In the constantly evolving field of sports nutrition, Ashwagandha has emerged as a go-to herb for athletes looking to improve performance, recovery, and resilience. However, not all Ashwagandha supplements are made equally. The distinction between root and leaf extracts is critical, especially when looking for a product that meets the high efficacy and safety criteria expected in sports nutrition. KSM-66 Ashwagandha, the most clinically investigated Ashwagandha root extract, distinguishes itself by adhering to traditional uses while also providing modern scientific validity for root-only formulations.
For centuries, the Ashwagandha root has been the foundation of Ayurveda’s recommendations for internal use. The Sanskrit name “Ashwagandha,” meaning “smell of a horse,” symbolizes the strength, vitality, and energy imparted by its roots. Ancient Ayurvedic texts also emphasize the root’s role in promoting endurance, recovery, and overall health. The leaf, by contrast, was traditionally used for topical applications rather than internal consumption. This distinction is supported by both traditional knowledge and modern science.
Modern science strongly prefers the Ashwagandha root to its aerial components for therapeutic purposes. Hundreds of studies have been conducted on ashwagandha over the past 25 years and,
overwhelmingly, these trials have utilized the roots of the plant. For example, in the Clinical Trial Registry of India, 309 of 310 trials registered on Ashwagandha used the root, with only one using the leaf. Only the Ashwagandha root, is listed in the global pharmacopeias and standard reference monographs such as United States Pharmacoepia (USP), British Pharmacopeia, Indian Pharmacopeia, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia, American Herbal Pharmacoepia, Health Canada monograph, and World Health Organization Monograph for therapeutic usage. The Ministry of AYUSH has even issued recommendations advising against the internal use of Ashwagandha leaves due to a lack of data supporting their safety and efficacy.
Despite these findings, some manufacturers incorporate leaves into Ashwagandha formulations to reduce costs. Leaves are significantly cheaper—approximately 100 times less expensive than roots—and their use can increase profit margins. However, this compromises both the product’s quality and its alignment with scientific and regulatory standards. The use of leaves for commercial purposes disrupts sustainable farming practices, as leaves are essential for composting and maintaining soil health.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha, the most clinically studied Ashwagandha extract, adheres strictly to a root-only formulation. This commitment to quality ensures that KSM-66 delivers the full-spectrum benefits of the root without any dilution from aerial parts. KSM-66’s extraction process preserves the natural balance of bioactive compounds, resulting in unparalleled efficacy. This root-only method assures the maximum level of efficacy and safety, as evidenced by over 36 clinical trials. KSM-66 is ideally positioned to meet the needs of athletes, providing scientifically established advantages such as increased endurance, improved recovery, and stress reduction.
For athletes, consistency and reliability in supplementation are paramount.KSM-66 Ashwagandha addresses these criteria by providing a product that has been extensively tested, scientifically proven, and rooted in tradition. Its adaptogenic characteristics improve not only physical performance but also mental focus and resilience, all of which are necessary for success in competitive sports.
Ultimately, when selecting an Ashwagandha supplement for sports nutrition, the decision is apparent. Root-only preparations, such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha, provide remarkable efficacy, safety, and compatibility with both traditional and modern science. Athletes who choose KSM-66 may fuel their performance with confidence, knowing they are taking the best quality Ashwagandha available. For those looking for top performance, KSM-66 Ashwagandha remains the best option, combining Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge science to produce benefits both on and off the field.