not medical advice. This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Consult your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, taking prescription medication, or have a medical condition. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

An adaptogen with real data

Most adaptogens have weak human evidence. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the exception — multiple randomized controlled trials show 300–600 mg/day of standardized root extract reduces serum cortisol by 20–30% over 8 weeks.

Choose the standardized extract

KSM-66 (5% withanolides) and Sensoril (10% withanolides) are the two extracts that nearly all positive trials used. Generic 'ashwagandha powder' may contain a fraction of the active compounds.

Citations available on request. ZYVORA articles reference peer-reviewed clinical research published in journals including JAMA, The Lancet, Nutrients, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Citations

References available on request. ZYVORA articles cite peer-reviewed research from journals including JAMA, The Lancet, Nutrients, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Related products

Shop Herbal Supplements

Keep reading

Vitamin D: The essential hormone most people are deficient in

Vitamins

Vitamin D: The essential hormone most people are deficient in

Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs threonate: which form actually works

Minerals

Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs threonate: which form actually works

Fish oil decoded: EPA, DHA, and why the ratio matters

Omegas

Fish oil decoded: EPA, DHA, and why the ratio matters