ASHWAGANDHA EXTRACT (WHOLE HERB)(1.5% WITHANOLIDES)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a revered adaptogenic herb deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient system of healing from India. Known colloquially as "Indian Ginseng" or "Winter Cherry," this perennial shrub belongs to the Solanaceae family and is primarily cultivated in dry regions of India, Nepal, China, and Yemen. The roots of the plant are the most commonly utilized part, valued for their restorative and revitalizing properties. Traditional Ayurvedic texts describe Ashwagandha as a Rasayana, a class of herbal preparations that promote physical and mental health, enhance defense against disease, and generally increase longevity. Its name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "smell of a horse," alluding to its unique aroma and the belief that consuming it imparts the strength and vitality of a horse. This ingredient, standardized to 1.5% withanolides, represents a potent and consistent botanical extract, ensuring reliable concentrations of its key bioactive markers for diverse supplement applications.

The primary health benefits of Ashwagandha are attributed to its complex array of bioactive compounds, particularly a group of naturally occurring steroids known as withanolides. These triterpene lactones, including Withaferin A, Withanolide D, and Withanone, are responsible for the herb's adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress and maintain physiological balance. Research indicates that Ashwagandha supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a central stress-response system, by moderating cortisol levels. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012) demonstrated a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels in subjects supplementing with Ashwagandha root extract. Furthermore, its neuroprotective effects, including the promotion of neuronal regeneration and antioxidant activity, contribute to its potential for cognitive support. The herb also exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by its ability to modulate cytokine expression and support healthy immune function, making it a multifaceted ingredient for overall well-being.

Ashwagandha extract, standardized to 1.5% withanolides, is a highly versatile ingredient for modern supplement formulations, offering consistent potency critical for efficacy. It is commonly incorporated into stress support formulas, cognitive enhancers, sleep aids, and athletic performance supplements. The standardization to specific withanolide content ensures that manufacturers can deliver a precise and repeatable dosage, which is crucial for product consistency and consumer trust. Clinical trials, such as those published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Wankhede et al., 2015), have shown that Ashwagandha supplementation can significantly increase muscle strength and recovery, while also reducing exercise-induced muscle damage. Its application extends to blends targeting hormonal balance and reproductive health, as some studies suggest its role in supporting testosterone levels in men and overall endocrine function. When sourcing, manufacturers prioritize extracts with robust analytical testing for purity, potency, and absence of contaminants, ensuring a premium-grade ingredient suitable for a wide range of dietary supplements, from capsules and tablets to functional beverages and powders.