But sourcing high quality ashwagandha can mean all the difference in getting the full range of its benefits.
More products than ever before are now available with ashwagandha.
As this rise, it’s important to know what is the pure ashwagandha, what is the potent ashwagandha, and what is the effective ashwagandha.
In this article, we will look at what to consider when sourcing high quality ashwagandha.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best ashwagandha, from withanolide content to trusted suppliers.
Why is Quality Ashwagandha so Important?
The effectiveness of Ashwagandha depends mostly on its quality.
The ashwagandha that has high quality has the right amount of active compounds, especially withanolides (1).
Many of ashwagandha’s health benefits are due to these compounds.
Ashwagandha from poor quality sources may not contain these active compounds, or may contain fillers that don’t belong there.
By choosing high quality ashwagandha, you can be sure you’re receiving the stress relief and energy and mental clarity benefits you’re looking for (2).
The products may be low quality and may be disappointing and even dangerous to your health.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to choose the best ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha Extracts: How to Identify High Quality
High quality ashwagandha extracts have a few indicators.
Look for Certified Organic Ashwagandha
Certified Organic Ashwagandha is what you should be looking for (3).
Ashwagandha is grown without synthetic pesticides or additives and is certified organic.
This will also preserve the herb’s natural properties.
When ashwagandha is certified organic, you know it was grown in healthy soil without harmful chemicals.
Brands have to be transparent, and organic certification also adds transparency.
By choosing organic ashwagandha you avoid unnecessary toxins.
Check Withanolide Content
Other key factors for ashwagandha quality are its withanolide content.
The active compounds of ashwagandha are withanolides.
And quality ashwagandha will usually declare the withanolide percentage on label.
The concentration of withanolides is between 5% and 10%.
For a balanced potency supporting stress relief and mental clarity this level of withanolides is provided.
If a product doesn’t disclose its withanolide content, it’s likely a less expensive product.
Sourcing and Origin
Quality of ashwagandha comes from source of ashwagandha.
India is highly valued for its traditional cultivation methods of Ashwagandha.
Some of the best ashwagandha growing regions in the world are also in India.
Most premium ashwagandha supplements will state that they source their product from India.
Check with suppliers that openly supply data on where their ashwagandha comes from.
Often, it’s the brands that are transparent about sourcing practices that are the ones offering higher quality products.
Ashwagandha Suppliers Evaluation
Evaluating your supplier when it comes to choosing a high quality ashwagandha product is just as important.
A way to do this is by checking if it has been third party tested.
High-quality supplements, like those from Wild Foods Co., can make a meaningful impact on daily health by supporting balance and vitality.
Third Party Testing and Certification
Ashwagandha is third party tested to ensure purity and safety.
Products from reputable suppliers will be tested by independent labs.
The test for this is checking on contaminants, potency, and general product quality.
Look for some certifications such as USP, NSF, and GMP.
The certifications mean the product meets high standards for product quality of supplements.
Research Supplier Reputation and History
Researching the supplier’s reputation is another way to be sure of quality.
More trustworthy suppliers have often been in the market a long time.
More prone to be transparent about their sourcing and quality control practices are well established suppliers.
Companies like KSM 66 have a tradition of being the most serious dressed of high level and scrupulous quality control.
The research of reviews and testomonials can help us to learn more about a brand’s reliability.
And a good supplier will often have good feedback and a good reputation.
Assess Extraction Methods used
The quality of ashwagandha is affected by extraction methods.
Preferred methods include water extraction and full spectrum extraction.
These techniques keep all the active compounds in ashwagandha.
However, some extraction methods use solvents which leave unwanted residues.
Full spectrum extracts contain a balanced blend of compounds which increase the overall effect.
If a product is using harsh solvents, health conscious consumers may not be the best choice for a product.
Ashwagandha Products: Key Tips for Finding Pure and Potent
Additional tips when choosing an ashwagandha supplement.
If you choose full spectrum ashwagandha, then you can be sure that you’re getting the best of it.
Choose Full Spectrum Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha contains more, and wider variety of beneficial compounds.
The extracts are made to reflect the natural composition of the ashwagandha root.
The result of this approach is a more balanced effect and perhaps better potency for the herb.
Full spectrum ashwagandha supports stress relief and focus for many users.
If you are sourcing ashwagandha, make sure to look for products which specifically say “full spectrum” on the label.
Select Products with Visible Labels
The best ashwagandha supplement will have a clear and informative label.
This should be labeled withanolide content, the method of extraction and any certifications.
It can be a red flag if it's vague labeled, or if it has no ingredient detail.
Transparent labels allow you to make wise choices regarding the product’s quality and efficiency.
Stay away from products that don’t tell you how much ashwagandha they contain.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Product quality can be revealed by customer reviews.
Review the product to see what verified buyers have to say about the product.
Normally it talks about specific benefits like reducing stress or increasing focus.
These testimonials can help you get a real idea of how the ashwagandha product can work for you.
Additionally, it’s nice to get feedback on what the product tastes like, what it feels like, and whether or not the product is effective.
That's a good thing because it means that a product meets its promises.
Ashwagandha Sourcing Red Flags
Some things to watch out for when sourcing ashwagandha.
A suspiciously low price is one of the main warning signs.
Suspiciously Low Prices
Ashwagandha is a high quality herb that requires careful cultivation and processing.
Products in themorning of products lower in quality may be much cheaper than the average market price.
Affordable pricing is possible, but if the pricing is too low the quality can suffer.
If the price sounds too good to be true, it’s probably because it is.
Lack of Transparency
Also, a lack of transparency regarding the product’s sourcing and testing are another red flag.
Reputable brands out in the open talk about their quality control practices.
If a brand doesn’t tell you where they source their ashwagandha from, or how it’s tested, it may be best to avoid.
Withanolide Percentage Not Listed
Another warning sign is the absence of a listed withanolide percentage.
Products of high quality ashwagandha will indicate the withanolide content.
Without this information, it’s difficult to know if the product will work.
Check the products that have clearly mentioned withanolide concentration to check the potency.
Final Thoughts
It may seem challenging to source high quality ashwagandha, but it’s worth the effort.
You can find a reliable product by looking for organic certification, withanolide content and reputable suppliers.
Good quality ashwagandha offers help with stress management, focus and energy.
Choose a product that is pure and potent and takes your time to do so.
Ashwagandha can be incorporated into your routine for meaningful benefits for well-being.
It is the same with supplements – quality matters.
FAQs
But how do I know if my ashwagandha is high quality?
Certified organic, withanolide percentage, and third party testing for purity are all things to look for on the label.
How much withanolide do I need to look for?
A typical withanolide concentration of 5–10% is ideal for potency.
What is the best extraction method for ashwagandha?
The best form of ashwagandha is full spectrum or water extracted.
Where does the best ashwagandha come from?
India’s ashwagandha is preferred because it is often cultivated traditionally and in higher quality.
What can I look for when shopping for ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha with low quality may be vague in labeling, suspiciously low priced or no information about withanolide content.
Related Studies
1. Title: The Role of Withanolides in the Therapeutic Effects of Ashwagandha
Withanolides are the primary active compounds in ashwagandha, contributing to its therapeutic benefits, including stress reduction and cognitive support. This study highlights that the right amount of withanolides is essential for potency.
Link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acsomega.3c03491
DOI link: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03491
2. Title: The Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
A systematic review found that ashwagandha significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels, with participants reporting improvements in mental clarity. The findings support ashwagandha’s role in enhancing cognitive performance.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/02698811231200023
DOI link: 10.1177/02698811231200023
3. Title: Organic Certification and Its Importance in Sourcing High-Quality Ashwagandha
This study emphasizes how organic certification and transparent sourcing practices ensure that ashwagandha supplements maintain purity and potency. Reputable suppliers with organic standards offer more reliable products.
Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/24/5015
DOI link: 10.3390/nu15245015
