KSM-66 vs Sensoril Ashwagandha Extracts

Also known as Indian Ginseng or withania somnifera, Ashwagandha is an herb that has been popular in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is chock full of antioxidants and ailment fighting properties which can work wonders for the mind and body.

Ashwagandha is used to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance cognitive abilities. It is an adaptogen, a healing plant that helps bring the body back into a state of balance.

We did extensive research into KSM-66 and Sensoril supplements effectiveness for anxiety management, as well as bought samples of each for hands on testing. As part of the research, we also went through the reviews of each product to see what other buyers’ experiences have been. In total, 17 hours were spend testing and researching these supplements to find the best product for your needs.

What is an Ashwagandha Extract?

shwagandha root extracts are a synthesized form of the herb made from the root or leaf. In other words, it is a more potent form of the plant, which can be up to 8 times more effective than consuming pure root or leaf powder.

Due to Ashwagandha’s popularity, there are hundreds of extracts available on the market (with varying quality). The two most widely known extracts are KSM-66 and Sensoril.

Both of these extracts are heavily tested and researched to ensure their effectiveness and safety. This is not the case for most Ashwagandha extracts on the market.

Most Ashwagandha extracts range from 1.5% to 3% withanolides, which refers to the percentage of active compounds (usually by weight) that are present in the herb. 

KSM-66 and Sensoril have much higher concentrations than the norm, with minimums of 5% and 10%, respectively.

What is KSM-66 Ashwagandha?

KSM-66 is an award-winning Ashwagandha extract made by a company named Ixoreal Biomed, that took 14 years of R&D to refine.

KSM-66 is the highest concentration of full spectrum root extract on the market. It is full spectrum, meaning it maintains the balance of the various constituents similar to the ratios of the herb itself. In other words, it keeps the same ratios of effective nutrients as the ground root powder, only in a more potent form. 

Instead of using alcohol or chemical solvents to extract, KSM-66 actually uses milk. This makes it safe, effective, sticks true to Ayurvedic tradition, and neutralizes the bitter taste Ashwagandha is known to have.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha has the highest percentage of withanolides compared to any other root-only extract, measuring over 5% by HPLC.

Here’s one of our favorite KSM-66 extract options. 

Physician’s Choice KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Powder Extract, High Potency

KSM-66 Ashwagandha Supplement Offers:

• Minimum of 5% withanolides from roots
• KSM-66 has the highest number of certifications
• Safe and shelf-stable
• Clinical trials showing improvements to stress and anxiety, overwork and fatigue, mental clarity and focus, sports performance, male sexual function, muscle strength, weight management, and thyroid function.
• It also has the most extensive set of clinical trials and studies
• KSM-66 uses its own farms, production, laboratories, and distribution (end-to-end coverage)

Benefits of KSM-66 Ashwagandha

The benefits of KSM-66 Ashwagandha are vast with numerous studies suggesting that it may help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Thyroid regulation
• Regulate blood sugar levels
• Anticancer properties
• Reduce symptoms of depression
• Increase fertility
• Increase stamina
• Boost immune function
• Improve cognitive abilities and memory

KSM-66 also has some impressive testimonials from elite performers in their fields:

Jordan Romero

Youngest climber to reach Mt Everest and the seven summits of the world

“Since I’ve been a child, I’ve learned to rely on natural extracts and have learned the value of extremely good nutrition – I’m relying on KSM-66 during my extremely demanding travel, school, and athletic life; it’s been a total game changer.”

Sharath Kamal

Gold Medalist, Common Wealth Games

“I rely on KSM-66 Ashwagandha these days… It gives me strength and energy with quick reflexes. It also makes me feel empowered to cope with stressful situations.”

Paul Romero

Adventure Racer of the Year

“I’m in constant search for the best fuel for my competition and recovery. I’ve been astounded at the effects that KSM-66 has brought to my program. Clinicals are one thing, but real life race testimony is another. KSM-66 is now a MUST have for me and my athletes.

The extraction process also decreases the bitterness taste that Ashwagandha normally has, making KSM-66 a better option to mix into your favorite food or beverage.

I found this interesting video produced by KSM-66, showing how they make their product:

What is Sensoril Ashwagandha?

Sensoril is a high-quality Ashwagandha extract by a company named Nutragenesis. It is a patented, full-spectrum standardized root and leaf extract of Ashwagandha. Sensoril was invented and patented by Shibnath Ghosal with the intention of merging the best of Ayurvedic tradition with the most recent scientific and technology innovations.

It is standardized to a minimum of 10% withanolides glyocsides, which is the highest level on the market. Sensoril’s bioactive levels exceed those of conventional root-only Ashwagandha ingredients. This is based on the high percentage of withanolides and the differing mix of nutrients from Ashwagandha leaves.

Sensoril claims to be the most effective and safest Ashwagandha extract available and it has extensive safety records to back up the claim. It’s effectiveness has been tested in 12 clinical studies, 8 of which are “Gold Standard” human clinical trials. 

Here’s one of our favorite Sensoril options:

Nootropics Depot Sensoril Ashwagandha Capsules

Some have warned of concern of extracts using leaves, such as Sensoril, since it possesses a higher content Withaferin A.  This compound has been linked to Ashwagandha’s cancer-fighting abilities, but it could also be toxic in high doses. The truth is, there haven’t been enough studies to determine whether Withaferin A is good or bad for the body in high doses. Due to the uncertainty, Sensoril ensures health-promoting nutrient ratios are balanced while keeping Withaferin A less than or equal to 0.5%.

• Minimum of 10% withanolides from root & leaves
• Passed rigorous safety and toxicity testing that meets FDA-approved guidelines
• Clinical trials showing improvements in cognitive function, memory, stress-reduction, mood enhancement, sleep, blood sugar balance, cardiovascular health, and pain reduction.

Benefits of Sensoril Ashwagandha

Sensoril is well researched and studied, validating its safety and effectiveness. The following benefits have been specifically been found in Sensoril studies:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Enhance cognitive function and memory
• Mood enhancement
• Improve sleep
• Blood sugar regulation
• Cardiovascular health
• Pain reduction

KSM-66 vs Sensoril Attributes

KSM-66 ashwagandha extract is made from the root of herb, while Sensoril extract uses both the leaf and roots. KSM-66 has the highest concentration of full-spectrum root-only extract measuring over 5% withanolides. However, Sensoril has the highest level of withanolides on the market with a minimum of 10%. 

The biggest difference between the two is that KSM-66 is made from only the ashwagandha root, while Sensoril is made from both the leaf and roots. Since the withanolide percent is higher with Sensoril, KSM-66 ashwagandha often has a higher dose. 

Both KSM-66 and Sensoril are produced with patented processes that output high quality, effective ashwagandha extracts. Both offer a growing body of studies showing notable benefits to the body and mind. Both are widely used in top Ashwagandha supplements on the market, with impressive customer testimonials.

Sensoril and KSM-66 both use safe extraction processes that neutralize the bitter taste and keep the extract free of nasty chemicals and alcohols.

• 100% USDA Organic (Sensoril has Organic versions available)
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-Free
• Vegetarian
• BSCG-drug free
• Kosher and Halal Certified
• No genetically modified
• Extracted with Water Only – No Solvents Used
• Full Spectrum
• Dairy Free (KSM-66 has Milk Free versions available)

What is the right Ashwagandha Dosage?

Most Ashwaganda supplements have a withanolide concentration of 2.5%, meaning 2.5% of the weight of the supplement is made up of withanolides, the main active ingredient in Ashwagandha. The range of dosages for these extracts is normally 300 to 600 mg, but can go as low as 50 mg or as high as 3,000 mg.

Sensoril was made to be a higher concentration extract, and has a 10% withanolide concentration.

KSM-66 has a lower concentration at 5% withanolides, but this still twice what most other extracts have. Over their 14 years of research and development, Ixoreal Biomed, the makers of KSM-66, made a process that delivers a product with the natural ratios that are found in the root.

What is the difference between the root and leaf extracts?

Traditionally, the roots would be used for internal medicine, while the leaves would be used for topical purposes. Roots are harvested in the winter, when the leaves begin to turn yellow and the plant stores nutrients  in the root for use during the cold winter.

Just like the root, the leaf has many of the withanolides, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that people look for. The leaves have a high concentration of withanone and withaferin-A, chemicals that studies have shown may help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, such as memory loss. This chemical is cytotoxic at higher concentrations, meaning it damages living cells, and can be unsafe at higher concentrations.

However, in a study using rats being fed up to 200 mg per kilogram of body weight a day, there weren’t any significant effects up to this amount, which is well above the concentrations in ashwagandha extracts.

Due to this uncertainty, Sensoril ensures health promoting nutrient ratios are balanced while keeping Withaferin A less than or equal to 0.5%.

What are the benefits of each supplement?

Beyond benefits with stress management, ashwagandha root extract can provide other benefits. Results for each supplement will vary for each person, since everyone’s body is unique and can react differently to each supplement. For each brand, users have reported the following effects; whether they come from the placebo affect or the supplements requires further studies.

KSM-66

• better memory
• more energy during the day
• helped muscular recovery

Sensoril

• had more restful sleep
• didn’t feel fatigued as often

Ashwagandha Root Powder vs Extract

If you’ve been searching for ashwagandha root powder vs extract , you’ve probably already heard that both of these products can help with a wide range of health benefits. So, which one is better?

While ashwagandha root powder and extract are both effective, the difference between them lies in the amount of active ingredients they contain.

What is ashwagandha root powder?

Ashwagandha root powder is made from the dried roots of the ashwagandha plant which have been ground up. It’s a good source of antioxidants and minerals, which are said to help balance hormones and reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

What is ashwagandha extract?

Ashwagandha extract is made from the roots of the ashwagandha plant after they’ve been soaked in alcohol. The alcohol is then removed, leaving behind a concentrated liquid that contains many of the same compounds found in ashwagandha root powder. This process brings out the active ingredients in the herb. This allows you to take less product while still getting the same benefits. Because of this, it’s often easier to find extracts than it is to find powders at many health food stores or online retailers. However, it’s possible to find ashwagandha root powder online as well if you know where to look! Keep reading below to learn more about each product and how they compare to each other!

Sensoril vs. KSM-66 Ashwagandha – Which is Best?

Both Sensoril and KSM-66 have scientific studies and quality control testing procedures to back up their effectiveness and safety. When it comes to trying out the best Ashwagandha brand, both options are great to try. If 100% Organic is important to you, then KSM-66 is the better bet.

Sensoril’s standard process is 95% Organic, but they do offer organic versions of the extract. However, if you have a milk or dairy allergy, Sensoril might be the better option for you. While KSM-66 also makes a completely dairy-free option, the standard extract process uses milk.

If you’re buying the extract in powder form and plan to mix with a food or beverage, KSM-66 might be the better option. Both extracts lessen the natural bitterness of the herb, but KSM-66 is slightly preferred.

You can’t go wrong with either of these extracts. The best approach is to give them both a try and see what works best for your body.

Resources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19633611
• http://ksm66ashwagandhaa.com/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits