Feeling constantly run down by daily tension? NOW Ashwagandha delivers a concentrated herbal extract designed to help your body adapt to physical, environmental, and emotional stress. Formulated in vegetarian capsules and standardized to guarantee active plant strength in every serving, this time-tested botanical promotes steady energy, evening calmness, and immune resilience.
✓ Guaranteed Potency: Min. 2.5% Withanolides (11 mg per cap)
✓ Full 180-Count Supply: Up to 3 to 6 months of daily support
✓ Clean & Allergen-Free: Non-GMO, Vegan, and Gluten-Free
✓ Verified Purity: Produced in a certified GMP facility
What Is Ashwagandha? (In Plain English)
Ashwagandha (botanical name: Withania somnifera) is a small evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It has been used for more than 3,000 years in Ayurveda — India’s traditional holistic wellness system — as a premier adaptogen.
Think of an Adaptogen Like a Thermostat for Your Stress
When your house gets too cold, a thermostat turns on the heat. When it gets too hot, it turns on the AC. Adaptogens work similarly in your body. Instead of acting like a stimulant (like caffeine) or a sedative (which can make you groggy), Ashwagandha gently modulates your adrenal glands and stress-response pathways. When cortisol levels are through the roof, it helps bring them down; when your energy feels depleted, it helps restore vitality.
The active substances responsible for these harmonizing effects are called withanolides. By isolating these key plant compounds, NOW Foods ensures you get dependable, measurable benefits in every single capsule rather than ordinary, unprocessed ground root.
Clinically Documented Benefits Backed by Medical Research
We believe in evidence over hype. Modern double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials have verified several key physiological mechanisms of standardized Ashwagandha extract:
1. Clinically Proven Cortisol & Stress Reduction
Chronic tension keeps cortisol (your primary stress hormone) elevated, which can cause brain fog, abdominal weight retention, and nervousness. In a landmark 60-day randomized double-blind clinical trial, adults taking standardized root extract experienced an average 27.9% reduction in serum cortisol levels alongside significant decreases on the Perceived Stress Scale compared to placebo.
Scientific Citation: Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262. [PubMed PMID: 23439798]
2. Restorative Sleep & Nighttime Relaxation
Its Latin species name, somnifera, translates to “sleep-inducing.” Rather than knocking you out, Ashwagandha supports the GABAergic neurotransmitter pathways that calm racing thoughts before bed. Clinical evaluations reveal significant improvements in sleep onset latency (falling asleep faster), overall sleep efficiency, and waking up refreshed.
Scientific Citation: Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, Debnath K, Ambegaokar D. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus. 2019;11(9):e5797. [PubMed PMID: 31728249]
A 2019 clinical investigation demonstrated that standardized Ashwagandha extract helps regulate both morning cortisol and DHEA-S levels, fostering emotional balance and resilience during demanding life events without creating reliance or drowsiness.
Scientific Citation: Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgire R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186. [PubMed PMID: 31521852]
4. Free Radical Scavenger & Immune Defense
Long-term stress suppresses your immune system by generating excess free radicals (unstable molecules that damage healthy cells). The natural withanolides and flavonoids in NOW Ashwagandha act as cellular scavengers, protecting immune cells from oxidative stress and supporting optimal seasonal resistance.
Why Standardized 2.5% Withanolides Matters
When shopping for Ashwagandha supplements, not all bottles are created equal. The most critical detail on the label is whether the herb is a simple raw powder or a standardized extract:
Feature
Generic Raw Root Powder
NOW Ashwagandha 450 mg Extract
Active Compound Guarantee
Unknown / Highly Variable
Guaranteed Min. 2.5% Withanolides (11 mg)
Digestive Efficiency
Heavy plant fiber; harder to break down
Concentrated bioavailable root extract
Capsules Needed Daily
4 to 8 bulky capsules
Just 1 capsule 2 to 3 times daily
Laboratory Verification
Rarely third-party tested
HPLC laboratory tested for purity & potency
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Listing
Full transparency is at the core of our standards. Here is the verified label breakdown for NOW Ashwagandha 450 mg (Item SKU: N4593, UPC: 733739045935):
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule Servings Per Container: 180
Amount Per Serving% Daily ValueAshwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera) (Root) (Standardized to min. 2.5% Total Withanolides – 11 mg)450 mg †
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Rice Flour, and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).
Allergen Free From: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Take 1 veggie capsule 2 to 3 times daily. Starting with 1 capsule per day for the first week allows you to see how your body responds before gradually increasing to 2 or 3 capsules.
Best Timing with Meals
Always consume each capsule with a meal or snack and a glass of water. Taking herbal extracts alongside healthy dietary fats aids absorption and prevents mild stomach sensitivity.
Should You Cycle It?
Most herbalists and clinical studies evaluate adaptogens over 60 to 90 days. Taking a 1-to-2 week break every 3 months is a recommended practice to maintain receptor sensitivity and evaluate your baseline well-being.
Safety Guidelines, Precautions & Interactions
Because Ashwagandha actively influences hormone pathways and neurotransmitters, responsible use is essential. Please review the following medical precautions:
Pregnancy & Nursing: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. High amounts of Ashwagandha may stimulate uterine contractions.
Thyroid Conditions & Medication: Ashwagandha has been shown to naturally support thyroid hormone synthesis (T3 and T4). If you take levothyroxine or have hyperthyroidism, consult your endocrinologist before use.
Autoimmune Conditions: Because it stimulates immune activity, individuals with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, or multiple sclerosis should seek medical advice.
Sedatives & Surgery: Avoid combining with heavy sedative medications (benzodiazepines or barbiturates), and discontinue use at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
Sensitive Digestion: Large doses on an empty stomach can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. If you feel stomach discomfort, reduce your dose or take exclusively with full meals.
*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. Always speak with your qualified healthcare provider before introducing any new dietary supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for NOW Ashwagandha to start working?
While subtle calming effects can often be felt within a few days, substantial hormonal and cortisol-balancing benefits typically build up over 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily usage, as demonstrated in clinical trials.
Should I take Ashwagandha in the morning or at night?
It depends on your personal goals. If you experience daytime nervousness or work-related stress, taking 1 capsule in the morning with breakfast works best. If racing thoughts keep you awake at night, taking your dose with dinner or 1 hour before bed promotes restful sleep.
What is the difference between NOW Ashwagandha and KSM-66?
Both are high-quality root extracts. KSM-66 is a trademarked extract standardized to 5% withanolides, whereas NOW’s 450 mg formula is standardized to minimum 2.5% withanolides (providing 11 mg of active withanolides per capsule). The 450 mg formula provides a gentle, customizable dosing structure that is easy to divide throughout the day at an economical price per serving.
Does Ashwagandha cause drowsiness or interfere with driving?
No. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, not a pharmaceutical sedative. It promotes tranquility without dulling your mental sharpness or causing sluggishness, making it safe for daytime tasks.
Can I take this supplement every day indefinitely?
Most health practitioners recommend using Ashwagandha daily for 2 to 3 months to reset the stress response, followed by a brief 2-week pause before resuming. This prevents your body from building tolerance.
Why choose VitaNet® for NOW Foods supplements?
VitaNet® has served online customers since 1995. We store all products in climate-controlled warehouses to protect delicate herbal compounds, offer deep discounts off MSRP, and back every purchase with our 100% money-back guarantee.
