Ashwagandha – Complete Guide: Forms, Doses and Protocols

What are withanolides?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) works through plant steroids — withanolides. The most important clinical studies use extracts standardized to ≥5% withanolides. A product without stated standardization is one with unknown potency.

KSM-66 vs Sensoril — differences

	KSM-66	Sensoril
Plant part	root	leaves + root
Standardization	≥5% withanolides	≥10% withanolides
Clinical studies	24+ RCTs	14+ RCTs
Dose in studies	300–600 mg	125–250 mg
Action profile	cortisol, strength, libido	stress, heart, anxiety

KSM-66 is better studied for sports and cognitive function. Sensoril at a lower dose.

Stress reduction protocol

Dose: 600 mg KSM-66 daily (300 mg morning + 300 mg evening) or 250 mg Sensoril once daily Cycle: 8–12 weeks continuous use Break: 4-week rest to maintain receptor sensitivity Effects: first effects in 2–4 weeks, full at 8 weeks