What is Ashwagandha?
ashwagandha supplements (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen - a plant that helps the body cope with stress. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years.
Other names:
- Indian ginseng
- Winter cherry
- Withania
How Does Ashwagandha Work?
Ashwagandha affects multiple body systems:
1. Cortisol Reduction
- Research suggests significant reduction in stress hormone levels
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces anxiety
2. Testosterone Support
- Some studies suggest modest support for testosterone levels (Ahmad et al., 2010)
- Improves sperm quality
- Supports muscle mass
3. Physical Performance Improvement
- Increases VO2 max
- Improves endurance
- Speeds up recovery
Scientific Studies for Athletes
Strength and Muscle Mass Study (2015)
A 2015 study found improvements in strength and muscle mass in men combining ashwagandha with resistance training (Wankhede et al., 2015). The ashwagandha group showed greater gains in both strength and body composition compared to placebo.
Endurance Studies
Some research suggests ashwagandha may support endurance and aerobic capacity (Choudhary et al., 2015). Results are promising but require further confirmation.
Stress and Cortisol Study (2012)
Test group: 64 people with chronic stress
A study found significant reductions in cortisol levels and self-reported stress (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). The ashwagandha group also showed reduced anxiety.
Who Should Take Ashwagandha?
Greatest benefit:
- Athletes with high training load
- People with stressful lifestyle
- Those with sleep issues
- Recovery problems
- Men wanting to support testosterone
Less benefit:
- Already low stress levels
- Light training
- No sleep issues
Best Ashwagandha Extracts
KSM-66
Standardization: 5% withanolides
Extraction method: Root only, milk extract
Studies: Most clinical studies
Dosing: 300-600mg daily
Sensoril
Standardization: 10% withanolides
Extraction method: Root and leaves
Studies: Good scientific evidence
Dosing: 125-250mg daily
Regular Powder
Standardization: ~1-2% withanolides
Dosing: 1-6g daily
Note: Less effective, requires higher dose
Dosing and Timing
| Goal | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| General health | 300mg KSM-66 | Morning |
| Stress/sleep | 600mg KSM-66 | Evening |
| Athletic performance | 300-600mg | Morning + evening |
| Testosterone support | 600mg | Morning |
How long to take?
- Effects appear in 4-8 weeks
- Can be taken long-term
- Some recommend 8-12 week cycles
Side Effects and Safety
Generally very safe, but:
Possible side effects:
- Digestive issues (start with lower dose)
- Drowsiness (take in evening if bothered)
- Headache (rare)
Avoid if:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Thyroid problems (may raise T4 levels)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Taking sedatives
Combinations with Other Supplements
Good combination:
- Magnesium - enhances relaxing effect
- Rhodiola - another adaptogen, they complement each other
- ZMA - for sleep and recovery support
Avoid combining:
- Strong caffeine - may cancel calming effect
- Sedatives - excessive sedation
Our Recommendation
For athletes and active people:
1. Start with 300mg KSM-66 in morning
2. Add 300mg in evening if needed
3. Use for at least 8 weeks to evaluate results
4. Assess impact on sleep, stress, and recovery
Best time to start:
- High training load periods
- Stressful life periods
- To improve sleep quality
Summary
Ashwagandha is one of the few adaptogen supplements with strong scientific evidence. Especially beneficial for athletes and people with stressful lifestyles.
Key points:
- Research suggests significant cortisol reduction
- Improves strength and muscle mass
- Supports testosterone levels
- Improves sleep quality
- Choose quality extract (KSM-66 or Sensoril)
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Browse our ashwagandha selection at MaxFit.ee →
See also:
- Adaptogens for Stress Relief: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil & L-Theanine
- Rhodiola Rosea: Energy, Endurance, and Stress Resilience
- Hormonal Balance With Natural Supplements — Inositol, Ashwagandha and an Evidence-Based Approach
Related products at MaxFit:
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References
1. Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, et al. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 43.
2. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255-262.
3. Choudhary B, Shetty A, Langade DG. (2015). Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Ayu, 36(1), 63-68.
4. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, et al. (2010). Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertility and Sterility, 94(3), 989-996.
5. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186.
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Read more: Ashwagandha: A Herbal Supplement Guide
