KSM-66 vs. Sensoril: Which Ashwagandha Extract is Best?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, is a popular adaptogenic herb indigenous to Asia's drier regions. It is currently one of the most popular herbal ingredients found in dietary supplements. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its "rejuvenating" properties; it's considered a geriatric Rasayana (tonic) according to traditional Ayurveda [3].

However, like other herbal extracts, not all ashwagandha extract is created equal. The potency and purity of the extract can vary significantly depending on which parts of the Withania somnifera plant are used and how they are processed. 

The burgeoning of ashwagandha on Amazon in recent years has led to an alarming rise of circumspect herbal supplements, many of which don't specify any standardization for bioactive constituents — namely withanolides like withaferin-A.

Thankfully, a select few manufacturers specialize in making high-quality extracts of adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola. Two of the most popular ashwagandha extracts on the market are KSM-66 and Sensoril, both of which are patented. This article will weigh in on the KSM-66 vs. Sensoril debate and help you decide which is the best ashwagandha supplement. 

What is KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Extract?

KSM-66® ashwagandha is a patented root extract of Withania somnifera standardized to contain no less than 5% withanolides by mass. The extract is produced by Ixoreal Biomed, a nutraceutical company based in Hyderabad, India and Los Angeles, CA.

Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring steroidal lactones produced as secondary metabolites in plants of the nightshade family [1]. The primordial withanolide in ashwagandha root extract is withaferin-A, which is suggested to have multifarious therapeutic effects in the body [2].

Therefore, the ashwagandha extract you take must have an effective amount of bioactive withanolides. When you supplement with KSM-66 (or Sensoril), you are guaranteed to get a proper dose of these compounds. We can't say the same for generic ashwagandha root extracts, which may or may not have been tested for withanolide concentration.

If the label of an ashwagandha supplement doesn't explicitly state the concentration of withanolides, odds are it's a cheaply made generic extract that hasn't been verified for potency or purity. Don't be fooled by Amazon ashwagandha supplements that make a big fuss about being "organic," as this still doesn't tell you anything about potency.

As an example of why the withanolide concentration makes a difference, let's say you supplement with an organic ashwagandha root extract with just 1% withanolides by mass. If a clinically effective dose of withanolides is no less than 30 mg, which appears to be the case based on clinical trials, that means you'd need to take a whopping 3,000 mg of ashwagandha extract for proper benefits. Contrast that with KSM-66 ashwagandha, which provides the same 30 mg of withanolides in a much smaller 600-mg dose.

And of course, dietary supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — you may not be getting ashwagandha at all when you opt for generic products.

What Are the Health Benefits of KSM-66 Ashwagandha?

Clinical trials suggest that supplementing with 300 -600 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract per day may have numerous health benefits for both men and women, including:

• Supporting natural testosterone production and fertility in adult males [2]
• Enhancing stress resiliency and reducing anxiety by controlling cortisol levels [3]
• Protecting neurons from degenerative processes [4]
• Improving sleep quality [5]
• Increasing cardiorespiratory endurance (e.g. VO₂ max) in active adults [6]
• Bolstering muscle and strength gains in conjunction with a resistance-training program [7]

Further research on ashwagandha root extract, but not specifically KSM-66 or Sensoril, suggests that it may improve memory, cognitive function, sexual well-being, and thyroid status [8].

Now, what about Sensoril Ashwagandha? How does it differ from KSM-66?

Sensoril vs. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: What's the Difference?

Sensoril® ashwagandha is a leaf and root extract of this fabled adaptogenic herb, providing a minimum 10% concentration of withanolides by mass. The extract is produced by Natreon Inc., a nutraceutical company based in New Brunswick, NJ.

Surely, you're thinking the 10% withanolide concentration makes Sensoril better than KSM-66 since it contains double the amount of bioactive constituents, but it's not necessarily that straightforward. The phytochemical profile of ashwagandha leaves and ashwagandha roots are distinct [9]; they are dense sources of withanolides, alkaloids, and polyphenols, albeit with different compositions of these compounds. As such, the effects of Sensoril and KSM-66 are somewhat disparate.

Anecdotally, Sensoril seems to be the preferred ashwagandha extract for nighttime use and promoting restful sleep. Yet, Sensoril ashwagandha currently has 12 clinical studies backing its efficacy to support quality of life and vitality, so you can absolutely use it during the day.

Nevertheless, many users report that KSM-66 is their favored ashwagandha supplement for daytime use and enhancing memory and cognitive function. Both Sensoril and KSM-66 appear to be similar in terms of relieving stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, there is no clinical research available at this time comparing KSM-66 vs. Sensoril in a controlled environment. However, there have been numerous clinical trials comparing these ashwagandha extracts to placebos.

KSM-66 vs. Sensoril: Which Should You Take?

Ultimately, both KSM-66 and Sensoril are exceptional ashwagandha supplements. Taking either may have significant health benefits; it's just a matter of your individual response/preference.

Jacked Factory is proud to offer a clinically dosed KSM-66 ashwagandha supplement at an unbeatable price. Each bottle packs 60 servings at the research-backed dose of 600 mg KSM-66. This supplement also features complimentary adaptogenic herbs in the form of AstraGin®, a patented combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng. The synergy between these adaptogens provides an ensemble of phytochemicals that can help:

• Alleviate stress
• Control cortisol levels
• Improve cognitive function
• Promote natural testosterone production
• Enhance muscle recovery
• Support deep sleep
• Encourage healthy cardiovascular function

To learn more about Jacked Factory KSM-66® Ashwagandha with Astragin®, head on over to the JF Essentials Product Page.