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SupplementWell-studiedAdaptogen

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)

Also known as Ashwagandha, Ashwagandha KSM-66

Half-life

~2–3 hours

What is Ashwagandha (KSM-66)?

Ayurvedic adaptogen. Strong evidence for cortisol reduction, testosterone increase, and thyroid support.

How Ashwagandha (KSM-66) works

Withanolides modulate HPA axis to reduce cortisol via GABA-A receptor agonism, inhibit NF-kB inflammatory signaling, and stimulate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to support T3/T4 production. LH stimulation explains the secondary testosterone increase.

Benefits & uses

  • Lowers stress & cortisol (up to ~27% in studies)
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Supports testosterone/recovery
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Lowers cortisol
  • Supports strength & testosterone
  • Sleep & stress support
  • Most-studied ashwagandha form

Common uses: Cortisol reduction, testosterone boost, thyroid function, anxiety, strength gains.

RecoveryCognitiveMuscle

Ashwagandha (KSM-66) dosage

Typical dose
300–600 mg KSM-66 extract (5% withanolides) daily. Evening dosing reduces cortisol for better sleep.

Ashwagandha (KSM-66) half-life

~2–3 hours (withanolides in plasma)

Ashwagandha (KSM-66) side effects

Thyroid stimulation: monitor if hypothyroid. GI upset. Avoid in pregnancy.

  • GI upset on empty stomach
  • Thyroid stimulation — monitor TSH if on thyroid medication
  • Avoid in pregnancy and autoimmune thyroid disease
  • Sedation — take at night
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Drowsiness
  • Mild GI upset

Warnings & monitoring

  • Caution with thyroid meds/sedatives; can lower blood sugar

Ashwagandha (KSM-66) interactions

  • with Thyroid Medication

    Caution · mild

    Ashwagandha modestly stimulates thyroid hormone production (T3/T4). In patients on levothyroxine or other thyroid medications, this can shift thyroid levels and require dose adjustment.

    Timing: Separate by 4 hours; monitor thyroid levels when starting or stopping ashwagandha

  • with Testosterone

    Compatible

    Ashwagandha (KSM-66) has clinical evidence for modestly increasing testosterone and reducing cortisol in stressed individuals. Complementary to TRT — may improve stress resilience and sleep.

    Timing: Ashwagandha 600mg/day with food; morning or split dose

Commonly stacked with

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma)ZincMagnesium GlycinateL-Theanine

Track Ashwagandha (KSM-66) in Protokol.

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More Adaptogen

For research and educational purposes only. This page is not medical advice and is not a recommendation to use any compound. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use, and some are prescription-only or controlled in your jurisdiction. Dosing figures are reference or observational reports. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing anything. Protokol is for tracking purposes only.