Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66) | Fadogia Agrestis | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Adaptogens | Adaptogens |
| Standard Dose | 600mg KSM-66 daily (300mg 2x/day) | 400-600mg daily |
| Timing | Morning and evening with meals. Evening dose supports sleep quality via cortisol reduction. | Morning with food. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (to prevent adaptogenic tolerance) | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (limited long-term safety data) |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | animal_plus_anecdotal |
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)
Fadogia agrestis stem extract contains saponins and alkaloids that appear to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the anterior pituitary, stimulating Leydig cell testosterone production. Animal studies suggest it may also have direct effects on testicular steroidogenic enzymes and may increase testicular weight. The saponin content may modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency. The aphrodisiac effects are likely mediated through increased testosterone and possibly direct effects on dopaminergic and nitrergic pathways.
400-600mg daily
Morning with food.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off (limited long-term safety data)
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