Adaptogen
Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant)
Also known as: Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Withanolides extract
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb standardized to withanolides, the active compounds responsible for its adaptogenic effects. Multiple clinical trials support its use for stress reduction, cortisol modulation, and anxiety management.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nootropics Depot Shoden® Ashwagandha Capsules | 95 A | $0.67 |
| 2 | Nootropics Depot Ashwagandha Extract Powder | 93 A | $0.20 |
| 3 | Nootropics Depot Ashwagandha Extract Tablets | 93 A | $0.22 |
| 4 | Nutricost Ashwagandha Root Capsules | 93 A | $0.14 |
| 5 | Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha Supplement | 93 A | $0.33 |
| 6 | Jarrow Formulas Ashwagandha | 92 A | $0.21 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha | 92 A | $0.48 |
| 8 | Thorne Thyroid Health Complex | 90 A | $0.33 |
| 9 | Double Wood Ashwagandha Supplement | 90 A | $0.33 |
| 10 | Sports Research Ashwagandha | 89 A | $1.00 |
| 11 | Thorne Memoractiv™ | 89 A | $2.33 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations PureLean Satiety | 89 A | $0.88 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) should I take?
The typical range is 300-600 mg daily (standardized to 5-9% withanolides). Consistent use for 4-8 weeks recommended for full adaptogenic benefits; long-term use is generally safe
When should I take Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant)?
Once or twice daily with meals. With food may improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Which form of Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) is best?
Extract (whole plant). Other forms in the catalog: Standardized powder, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid extract.
Is Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) safe?
Commonly reported: Mild gastrointestinal upset, Drowsiness at higher doses, Headache (rare), Stomach upset if taken on empty stomach.
Which Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) supplement scores highest?
Nootropics Depot Shoden® Ashwagandha Capsules, at 95/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Cortisol regulation
- Sleep quality improvement
- Cognitive function support
- Mood enhancement
- Physical stress resilience
How it works
- Withanolides modulate GABA and serotonin signaling
- Reduces cortisol and stress biomarkers
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Supports HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) function
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-600 mg daily (standardized to 5-9% withanolides)
- Timing
- Once or twice daily with meals
- With food
- With food may improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset
- Duration
- Consistent use for 4-8 weeks recommended for full adaptogenic benefits; long-term use is generally safe
- Special populations
- Pregnant/nursing women should consult healthcare provider; those on sedatives may experience additive effects
Forms
- Extract (whole plant)· 70/100
- Standardized powder· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Drowsiness at higher doses
- Headache (rare)
- Stomach upset if taken on empty stomach
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (use with caution)
- Concurrent use with sedating medications
- Nightshade sensitivity (Withania is in Solanaceae family)
- Thyroid disorders (may have minor thyroid effects)
Products containing Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate efficacy for anxiety, stress, and cortisol reduction. Well-established traditional use with consistent clinical evidence. 9% withanolide standardization is a clinically relevant dose.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for Withania somnifera Extract (Whole Plant)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention withania somnifera extract (whole plant). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Primary literature (2026)Monograph
Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine Monograph: Ashwagandha
- Primary literature (2022)Case report
Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting with Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Lopresti et al. (2019)Medicine
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
- Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D (2019)Cureus
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract
- Sharma et al. (2018)J Altern Complement Med
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Pratte et al. (2014)Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha
- Gannon et al. (2014)J Ayurveda Integr Med
Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder
- Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S (2012)Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine
A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.