Ashwagandha Extract vs Powder – In-Depth Overview, Pros, Cons, FAQs, & More

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You’ve probably heard about the buzz of the potent Ashwagandha herb. It has been used over centuries to cure several medical ailments such as stress, low stamina, and poor sleep quality. 

Nowadays, a wide range of Ashwagandha supplements is available in the market. Adding them to your everyday routine will surely improve your well-being. However, it is essential to choose your Ashwagandha wisely. 

In this article, we will compare the benefits and usage of the two famous forms of this herb – Ashwagandha extract and Ashwagandha powder. 

Let’s have a look at which one is good for you. 

Features	Ashwagandha Extract	Ashwagandha Powder
Price	4.5 out of 5	4.5 out of 5
Flavor	4.5 out of 5	3.6 out of 5
Ease to swallow	4.7 out of 5	4 out of 5

Now that we have discussed some of the major characteristics. Let us get into more details about each Ashwagandha product. 

Ashwagandha Extract Review – Best Clinically Proven Form

This Ayurvedic herb is getting a lot of attention because of its exceptional adaptogenic and antioxidant properties.

It comes from the drylands of India, Africa, and the Middle East and is scientifically known as Withania Somnifera. Researchers claim that the use of Ashwagandha is traced back to 3000 BC. 

Recently, the roots, leaves, and stems of this plant are turned into nutritional supplements and are proved to be highly effective. It is widely used to treat psychological and physiological disorders. 

Although every inch of this miraculous plant is beneficial, there is a difference in the extraction of each part. Ashwagandha root extract is considered one of the best due to its chemical composition. Moreover, this form is clinically tested with multiple certifications. 

On the other hand, leaf and stem extracts are also effective but contain a large number of Withanoloids. These compounds can be dangerous in some cases.

Hence, this article will make it easier for you to choose the right form of Ashwagandha. 

Benefits of Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha extracts come with a long list of remedial benefits. The roots of this plant are most widely used as compared to any other part of the plant. Also, you can see people using Ashwagandha root extracts for combating anxiety, nervousness, and stress against all internal and external stressors

Moreover, KSM-66 root extract is rich in alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones which are useful for treating: 

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia 
• Tuberculosis
•  Asthma
•  Schizophrenia, etc. 

Root Extract vs. Leaf Extract – Which Is More Effective?

You should know that the leaf and stem extracts have a high concentration of withanolides, especially withaferin A. These compounds make the leaves extremely sedative and comparatively less effective. 

 The study states that it is better to use Ashwagandha root extract instead of the leaf because of the withanolides composition. 

Can We Use Ashwagandha Leaves as Tea?

Well, Ashwagandha leaves are long used as tea. However, the leaf extract is perfect for relieving pain and managing sleep troubles.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Ashwagandha Extract 

Percentage of Withanolides

Not all Ashwagandhas have the same chemical compositions. You must analyze the supplement details at the back of the product before making any purchase. 

In the case of Ashwagandha extracts. The percentage of withanolides depends on the part of the plant from where it is extracted.

Furthermore, the Ashwagandha available in supplement form is standardized. It means the pure extract is scientifically altered to meet certain specifications which makes it even safer for human consumption. 

The standardized root form contains a 2-5% of withanolides concentration. However, the leaf extracts have much higher withanolides in them (especially withaferin A). 

Side Effects 

Although the benefits and effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicines are numerous, they still can’t be used by everyone. It is because consuming them under certain diseases can worsen the health conditions. 

Ashwagandha is marked safe by many testing authorities and Ayurvedic practitioners. However, it can cause some of these adverse effects:

•  Nasal congestion
•  Excessive hair growth
•  Diarrhea
•  Headache

We recommend you consult a medical professional before consuming Ashwagandha extract especially if you are on medication. 

Daily Dosage 

The dosage of Ashwagandha depends on the problem you are taking it for. Many products have mentioned ‘personalized dosage’ on their label.

In the market, you can find capsules ranging from 150mg to 2g. Low potency Ashwagandhas are used in certain ways to address specific health issues. Therefore, it’s always better to take expert advice.  

Additionally,  taking 1-2 Ashwagandha root extract capsules per day is considered safe. On the other hand, Ashwagandha leaf extract has high potency so taking 1 capsule per day is also sufficient.

We recommend you to take capsules or tablets with lukewarm water or milk after a meal.

Note: If you want to know Irwin Naturals Maca Root and Ashwagandha Reviews click HERE.

What Do the Customers Think? 

You will be amazed to know that Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years and is still being used worldwide as a nutritional supplement. Those who use it daily claim that Ashwagandha improves their stress response, concentration span, and endurance. 

Customers also find it useful for skin, hair, and height. However, a number of populations discontinue it because of mild side effects. 

Have a look at these customer reviews. 

Best Clinically Proven Form 

The best clinically proven form of Ashwagandha is Ashwagandha extract which comes in capsules and tablets. They are considered safe because they are standardized and do not cause any irreversible side effects.  

Ashwagandha Powder Review – The Purest Form

This old woody herb is now available in several forms. You can find Ashwagandha in the form of an elixir, tablet, capsule, and powder. Choosing the right form and type of Ashwagandha is important for getting desired results. 

Ashwagandha in the form of powder is at its purest. It is free of all synthetic compounds that are chemically added to other standardized extracts. Moreover, this generic form is as effective as any other form available out there. 

Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners used dried roots and leaves to make this powder and used it for relieve pain. It is famous for boosting the mental cognition and physical performance of a person. 

Furthermore, consuming the purest form of Ashwagandha comes with several drawbacks. It can be difficult to consume because of its bitter taste and smell. 

Also, an unstandardized powder can have high concentrations of compounds that are not safe to consume. This factor can make it a little unsafe to use.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Powder

According to old ayurvedic books, this herb is an immunostimulant, which means it directly stimulates your immune system and improves its functionality. It does it by managing neurogenesis and axon lengths. 

Consuming Ashwagandha leaves powder regularly can keep you energetic throughout the day while providing you peaceful sleep at night. It fights against chronic stress and generalized anxiety disorder.

Moreover, the powder made up of Ashwagandha leaves has a high concentration of Withaferin A – a withanolide that has cytotoxic properties.

Which diseases can be cured by Indian Geinseg powder?

Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’, diabetes, and schizophrenia are some of the diseases which can be treated with Ashwagandha root powder.

Does Ashwagandha powder increase fertility? 

Ashwagandha powder is most widely used for strengthening male and female reproductive systems. The spermatogenic property regulates the volume, motility, and shape of sperm. In females, it treats endometriosis and increases the chances of conceiving. 

Note: If you want to know about Plnt Ashwagandha Reviews click HERE.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Ashwagandha Powder

Percentage of Withanolides

Note that Withania Somnifera extracts are available in the market as dietary supplements, all of them start off as a powder. Later, they are refined through extensive procedures to get the standardized form of Ashwagandha. 

If you aim to pluck, dry, and crush an Ashwagandha plant on your own and consume it, you should definitely think again. Pure Ashwagandha powder has a high potency of withanolides, alkaloids, saponins, and steroidal lactones which can be harmful to you. 

Scientific research shows that the leaves of Ashwagandha contain more than 40 withanolides. The quantity of each is unknown in an unstandardized extract. Remember, not all chemical compounds are safe to consume. 

Instead of making it on your own, you recommend you choose an Ashwagandha powder available in the market with a 3-10% of withanolide concentration.  

Side Effects

We know that Ashwagandha in any form is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. Scientists have not yet found major irreversible side effects of Ashwagandha upon long-term use. However, it can cause some minimal reactions if you are a beginner. 

Keep in mind that organic Ashwagandha powder (unstandardized) has high concentrations of chemical compounds which makes it extremely sedative in nature. Some of you might feel lethargy and fatigue throughout the day. 

This effect can be managed by reconsidering your dosage. 

Moreover, there are certain conditions in which Ashwagandha should be avoided. Hence, consulting an expert beforehand is always a good option. 

Daily Dosage

The daily dosage of Ashwagandha powder depends on its potency. The recommended intake is 500-600 mg per day. You can take it all at once or twice a day according to your body’s response

Ashwagandha literally means ‘horse smell’  which is a major reason people don’t prefer Ashwagandha powder over the capsule. It tastes bitter and must be combined with something for daily consumption. 

Furthermore, you can mix 1-½ teaspoon of Ashwagandha in lukewarm water, milk, juices, smoothies, shakes, or any other liquid. Moreover, you can also sprinkle it over your salad or other edibles of your choice. 

What Do the Customers Think? 

Ashwagandha powder is backed up with a long history of use. Nowadays, Ashwagandha root extract powder is widely used because of its medicinal properties. Regular users find it effective for anxiety, sleep disorders, sexual functioning, and a lot more. 

On the contrary, those who use this powder find it difficult to consume. It tastes bitter and must be mixed with something to neutralize the taste. The aftertaste can take several hours to completely go away. 

Let’s have a look at some of the customer responses to this product. 

Note: If you want to gain a complete guide about Ashwagandha click HERE.

The Purest Form of Ashwagandha 

The purest form of Ashwagandha is Ashwagandha powder as it is unstandardized and chemical-free. The lack of extraction processes keeps all the biochemical compounds intact. However, it is marked unsafe as compared to the processed extracts available in the market. 

Choosing the Best Form of Ashwagandha – Buyers’ Guide 

Percentage of Withanolides

The working of Ashwagandha depends on the dosage, steroidal lactones, and amount of withanolides present in it. These are chained chemical compounds which give medicinal characteristics to plants and herbs. 

Have a look at some important withanolides and glyco withanolides present in every Ashwagandha:

• Withanolides A: reduces cortisol, works as an immunostimulant 
• Withaferin A: Contains cytotoxic property
• Sominone: Supports the nervous system, increases axon length
• Withanone: Increases cell apoptosis, especially in breast cancer cells
• Withanoside IV: Manages stress response 

Note: If you want to know more information about Ashwagandha click HERE.

Side Effects

Not all Ayurvedic herbs are marked safe for you. There are certain issues in which organic supplements should be avoided. Although, they do not cause any severe side effects but can make certain health conditions worse. 

If you just started taking Ashwagandha, you might experience mild headache, nausea, stomach upset, gastrointestinal infection, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These symptoms are very mild and can be treated through a controlled dosage. 

On the contrary, here are some conditions which can worsen by the use of Ashwagandha in any form: 

• Hyperthyroidism
• Anemia
• Auto-immune diseases
• Pregnancy
• Stomach ulcers

Daily Dosage

Your daily dosage of Ashwagandha can vary depending on the reason for consumption. However, keep in mind that overdosage does not increase the effectiveness of the supplement. Instead, it can pave the way for other adverse effects. 

Ideally, all adaptogens take at least 60 days to show significant results. Similarly, you are recommended to take 500-600mg of Ashwagandha daily for 2 months to expect desired results. 

Furthermore, it is essential to combine your intake with a healthy routine and balanced diet for optimal outcomes. 

Extraction Process

What procedure is used for the extraction of Ashwagandha powder? Whether it is extracted from roots, stems, or leaves? These are some questions you should consider before buying any Ashwagandha product. 

There are multiple extraction processes that are used that can alter the chemical composition of the product. Let’s have a quick review of them: 

• Water Extraction: This is the best type of extraction as it does not contains any chemical solvent
• Milk Extraction: Ashwagandha products extracted with milk are very effective but contain milk constituents. Those who are lactose intolerant or have fish allergies should avoid using these products. 
• Chemical Extraction: It is better to avoid chemically-extracted Ashwaghandas as they are very synthesized. This process usually leaves chemical residues behind. 
• Alcohol Extraction: In this extraction, alcohol is used as a solvent. Alcohol washes away some of the essential components of Ashwagandha. 

Allergen Free Product

It is better to choose the Ashwagandha products that are certified to be free of Allergens. It means that they are soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. 

Moreover, vegan capsules are considered to be the best out of all other options available in the market. 

Certifications

Another way to buy the right product is to look at the certifications on the label. You can easily find Ashwagandha root extracts that are USDA, BSCG, HACCP, and SQF certified. 

Furthermore, try choosing the product that is approved by a third party. These are the authorities who do not guarantee the effectiveness but rather the ingredients and quality of manufacturing. 

Before purchasing an unstandardized organic Ashwagandha powder, always remember to ask for a quality certificate. Another thing you can do is to analyze the manufacturer, their ratings, and customers’ responses. 

Ashwagandha Extract vs Powder – Final Verdict 

We hope now you are aware of the risks and benefits of the two widely used forms of Ashwagandha. 

You can use Ashwagandha extracts in the form of capsules as they are passed through extensive clinical trials. They are standardized and made extremely safe for human consumption. 

On the other hand, Ashwagandha powder is the purest form but is marked unsafe due to high withanolide compositions. It is also hard to swallow it in powder form. 

Lastly, we recommend you consult an expert before consuming any Ayurvedic herb. Feel free to reach out to us in case of any queries. 

If you want to learn how you can take care of your body and mind click HERE.