FACTS IN FOCUS

Ashwagandha: Facts in Focus

September 25, 2026

Ashwagandha is currently one of the most talked-about topics in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements. However, the products on the market vary significantly in quality, composition, and the extract used.

For ESN and More Nutrition, the choice of KSM-66® is key: Both Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks rely on this standardized ashwagandha root extract from Ixoreal Biomed, which is known for its high quality and extensive scientific data on efficacy and safety.

At a Glance

Topic

Ashwagandha

Focus

KSM-66© & Differentiation

Relevant Brands

ESN, MORE

Format

Key Facts

First Things First

Ashwagandha products vary significantly — depending on the part of the plant used, the extraction method, and the standardization process.
ESN Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks contain only KSM-66®, a standardized root extract with no detectable amounts of withaferin A.
Based on the available safety documentation, there are no safety concerns for healthy adults when taken at the recommended daily intake levels.
Certain groups of people should consult a doctor before use.

1. What is this about?

Ashwagandha products available on the market can vary significantly in terms of identity, purity, and the specific part of the plant actually used. This makes clear raw material specifications, a controlled supply chain, standardization, and analytical quality controls all the more important — factors that are integral to the product-specific evaluation of Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks.

2. What is KSM-66®?

KSM-66® is a standardized ashwagandha root extract produced by Ixoreal Biomed. It is derived exclusively from the plant’s root and is characterized by a defined composition, standardized withanolide content, and extensive quality controls.
A key difference from many other ashwagandha products: Leaves and other parts of the plant can contain significantly higher concentrations of withaferin A — the compound at the center of the current safety debate. KSM-66® contains no detectable amounts of withaferin A. Therefore, reviews and case reports on ashwagandha cannot be readily applied to KSM-66®.

3. Quality & Safety

Both ESN Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks contain KSM-66®. There is extensive, published scientific data on the efficacy and safety of this ingredient — including a long-term clinical safety study spanning twelve months and an external safety assessment by Medfiles Finland.
Based on this documentation, the quality specifications, and the recommended daily intake levels, there are no safety concerns for healthy adults.
Important: We do not make blanket assessments of “Ashwagandha” as a category, but always evaluate products and raw materials on a case-by-case basis — based on the specific extract used, the formulation, and the dosage.

4. Who should not use these products?

Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks are intended for healthy adults. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, minors, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and those taking medication should only use these products after consulting a doctor. Follow the recommended usage instructions and warnings listed on the product.

5. How do we monitor scientific and regulatory developments?

ESN and More Nutrition continuously monitor scientific and regulatory developments — including regulatory agency assessments, new studies, safety reports, and product-specific information on KSM-66®. If these developments yield relevant new findings, we assess whether adjustments to product information or communications are necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ashwagandha

The Dutch RIVM advises consumers against using dietary supplements containing ashwagandha. How is ESN responding to this recommendation?

ESN takes the RIVM’s assessment seriously and continuously reviews new scientific and regulatory information related to ashwagandha.

At the same time, it is important to distinguish between general assessments of products containing ashwagandha and the specific product Ashwa+. Ashwagandha supplements can vary significantly depending on the part of the plant used, the extraction method, standardization, purity, and dosage. Ashwa+ contains KSM-66®, a standardized and clinically studied ashwagandha root extract from Ixoreal Biomed.

Based on the supplier’s extensive safety documentation, published studies, quality specifications, and the recommended daily intake, there are no safety concerns regarding KSM-66®. ESN will continue to monitor new findings and regulatory developments and assess whether adjustments to product information or communication are appropriate.

Why do ESN and More Nutrition use ashwagandha in their respective products?

ESN and More Nutrition each decided to use ashwagandha based on a product- and ingredient-specific evaluation. Both Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks use KSM-66®, a standardized ashwagandha root extract from Ixoreal Biomed.

KSM-66® is supported by a comprehensive body of safety data. This includes clinical studies on tolerability, safety, and efficacy, defined quality specifications, and a controlled manufacturing process.

The evaluation is not based on general statements about Ashwagandha as a whole category, but rather on the specific raw material used, the respective formulation and dosage, the available safety data, and the defined quality and raw material specifications.

How do ESN and MORE assess the safety of their ashwagandha products before they are launched on the market?

ESN and More Nutrition assess their respective products based on their specific formulation, the recommended daily intake, and the raw materials used. Relevant factors include the specific ashwagandha root extract used, the recommended daily intake, quality specifications, standardization, analytical controls, as well as safety documentation provided by the supplier and published clinical studies.

Both Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks contain KSM-66®, a standardized ashwagandha root extract from Ixoreal Biomed. According to published studies, KSM-66® has extensive safety documentation, including several studies on tolerability and safety. Based on this documentation, the available studies, the quality specifications, and the recommended daily intake, there are no safety concerns regarding KSM-66®.

At the same time, ESN and More Nutrition continuously monitor new scientific and regulatory developments and assess whether they are relevant to the products or product communications.

Are there certain groups of consumers who should avoid taking Ashwa+ or the More Ashwagandha Sticks?

Both products are intended for healthy adults.

In general, pregnant and breastfeeding women, minors, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people taking medication should only use these products after consulting a doctor. This applies to any dietary supplement not explicitly intended for these groups. The recommended usage and warnings listed on the product must be followed.

What advice do ESN and More Nutrition offer to consumers who are concerned following the recent media coverage of ashwagandha?

Consumers who have concerns can pause use and seek medical advice or evaluate the published clinical studies on safety and efficacy themselves. ESN and More Nutrition take such concerns seriously. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between general reports about ashwagandha and the specific products and raw materials used in each case.

Both Ashwa+ and the More Ashwagandha Sticks contain a standardized ashwagandha root extract from Ixoreal Biomed. Based on the supplier’s safety documentation, published studies, quality specifications, and the recommended daily intake, there are no safety concerns regarding KSM-66®.

How do ESN and More Nutrition monitor new scientific findings and regulatory developments related to ashwagandha?

ESN and More Nutrition continuously monitor scientific and regulatory developments. This includes assessments by regulatory agencies, developments at the EU and national levels, newly published studies, safety reports, supplier documentation, and product-specific information on KSM-66®.

In each case, they assess whether new information is relevant to Ashwa+, the More Ashwagandha Sticks, or the KSM-66® root extract used in them. Factors taken into account include, among others, the plant part, extraction method, standardization, dosage, duration of use, and quality controls.

If additional findings or regulatory requirements or recommendations were to arise, how would ESN / More Nutrition assess whether changes to the product or its marketing communications are necessary?

ESN / More Nutrition would evaluate new findings in a structured and product-specific manner. Relevant factors include the quality of the data; whether the findings generally apply to ashwagandha or to a comparable standardized root extract; whether the dosage and duration of use are relevant to the product; whether a causal relationship is plausible; which consumer groups may be affected; and whether the new information consists of legally binding requirements or a precautionary stance taken by a regulatory authority.

Depending on the outcome, ESN and MORE may update product communications, warnings, or usage instructions; adjust the wording of claims; request additional documentation from the supplier; or consider product- or formulation-related measures. Any decision would be made based on the specific relevance of the new findings.