Ashwagandha
herbal
ApprovedGeneral information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Overview
Herbal extract containing withanolides.
Interactions
Ashwagandha is studied for its effects on the HPA axis. Magnesium acts on NMDA receptors. Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
Ashwagandha acts on the HPA axis, while L-theanine acts on alpha brain waves and GABA activity. The two act through different pathways.
Research status
Withanolides have been studied in preclinical models.
Expert opinions
Bryan Johnson Blueprint
Johnson takes about 600mg KSM-66 ashwagandha (root-only, ≥5% withanolides) daily in Blueprint. Taken with the evening meal. Blueprint monitors DUTCH-test cortisol curves and overnight HRV trends. Cycled with scheduled washouts.
Recommended dose: 600 mg
Source: Blueprint Protocol
Dr. Andrew Huberman
Huberman names 600mg KSM-66 ashwagandha daily. He advises cycling 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Avoids combining it with benzodiazepines or SSRIs and pairs it with morning light and zone-2 cardio.
Recommended dose: 300–600 mg
Source: Huberman Lab
Current Research
KSM-66 (root-only, ≥5% withanolides) and Sensoril (root + leaf, ≥10% withanolides) are the two most studied ashwagandha extracts. Contraindications: autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism (raises T3/T4), pregnancy, and SSRI/benzodiazepine combinations. Avoid full-spectrum leaf products in hepatic-risk individuals.
Recommended dose: 300–600 mg
Source: Current Research
Expert profiles summarise publicly available statements. The named people do not cooperate with Stackwell and have not authorised these summaries. Not medical advice.
KSM-66 and Sensoril are well-studied extracts.