Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. No FDA RDI; declared with † symbol. Standardized extracts typically contain 5% withanolides.
FDA Reference Data
About Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic botanical used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. As a botanical ingredient in dietary supplements, it has no FDA-established RDI and is declared with the † symbol on Supplement Facts labels. The root is the primary plant part used (declared per FDA botanical labeling requirements). Standardized extracts are typically characterized by withanolide content (commonly 5% or 10%). Common forms include KSM-66 (root extract, 5% withanolides) and Sensoril (root/leaf extract, 10% withanolides).
Common Supplement Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I declare Ashwagandha on a Supplement Facts label?
Per FDA 21 CFR 101.36(z), botanical ingredients must be declared with their common or usual name, with the Latin binomial in parentheses (e.g., "Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract"). The plant part used (root, leaf, etc.) must be specified. Standardized extracts may declare the marker compound (e.g., "standardized to 5% withanolides"). As with all botanicals, the † symbol indicates no established Daily Value.
What is the difference between KSM-66 and Sensoril Ashwagandha?
KSM-66 is a full-spectrum root-only extract standardized to 5% withanolides, processed to preserve the natural ratio of withanolide compounds. Sensoril is a root-and-leaf extract standardized to 10% withanolides, providing higher potency per milligram. The choice depends on formulation goals: KSM-66 is typically used for stress and athletic recovery; Sensoril for higher-potency stress relief.
What plant part should be declared for Ashwagandha?
The root is the traditional and most common plant part used in Ashwagandha supplements. FDA 21 CFR 101.36(z) requires declaration of the plant part (e.g., "Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (root)"). Some extracts (like Sensoril) use root and leaf, which should be declared accordingly. The Latin binomial and plant part together provide the unambiguous identification FDA requires for botanical ingredients.
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Building a supplement with Ashwagandha?
ReguSift extracts ingredients from your COA, calculates %DV, formats proprietary blends, and generates a print-ready Supplement Facts label — including Ashwagandha auto-formatted per FDA 21 CFR 101.36.