🔬Recovery & Adaptation

Ksm-66 Ashwagandha

KSM-66 Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress, supporting recovery and adaptation to physical exertion.

Clinical Dose: 300mgFound in: 89 products

What Does KSM-66 Ashwagandha Do?

KSM-66 is a high-concentration, full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha, widely regarded as the gold standard for adaptogens in sports nutrition. It works by modulating the body's endocrine system to maintain homeostasis during the physical and mental stress of intense training.

  • Cortisol Regulation: It is clinically proven to reduce serum cortisol levels, preventing the catabolic, muscle-wasting effects of chronic stress.
  • Enhanced Recovery: By lowering systemic inflammation and stress markers, it speeds up the time needed between high-intensity training sessions.
  • Testosterone Support: Research suggests it can improve natural testosterone production in men, particularly when combined with resistance training, by optimizing the hormonal environment.
  • Cardiorespiratory Endurance: It has been shown to improve VO2 max and oxygen utilization, allowing you to push harder for longer during metabolic conditioning.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

TierDoseNotes
Minimum Effective300 mgThe standard clinical dose for stress reduction and focus.
Performance Standard600 mgThe most common dose for strength and recovery benefits.
High Performance1,000 mg+Used in some studies for maximum hormonal support and endurance.

Key Insight: While many pre-workouts include KSM-66 at the 300mg clinical minimum, the most robust data for strength and muscle size gains typically utilizes 600mg per day. If your pre-workout is underdosed, you may want to supplement with a standalone version to reach that 600mg threshold.

Side Effects & Warnings

  • Mild Drowsiness: Because it lowers cortisol and promotes relaxation, some users feel slightly lethargic if taken too early in the day.
  • Digestive Upset: In rare cases, high doses on an empty stomach can cause minor nausea or stomach cramps.
  • Thyroid Interaction: It may increase thyroid hormone levels, which requires caution for those with hyperthyroidism or related conditions.

Tip: To maximize the recovery benefits without the potential for daytime lethargy, consider taking your KSM-66 dose post-workout or in the evening when your body is naturally shifting into a recovery state.