Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. The research supporting its effects on cortisol, testosterone, and stress response is largely concentrated on specific, standardized extracts. KSM-66® is the most studied of those extracts, with over 24 clinical studies examining its effects at specific doses.

Generic ashwagandha supplements typically contain extracts from either the root, the leaf, or both, with varying levels of withanolides, the active compounds linked to ashwagandha's effects. Standardization levels vary widely across products and suppliers. Without a consistent withanolide percentage and a defined dose backed by research, the efficacy of a standard ashwagandha supplement is difficult to verify from the label.

KSM-66 uses a patented aqueous extraction process that preserves the full-spectrum root profile without the use of alcohol or chemical solvents. NutraLife includes KSM-66 at 150mg per serving, which at two servings per day reaches 300mg, the dose used in the clinical studies showing a 27.9% reduction in cortisol.