Description
A standardized extract from Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera), the principal Ayurvedic adaptogen. Standardized to withanolide content, the principal active steroidal lactone class. Currently among the highest-growth botanical supplement categories globally for stress, sleep, and cognitive applications.
Light brown to brown free-flowing powder. Partial water solubility; freely soluble in ethanol.
We supply food-grade Ashwagandha Extract from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production. Organic-certified grades are available.
Common market grades include 1.5 percent Withanolides (standard supplement grade), 2.5 percent Withanolides (the workhorse premium grade matching the dominant clinical formats), 5 percent Withanolides (high-end grade), and 10 percent Withanolides (concentrated grade). Root-only and root-and-leaf grades are differentiated; root-only commands a premium in many markets.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering total withanolides (HPLC), withaferin A content, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology.
Introduction
Ashwagandha has been a foundational adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years, used for vitality, longevity, and stress resilience. The plant's Sanskrit name translates to 'smell of horse,' reflecting both the root's odor and a traditional claim to confer the strength of a horse.
Industrial production proceeds by hot-water or hydroalcoholic extraction of dried Ashwagandha root, followed by concentration, purification, and spray-drying to defined withanolide content. Root-only extracts command premium pricing over root-and-leaf extracts in many markets, reflecting clinical-trial sourcing precedent.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA (GRAS for the dominant proprietary formats) and as a traditional medicine ingredient in India. EU regulatory status remains complex with ongoing Novel Food review for some formats.
Clinical evidence supports Ashwagandha for stress, cortisol reduction, and sleep quality at 300 to 600 mg per day of standardized extract, with the body of evidence among the strongest for any adaptogenic supplement ingredient. Sports-performance and testosterone-support evidence is growing but less mature.
Strategic positioning is dominated by stress and sleep dietary supplements globally, with rapid expansion into functional beverages and sports nutrition.
Where it is used
- Stress and cortisol-management dietary supplements (the dominant commercial application)
- Sleep-support and relaxation formulations
- Cognitive-support and memory supplements
- Sports nutrition: testosterone-support and recovery-positioned products
- Adaptogenic and energy supplement blends
- Functional beverages: stress-relief drinks and adaptogenic wellness shots
- Premium nutricosmetic supplements
- Pet supplements positioned for anxiety and stress in companion animals
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light brown to brown free-flowing powder |
| Total withanolides (HPLC) | 1.5% / 2.5% / 5% / 10% (grade dependent) |
| Withaferin A | ≤ 0.1% (root-only grades) |
| Particle size | 95% pass 80 mesh |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 5.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
| Source | Withania somnifera dried root (root-only or root-and-leaf) |
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