Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
Thorne is the industry benchmark for purity and clinical reliability, utilizing the KSM-66 extract which is the most clinically studied form of Ashwagandha. Their NSF Certified for Sport designation ensures the absence of 200+ banned substances, making it the safest choice for athletes and professionals.
Ingredients & Purity
Uses KSM-66, a full-spectrum root-only extract. It is standardized to 5% withanolides and avoids the use of leaves, which is critical for safety and efficacy.
Scientific Evidence
KSM-66 has over 22 gold-standard human clinical trials. Thorne is the only brand to partner with 11 US Olympic Teams.
Brand Transparency
Thorne performs four rounds of testing on every batch. They are one of the few brands that manufacture in-house in an NSF and TGA-certified facility.
Value Assessment
At roughly $0.40 per serving, it is priced higher than bulk brands but offers significantly better safety profiles and guaranteed potency.
Why Not Alternatives?
Unlike many competitors who use generic root powder with inconsistent withanolide content, Thorne uses a standardized 5% withanolide extract. Many 'budget' brands fail to disclose their extraction methods or include leaf material which can contain higher levels of Withaferin A (a potentially cytotoxic compound).