The Best 5 Ashwagandha Supplements Compared
We compare 5 leading brands of ashwagandha and explain the conditions it can treat, how long it takes to work - and whether it really boosts testosterone! We also explain how long you should keep taking it and who should avoid it.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha root is the power-herb of India’s Ayurvedic medicine cabinet. Used for thousands of years to help people manage stress and boost energy, it’s hardly surprising it’s fast turning into one of the most popular medicinal herbs worldwide.
Did you know 1 person in 14 feels stressed every single day? In fact, 17 million working days are lost in the UK each year through anxiety, stress or depression, according to the government – more than all other causes of absence put together.
Ashwagandha root is the power-herb of India’s Ayurvedic medicine cabinet. Used for thousands of years to help people manage stress and boost energy, it’s hardly surprising it’s fast turning into one of the most popular medicinal herbs worldwide.
Did you know 1 person in 14 feels stressed every single day? In fact, 17 million working days are lost in the UK each year through anxiety, stress or depression, according to the government – more than all other causes of absence put together.
What Does Ashwagandha Do?
This section refers to medical research: scroll to the bottom for links to find out more.
Ashwagandha For Stress Management
The number one use of ashwagandha is for stress management. Research has found that people with long-term stress could reduce their levels of cortisol – the “stress hormone” – by as much as 30%. Ashwagandha is particularly popular among stress eaters, as it helps reduce food cravings and stops people piling on the pounds during periods of pressure.
Controlling Anxiety and ADHD
Ashwagandha is popular among people with ADHD and anxiety conditions. Many people comment that it helps them focus and complete routine tasks they would normally struggle to tackle.
Better Concentration and Memory
Research has found that adults taking 300mg of ashwagandha root extract twice a day enjoyed significantly better general memory, task performance and attention.
Easing Joint Pain From Arthritis
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties which mean it can help with a variety of painful conditions related to inflammation. People in India have taken it for several thousand years to manage joint pain. It’s becoming more and more popular around the world, as people seek more effective and stomach-friendly alternatives to prescription drugs for arthritis pain.
Most clinical studies recommend taking ashwagandha two to three times a day for up to 4 months. Follow the dosage instructions on the supplement you buy, as supplements come in different concentration levels.
More Refreshing Sleep
Many people find that ashwagandha gives them a better night’s sleep, especially when they take it in the evening.
Helping To Correct Hormonal Imbalances
Some research suggests that ashwagandha can help to stabilise hormones in both men and women. Some women find it useful for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause symptoms.
Increased Testosterone, muscle mass and endurance
A study reported in the American Journal of Men’s Health found that overweight men over 40 who took ashwagandha had a 14.7% greater increase in testosterone than the placebo group. The men said they gained more strength, energy and sexual and psychological wellbeing during the 4-month experiment.
Reducing Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha increases insulin secretion and makes muscle cells more responsive to insulin.
Lower Blood Pressure
Ashwagandha can reduce blood pressure quite significantly.
What To Look for in a Good Ashwagandha Supplement
Root extract without leaves
Most clinical studies have researched ashwagandha the root extract only, which is the part of the plant used in traditional herbal medicine. Adding the leaves is a recent idea to make a cheaper product, but they contain harmful chemicals that should be avoided.
Standardised withanolide content
Ashwagandha supplements should contain between 2.5% and 5% withanolides, which are the main active compounds in ashwagandha. If this is not stated on the label, you can assume the supplement is not tested for consistency.
Full-spectrum extract
Some supplements contain mostly withanolides with little or none of the other active compounds in natural ashwagandha root. The scientific research about ashwagandha uses a full spectrum extract, and herbalists believe all the components – including alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins – are also important.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha
KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a branded, full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root. Its extraction method uses milk rather than alcohol or other solvents, although there’s also a vegan version of KSM-66.
Organic certification
Look for supplements made from organic ashwagandha to minimise your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
Third-party testing
Third-party certification makes sure you buy a supplement that’s free from contaminants like toxic minerals and harmful bacteria.
Minimal additives and fillers
Any good supplement should have a short and natural ingredient list.
Absorption-supporting ingredients
Black pepper can improve your absorption of ashwagandha, meaning you get more benefit from your supplement.
Root extract without leaves
Most clinical studies have researched ashwagandha the root extract only, which is the part of the plant used in traditional herbal medicine. Adding the leaves is a recent idea to make a cheaper product, but they contain harmful chemicals that should be avoided.
Standardised withanolide content
Ashwagandha supplements should contain between 2.5% and 5% withanolides, which are the main active compounds in ashwagandha. If this is not stated on the label, you can assume the supplement is not tested for consistency.
Full-spectrum extract
Some supplements contain mostly withanolides with little or none of the other active compounds in natural ashwagandha root. The scientific research about ashwagandha uses a full spectrum extract, and herbalists believe all the components – including alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins – are also important.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha
KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a branded, full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root. Its extraction method uses milk rather than alcohol or other solvents, although there’s also a vegan version of KSM-66.
Organic certification
Look for supplements made from organic ashwagandha to minimise your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
Third-party testing
Third-party certification makes sure you buy a supplement that’s free from contaminants like toxic minerals and harmful bacteria.
Minimal additives and fillers
Any good supplement should have a short and natural ingredient list.
Absorption-supporting ingredients
Black pepper can improve your absorption of ashwagandha, meaning you get more benefit from your supplement.
The UK’s Top 5 Ashwagandha Supplements Compared
We compared and tested the UK market leaders in ashwagandha supplements, to identify the best quality and value for money.
1. VitaBright Organic Ashwagandha Premium KSM-66 - 90 Capsules
This Amazon bestseller is the all-round winner in our survey, getting 5 stars from our technical evaluation as well as from Amazon customers. It’s a high quality, root-only supplement that offers standardised dosing and a very high level of the active ingredient.
It’s free from nasty fillers, and it’s third-party tested for purity and certified organic. Not only this, it packs an extra punch with black pepper to increase absorption. Surprisingly, it doesn’t just offer the highest quality on all measures, it’s also by far the best value for money.
PROS
- Excellent value for money (18p per capsule)
- Root extract only
- Full spectrum supplement (KSM-66)
- High concentration of withanolides (5%)
- High standardised dosage per serving (5500mg per capsule)
- Improved absorption with black pepper
- No fillers
- Certified organic
- Eurofins certified toxin-free
- Vegan
CONS
- Sometimes out of stock
WHERE TO BUY
Vitabright.co.uk, Amazon, Ebay & Tiktok
Buy Direct
This Amazon bestseller is the all-round winner in our survey, getting 5 stars from our technical evaluation as well as from Amazon customers. It’s a high quality, root-only supplement that offers standardised dosing and a very high level of the active ingredient.
It’s free from nasty fillers, and it’s third-party tested for purity and certified organic. Not only this, it packs an extra punch with black pepper to increase absorption. Surprisingly, it doesn’t just offer the highest quality on all measures, it’s also by far the best value for money.
PROS
- Excellent value for money (18p per capsule)
- Root extract only
- Full spectrum supplement (KSM-66)
- High concentration of withanolides (5%)
- High standardised dosage per serving (5500mg per capsule)
- Improved absorption with black pepper
- No fillers
- Certified organic
- Eurofins certified toxin-free
- Vegan
CONS
- Sometimes out of stock
WHERE TO BUY
Vitabright.co.uk, Amazon, Ebay & Tiktok
2. Healthspan Ayurvedic Ashwagandha - 60 capsules
This is a basic, good quality supplement with a strong dose of the active ingredients offering reasonable value for money. With no third-party testing for purity, a lack of absorption support and some unnecessary fillers, its quality doesn’t justify its price.
PROS
- Reasonable value for money (24p per capsule)
- Root extract only
- Full spectrum supplement (ksm-66)
- High concentration of withanolides (5%)
- High standardised dosage per serving (5500mg per capsule)
- Vegan
CONS
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (bulking agent: microcrystalline cellulose, anti−caking agent: tricalcium phosphate, anti−caking agent: ascorbyl palmitate, pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon, Independent chemists and some larger supermarkets
Buy on Amazon
This is a basic, good quality supplement with a strong dose of the active ingredients offering reasonable value for money. With no third-party testing for purity, a lack of absorption support and some unnecessary fillers, its quality doesn’t justify its price.
PROS
- Reasonable value for money (24p per capsule)
- Root extract only
- Full spectrum supplement (ksm-66)
- High concentration of withanolides (5%)
- High standardised dosage per serving (5500mg per capsule)
- Vegan
CONS
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (bulking agent: microcrystalline cellulose, anti−caking agent: tricalcium phosphate, anti−caking agent: ascorbyl palmitate, pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon, Independent chemists and some larger supermarkets
3. Holland & Barrett Ashwaganda - 30 capsules
This is a reasonable quality supplement with a standardised, high-strength dose of active ingredients. It only gets three stars in our survey, because it contains unnecessary fillers and lacks purity testing. As a very expensive supplement, it cannot compete with cheaper, higher quality alternatives.
PROS
- Root extract only
- High concentration of withanolides (7%)
- Vegan
CONS
- Very poor value for money (40p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- Low standardised dosage per serving (5000mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (anti-caking agents magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Holland and Barrett shops
Buy Direct
This is a reasonable quality supplement with a standardised, high-strength dose of active ingredients. It only gets three stars in our survey, because it contains unnecessary fillers and lacks purity testing. As a very expensive supplement, it cannot compete with cheaper, higher quality alternatives.
PROS
- Root extract only
- High concentration of withanolides (7%)
- Vegan
CONS
- Very poor value for money (40p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- Low standardised dosage per serving (5000mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (anti-caking agents magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Holland and Barrett shops
4. Solgar Ashwagandha Root Extract - 60 Capsules
This well-known brand offers a disappointingly low and potentially variable dose of active ingredients, in a capsule overly filled with undesirable fillers. With no organic certification or purity guarantees, it is one of the most expensive products on the market.
PROS
- Root extract only
- Vegan
CONS
- Very poor value for money (40p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- Low concentration of withanolides (1.5%)
- Low, non-standardised dosage per serving (400mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable cellulose)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Solar Online and high street various retailers
Buy Direct
This well-known brand offers a disappointingly low and potentially variable dose of active ingredients, in a capsule overly filled with undesirable fillers. With no organic certification or purity guarantees, it is one of the most expensive products on the market.
PROS
- Root extract only
- Vegan
CONS
- Very poor value for money (40p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- Low concentration of withanolides (1.5%)
- Low, non-standardised dosage per serving (400mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains fillers (dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable cellulose)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Solar Online and high street various retailers
5. Fushi Ashwagandha Extract - 60 capsules
This is the lowest rated supplement in our survey, with a very small concentration of the active ingredient that can vary significantly per dosage. The risky addition of leaves containing toxic substances and spray-dried fat in the form of triglyceride powder makes this supplement a choice we would avoid. With no organic or purity certification and a relatively high price, we cannot find any reason to recommend this product.
PROS
- Vegan
CONS
- Contains harmful leaf extract as well as root
- Poor value for money (27p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- No consistent concentration of withanolides
- Very low, non-standardised dosage per serving (160mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains unnecessary added ingredients (lemon balm extract and triglyceride oil powder)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Boots and some other retailers
Buy from Boots
This is the lowest rated supplement in our survey, with a very small concentration of the active ingredient that can vary significantly per dosage. The risky addition of leaves containing toxic substances and spray-dried fat in the form of triglyceride powder makes this supplement a choice we would avoid. With no organic or purity certification and a relatively high price, we cannot find any reason to recommend this product.
PROS
- Vegan
CONS
- Contains harmful leaf extract as well as root
- Poor value for money (27p per capsule)
- Not a full-spectrum supplement
- No consistent concentration of withanolides
- Very low, non-standardised dosage per serving (160mg per capsule)
- No absorption support
- Contains unnecessary added ingredients (lemon balm extract and triglyceride oil powder)
- Not certified organic
- Not third-party certified free from toxins
WHERE TO BUY
Boots and some other retailers
Is Ashwagandha Safe For Everyone?
Like all herbal remedies, ashwagandha contains active compounds which can interact with other medications or have side effects.
- Don’t take ashwagandha if you are pregnant, as it has not been proven to be safe.
- There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe to use when breast-feeding, so stay on the safe side and avoid it.
- Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using ashwagandha.
- Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system, increasing the effect of a general anaesthetic. You should should stop taking ashwagandha at least two weeks before any operation and be sure to tell your surgeon you have been using it.
- Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Speak to your doctor, or avoid it, if you have a thyroid condition.
