Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha delivers the single most researched ashwagandha extract available — 600mg of organic KSM-66 root extract, standardized to 5% withanolides, per capsule. KSM-66 is the only ashwagandha extract backed by 24+ published human clinical trials, covering stress reduction, cortisol management, cognitive performance, hormonal balance, athletic recovery, and sexual function. One ingredient. One capsule. 60 servings. Third-party tested.†
Supplement Facts — Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha (Per 1 Capsule Serving)
- KSM-66 Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera, Root) — 600mg — standardized to minimum 5% total withanolides
- Other Ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose (HPMC vegetarian capsule), Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide
- Organic certified. Root-only extraction. No leaf material.
- Third-party tested for purity and potency.
- 60 capsules per container (60 servings at 1 capsule/day, 30 servings at 2 capsules/day)
- Vegetarian capsules.
What's Inside Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha
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KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Extract — 600mg (standardized to 5% withanolides)
KSM-66 is a patented, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract produced by Ixoreal Biomed using a proprietary extraction process that uses only the root of the Withania somnifera plant — no leaf material. This distinction matters: the leaf of ashwagandha contains a different and less desirable withanolide profile, and leaf-containing extracts produce a different, less favorable physiological response than root-only preparations. Root-only extraction preserves the complete natural balance of active compounds — withanolides, withaferins, alkaloids, and sitoindosides — exactly as they have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years and as studied in the clinical research.†
The 5% withanolide standardization is a meaningful, independently verifiable marker of potency. Withanolides are the primary bioactive steroidal lactones in ashwagandha responsible for the adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, and hormonal effects the plant is known for. Standardizing to 5% ensures every capsule contains a consistent, clinically relevant concentration of the active compounds rather than variable amounts found in unstandardized ashwagandha powders.†
KSM-66 has been evaluated in 24+ published human clinical trials — a body of research that no other ashwagandha extract has matched. The research covers six distinct areas:
- Stress and Anxiety: Multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have shown KSM-66 significantly reduces perceived stress scores and reduces serum cortisol levels — in one study by approximately 27.9% compared to placebo — in chronically stressed adults over 60 days of supplementation.†
- Cognitive Performance: Clinical research demonstrates KSM-66 improves immediate and general memory, executive function, attention, and information processing speed. A 2017 study showed significant improvements in both memory and cognitive flexibility in adults with mild cognitive impairment after 8 weeks of supplementation.†
- Hormonal Health and Testosterone: Research in men with infertility and in resistance-trained men shows KSM-66 supports healthy testosterone levels, improves sperm quality parameters, and reduces reproductive stress markers. A study in resistance-trained men showed meaningful improvements in testosterone levels and body composition over 8 weeks compared to placebo.†
- Athletic Performance and Recovery: In endurance athletes, KSM-66 has been shown to improve VO2 max by approximately 13.6% and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage markers. The dual action of reducing cortisol (which is elevated during intense training and interferes with recovery) while supporting testosterone creates a more favorable anabolic-to-catabolic hormonal environment for training adaptation.†
- Sleep Quality: KSM-66 has been studied specifically for sleep quality improvement, with research showing improvements in sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time — particularly relevant for athletes whose recovery is critically dependent on sleep quality.†
- Body Composition: Research shows KSM-66 supplementation supports reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, and waist and hip circumference in overweight adults — effects attributed to cortisol reduction (high cortisol is directly associated with abdominal fat storage and metabolic dysregulation).†
Frequently Asked Questions About Transparent Labs KSM-66
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What makes KSM-66 different from other ashwagandha extracts like Sensoril or generic ashwagandha powder?
KSM-66 is a root-only extraction — it does not use any leaf material. Generic ashwagandha powders and many branded extracts use the whole plant or include leaf content, which produces a different withanolide profile with different physiological effects and less favorable tolerability. Sensoril is the main competing branded extract; it uses whole-plant material (root and leaf) and is standardized to 10% withanolides and 32% oligosaccharides, producing more pronounced sedative and anti-anxiety effects that make it better suited for evening use. KSM-66 at 5% withanolides from root-only extraction produces a more balanced adaptogenic profile that is appropriate for morning or daytime use — supporting stress resilience and cognitive function without sedation. The 24+ human clinical trials behind KSM-66 versus fewer studies on competing extracts makes it the most research-supported choice by a significant margin.† -
How long does it take KSM-66 to work?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen — it works through cumulative mechanisms that build over time rather than producing acute single-dose effects. Most clinical research uses 8-12 week supplementation periods, and this is consistent with the practical user experience: expect meaningful changes in stress resilience, sleep quality, and energy within 3-4 weeks of consistent daily use, with more pronounced benefits appearing at 6-8 weeks. Single-dose effects are minimal. Daily consistency over at least one month is required to properly assess whether KSM-66 is working for you. Do not evaluate effectiveness based on how you feel the first week.† -
Should I take it in the morning or at night?
KSM-66's root-only extraction makes it more energizing and cognitively stimulating than sedating — morning or early afternoon use is generally preferred. This contrasts with Sensoril (whole-plant extract), which is more sedating and better suited for evening use. Many athletes take KSM-66 in the morning as part of their daily supplement routine or pre-workout (separate from stimulant pre-workouts). Evening use is also appropriate and may improve sleep quality — individual response varies. Taking it on an empty stomach may improve absorption, though it can be taken with food if stomach sensitivity occurs. Do not exceed 2 capsules (1,200mg) per day.† -
Who specifically benefits most from ashwagandha supplementation?
Five groups in particular see the strongest results. Athletes in high training volume phases benefit from cortisol management and improved recovery between sessions. Individuals under chronic occupational or lifestyle stress benefit from reduced perceived stress, improved mood stability, and better sleep quality. Men interested in natural testosterone support and improved hormonal health benefit from KSM-66's documented effects on reproductive and hormonal markers. Individuals with cognitive performance goals — mental clarity, memory, focus under pressure — benefit from the nootropic dimension of the research. And anyone struggling with sleep quality benefits from the sleep onset and efficiency improvements documented in clinical trials. If you fall into any of these categories and you are not taking ashwagandha, KSM-66 is one of the highest-value additions you can make to a supplement routine.†
How to Take Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha
Take 1 capsule with a glass of water once or twice daily. Preferably on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, though it can be taken with food. Do not exceed 2 capsules per day. Use consistently for at least 3-4 weeks to properly assess effects — adaptogenic herbs require cumulative daily use to produce meaningful results. Consult a physician before use if pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, particularly thyroid medications. KSM-66 may interact with thyroid hormone medications and immunosuppressants.†
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Who Should Not Take Transparent Labs KSM-66 Ashwagandha
- Do not use if pregnant or nursing — ashwagandha is contraindicated during pregnancy
- Consult a physician before use if taking thyroid medications — KSM-66 may have additive effects with thyroid hormone medications and require dosage adjustments
- Consult a physician before use if taking immunosuppressant medications — ashwagandha has immune-modulating properties
- Consult a physician before use if you have an autoimmune condition (Hashimoto's, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) as the immune-stimulating properties of ashwagandha may be contraindicated
- Consult a physician before use if taking any prescription medications
- Not for use by persons under 18 without physician guidance
- Keep out of reach of children
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.