Quick answer
KSM-66 is a standardized extract of ashwagandha root. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials it was taken at 600 mg a day (300 mg twice daily) for 8 to 9 weeks. Those trials found lower stress scores and cortisol in stressed adults, and greater gains in strength and testosterone in young men who lifted weights, compared with placebo.* Man Greens contains 500 mg of KSM-66 per scoop.
What is KSM-66?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen used in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries. KSM-66 is a branded extract made only from the root, standardized to at least 5% withanolides. It's one of the most-studied ashwagandha extracts in human trials.
What the research shows
| Study | Who | Dose | Length | Finding vs placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandrasekhar et al., 2012 | 64 adults with chronic stress | 600 mg/day | 60 days | Lower perceived stress; serum cortisol about 28% lower |
| Wankhede et al., 2015 | 57 young men on a resistance-training program | 600 mg/day | 8 weeks | Greater increases in strength and muscle size; larger increase in testosterone |
Both studies were small and relatively short. They tested the KSM-66 extract on its own, not Man Greens.
Man Greens dose vs studied dose
Man Greens provides 500 mg of KSM-66 per scoop, about 83% of the 600 mg used in these trials. We list the exact amount so you can make that comparison yourself.
Safety
In trials lasting up to a few months, KSM-66 was generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include mild stomach upset and drowsiness. Talk to your doctor before using it if you take thyroid medication, sedatives, immune-suppressing drugs or diabetes or blood pressure medication, or if you have a thyroid, liver or autoimmune condition.
FAQ
How much KSM-66 should you take for testosterone?
The trial that measured testosterone in men (Wankhede 2015) used 600 mg a day, split into two 300 mg doses, for 8 weeks.
Does ashwagandha raise testosterone?
In one trial of young men doing resistance training, testosterone rose more with KSM-66 than with placebo. That's a single small study in healthy men; it doesn't show that ashwagandha treats low testosterone.*
How long does ashwagandha take to work?
The trials measured results after 8 to 9 weeks of daily use.
References
- Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262.
- Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:43.
KSM-66 is one of 8 ingredients in Man Greens. See every dose on the ingredients and testing page.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.