What You’ll Learn
- Why KSM-66 has more clinical studies than any other ashwagandha extract on the market
- The root-only extraction method that preserves traditional Ayurvedic efficacy
- The specific benefits backed by science: stress, sleep, cognition, endurance, and more
- Why Nestlé, Unilever, Walmart, and Costco all use KSM-66 in their products
KSM-66 ashwagandha is defined by one number: 50. That’s the number of gold-standard clinical studies backing this single ingredient — the highest of any ashwagandha extract available anywhere in the world. In this Nourify & Beautify interview, Nour Abochama sits down with Nishant Chachra, VP of Business Development at KSM-66, at Expo West 2025 to find out exactly what makes this extract different.
“When you take KSM, it’s always a mark of quality and efficacy,” Nishant explains. “We are backed up with 50 clinical studies, which is the highest in this space.”
About KSM-66 and Nishant Chachra
KSM-66 is a premium, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract developed over 14 years of research by Ixoreal Biomed. Nishant Chachra leads business development for the brand globally, working with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and wellness brands across 53 countries.
The company has one product and one product only: KSM-66 Ashwagandha. That singular focus has allowed them to build what is arguably the most comprehensive clinical evidence base for any single botanical ingredient in the nutraceutical industry.
What Makes KSM-66 Different
1. The Clinical Backing
Fifty clinical studies is not a marketing number — it’s a scientific record. These studies cover a wide range of outcomes: stress reduction, cortisol levels, sleep quality, cognitive function, athletic endurance, men’s health, women’s health, and even pet health.
“We have 50 clinical studies on KSM, which is the highest number of clinical studies on any other ashwagandha available in the market,” Nishant says. “That sets us apart.”
For a quality control expert like Nour Abochama — who spends her professional life evaluating supplement safety and efficacy at Labophine Garmin Laboratories and American Testing Lab — this level of clinical documentation is exactly what she looks for when evaluating an ingredient.
2. Root-Only Extraction
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Traditionally, it was always the root that was used — not the leaves, not the stem. KSM-66 adheres strictly to this traditional wisdom.
“We only use roots of the plant when it comes to manufacturing KSM-66 Ashwagandha,” Nishant explains. “Because traditionally it’s always been the roots which have imparted the benefits.”
The leaves are dried and composted. Nothing is wasted, but only the root extract goes into the final product. This matters because root and leaf extracts have different chemical profiles — and the clinical evidence is specifically for root-based extracts.
3. Vertical Integration and Sustainability
KSM-66 owns its entire supply chain. They have their own farms in India, their own R&D facilities, their own manufacturing, and their own distribution. This end-to-end control means:
- Full traceability from seed to supplement
- No third-party contamination risk at any stage
- Consistent quality across every batch
“We are the only few ashwagandha manufacturers who have their own farms,” Nishant says. “We have full source-over control from a sourcing side of things.”
4. 46 Quality Certifications
Transparency in the supplement industry is rare. KSM-66 has 46 quality certifications — a number that signals not just quality but a systematic commitment to verification. “Whenever you buy KSM, it’s always a mark of quality,” Nishant says.
The Benefits: What the Science Shows
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen — an herb that helps the body adapt to stress. In Ayurvedic tradition, it’s considered the “king of herbs.” The clinical evidence behind KSM-66 supports benefits across multiple systems:
- Stress and anxiety: Reduces cortisol levels and perceived stress
- Sleep quality: Improves sleep onset and sleep quality
- Cognitive function: Supports memory, focus, and reaction time
- Athletic performance: Improves endurance, strength, and recovery
- Men’s health: Supports testosterone levels and reproductive health
- Women’s health: Supports hormonal balance and energy
- Personal care: Emerging applications in skincare and topical wellness
“These are the varied benefits what this beautiful adaptogenic herb has to offer,” Nishant says.
Who Uses KSM-66?
The brand is present in more than 3,500 global brands. In 2024 alone, they sold more than 3.5 billion dosages. The client list includes Nestlé, Unilever, Walmart, and Costco — companies with rigorous ingredient vetting processes.
“Every major brand around the world is entrusting KSM with their products,” Nishant says.
When you see KSM-66 on a supplement label, you’re not just seeing a marketing claim. You’re seeing a verified, clinically-backed ingredient with a documented supply chain and 46 quality certifications.
Key Takeaways
- KSM-66 has 50 clinical studies — more than any other ashwagandha extract — covering stress, sleep, cognition, endurance, and more
- Root-only extraction follows traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and matches the clinical evidence base
- Vertical integration (own farms, R&D, manufacturing, distribution) ensures full traceability and consistent quality
- 46 quality certifications provide independent verification of every batch
- Present in 3,500+ global brands including Nestlé, Unilever, Walmart, and Costco
- 3.5 billion dosages sold in 2024 alone — the scale of adoption reflects the trust the industry places in this ingredient
Nour Abochama is a quality control expert in supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and co-founder of Labophine Garmin Laboratories and American Testing Lab. She evaluates ingredient quality professionally — and interviews the people behind the ingredients you take every day. Learn more about Nour →
Interested in supplement safety and ingredient quality? Browse all supplement episodes → or watch the full interview on YouTube →
