Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66) | Cordyceps Militaris | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | 600mg KSM-66 daily (300mg 2x/day) | 1000-3000mg daily (fruiting body extract) or 500-1000mg (concentrated 10:1 extract) |
| Timing | Morning and evening with meals. Evening dose supports sleep quality via cortisol reduction. | Morning or pre-workout (energizing). Avoid evening dosing. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (to prevent adaptogenic tolerance) | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off, or continuous |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | moderate_human |
Ashwagandha's primary bioactives are withanolides (particularly withaferin A and withanolide D). KSM-66 is a full-spectrum root extract standardized to >5% withanolides. It modulates the HPA axis by reducing cortisol output (20-30% reduction in trials), likely through GABAergic activity (withanolides are GABA-mimetic at GABA-A receptors) and by normalizing cortisol receptor (GR) sensitivity. It also inhibits the NMDA-induced neurotoxicity pathway, enhances DHEA-S production, promotes thyroid function (increases T4 to T3 conversion), upregulates antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), and has demonstrated sirtuin-activating properties.
600mg KSM-66 daily (300mg 2x/day)
Morning and evening with meals. Evening dose supports sleep quality via cortisol reduction.
Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (to prevent adaptogenic tolerance)
Cordyceps contains cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine, which modulate purinergic signaling. Cordycepin activates AMPK, inhibits mTOR, and modulates adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A3). It enhances cellular ATP production by upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis genes and improving oxygen utilization efficiency. Cordyceps increases EPO production (erythropoietin) via HIF-1alpha stabilization, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity. Beta-glucans (1,3/1,6) activate innate immune cells via Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3). It also relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and enhances adrenal hormone production.
1000-3000mg daily (fruiting body extract) or 500-1000mg (concentrated 10:1 extract)
Morning or pre-workout (energizing). Avoid evening dosing.
Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off, or continuous
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