Why KSM-66 ASHWAGANDHA Pure Root Extract Will Soon be Featured in Animal Health Protocols Everywhere
Even a cursory glance at the supplement aisle at a health food store or pharmacy will reveal that Ashwagandha is poised to take over the health industry.
Little wonder when you consider that this adaptogenic herb has been revered by Ayurvedic doctors in India for more than 4,000 years.
Now experiencing significant growth in North America, the surge in popularity of Ashwagandha can be attributed, in part, to a wealth of scientific studies supporting its effectiveness and safety in humans. Even better, clinical research is showing that this healing herb is beneficial for dogs, cats and horses too. That’s good news for veterinarians who are looking for better alternatives when it comes to their patients’ health.
Ashwagandha – A Quick Recap
Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogenic herb derived from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant.
It has garnered much acclaim – in both the realms of human and animal clinical studies – for its stress-reducing properties and holistic health advantages.
Notably, the pure root extract version of this remarkable herbal remedy also possesses the unique ability to adapt its therapeutic effects according to an individual’s specific requirements. Its versatility has been associated with a diverse range of health benefits, including managing anxiety, reinforcing the immune system, reducing inflammation, and potentially supporting joint health.
In other words: ashwagandha pure root extract, a natural powerhouse for enhancing overall well-being in both animals and their caring parent, is a must-have in any integrative veterinarian’s toolkit.
10 Reasons to Add KSM-66 Ashwagandha to Your Practice
Ongoing studies prove that KSM-66 Ashwagandha has multiple health benefits for companion animals (dogs, cats, and horses):
- Stress reduction and anxiety relief
- Improved cognitive function
- Anti-aging effects
- Better joint health
- Energy boost
- Cardiovascular health
- Digestive support
- Immune system support
- Anti-cancer properties
- Overall well-being
Choosing the Right Ashwagandha for Superior Healing Powers: What Makes KSM-66 Ashwagandha Stand Out
Producing the world’s best ashwagandha pure root extract – achieving unmatched excellence in ashwagandha cultivation and harvesting – requires meticulous techniques and state-of-the-art production facilities. This is why renowned animal supplement manufacturers worldwide favor KSM-66 Ashwagandha.
That, and the fact that KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract has the following clinically proven benefits:
- Stress Reduction and Disease Management: KSM-66 helps mitigate stress and supports overall well-being.
- Enhanced Calmness: It promotes a sense of tranquility.
- Immune System Support: It contributes to a stronger immune response.
- Joint Health Boost: KSM-66 is beneficial for joint wellness.
This adaptogenic herb, rich in potent antioxidants, seamlessly integrates with various animal supplement formats, including capsules, soft chews, powders, tinctures, treats, tablets, and pellets, ensuring convenient dosing and digestion.
The Healing Power of Nature Backed by Scientific Proof – Published KSM-66 Ashwagandha Studies
KSM-66 Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety in Canines
Study Details: Efficacy and safety of standardized Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on reducing stress and anxiety in domestic dogs: A randomized controlled trial
Kaur J, Seshadri, S, Golla, K & Sampara, P (2022). Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 51, 8-15.
Overview: In this 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the administration of an Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66 Ashwagandha®) at a dose of 15mg/kg body weight was associated with significant changes in the UCCr in dogs experiencing stress responses and anxiety when compared to the placebo. I
Results:
- Ashwagandha supplementation was well tolerated with no reported adverse events.
- In comparison with the placebo, Ashwagandha intake was associated with a statistically significant reduction in urine cortisol to creatine ratio (P = 0.0005).
- Results from CBARQ revealed that Ashwagandha intake was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the fear and anxiety domain (P = 0.03), compared to placebo.
- There was also a statistically significant reduction in the CBPI pain severity (P < 0.0001) and pain interference (P < 0.0001) domains, compared to the placebo group.
- The findings of this exploratory study suggest that Ashwagandha root extract may aid in attenuating signs of stress and anxiety in dogs.
Click here for the full study
KSM-66 Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety in Felines
Study Details: Adaptogenic Ashwagandha root extract modulates inflammatory markers in feline stress management: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Ashok Kumar Devarasetti, Kala Kumar Bharani, Amit Khurana, Sunil Anand, Rajesh Kollipaka, Venkata Dharma Teja Saranu, Donga Durga Veera Hanuman, Vamsi Krishna Addanki, Vinaya Sree Chetla & Anil Kumar Banothu (2024). Journal of Applied Animal Research
Overview: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral administration of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) in cats subjected to different types of stress. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled veterinary clinical trial was conducted with sixteen healthy pet cats. Each cat was randomly assigned to receive ARE (15 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo and were subjected to four types of stress over a period of one month.
Results:
- No detrimental changes were observed in ALP, ALT, AST, glucose, creatinine, and BUN levels on day 30 with ARE with all values within the physiological range.
- Additionally, in the ARE- treated group, the protein (p < 0.05) and albumin (p < 0.01) levels were increased significantly, indicating overall improved liver function. Post 30 days ARE treatment, significant modulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.001) levels were observed with ARE compared to placebo control group.
- After 30 days ARE treatment, serum cortisol levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001), indicating strong anti-stress effects.
- There was a significant decrease in cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ & IL-10), NFκB and Nrf-2 levels in ARE treated group indicating potent anti-inflammatory effects.
- Overall, these promising results demonstrate that ARE possesses adaptogenic, stress-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties and is safe in felines.
Click here for the full study
KSM-66 Ashwagandha for Stress in Horses
Adaptogenic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract: An Experimental Study in an Equine Model. Priyanka G, Anil Kumar B, Lakshman M, Manvitha V and Kala Kumar B. (2020). Front. Vet. Sci. 7:541112.
Results: Over the 21 days, a statistically significant (p < 0.05 increase was observed, in total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, hemoglobin content, lymphocyte percentage, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase activities among the Ashwagandha treated groups (G2, G3, and G4) when compared to the control group (G1). The study also demonstrated a statistically significant decrease (p 0.05) in cortisol, epinephrine, glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, IL-6, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels over the 21 days, in the Ashwagandha treated groups (G2, G3, and G4) when compared to the control group (G1). All the horses remained healthy throughout the study. There was no deviation from the normal values. At the end of the study, there was a non-significant increase, in the mean body weight of the horses in the treatment groups when compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results suggest that Ashwagandha root extract has potent hemopoietic, anti-stress, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immune-stimulant properties. The supplement was found safe for the horses. No adverse event was witnessed during the study period for any animal consuming the experimental herbal product.
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Ashwagandha root extract in Geriatric Dogs
Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study.Kala Kumar Bharani, Ashok Kumar Devarasetti, Latha Carey, Amit Khurana , Rajesh Kollipaka, Donga Durga Veera Hanuman, Vinaya Sree Chetla, Anil Kumar Banothu
Results: The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p < 0.001), whereas leukocyte count decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant decreases in important markers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and globulin; p < 0.001 at day 60), as well as kidney function markers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen; p < 0.001 at days 30 and 60), were observed in ARE-treated dogs compared to the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde) were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, indicating strong antioxidant effects. Interestingly, serum cortisol levels reduced significantly with ARE (p < 0.001). Compared to baseline, ARE significantly decreased key inflammatory markers, including interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells and interleukin-10 (p < 0.001) levels at day 60.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ARE has adaptogenic properties in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles, enhancing antioxidant defence, reducing stress and modulating inflammatory responses.
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The role of Ashwagandha in modulating gut parameters in dogs—a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Results: The erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant decrease in important serum liver biomarkers (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST]; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 at day 60) was observed in the ARE-treated dogs compared to that in the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of L-citrulline were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, whereas the intervention did not affect intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase (I-ALP), lactate, and carbamoyl-phosphate synthase (CPS). Interestingly, the faecal score reduced significantly with ARE (p < 0.001), while the faecal pH remained unaltered. Compared to the baseline, ARE significantly decreased two microbial metabolites, propionic acid, and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels after 60 days of intervention, whereas butyrate and acetic acid levels remained unchanged in the faecal samples.
Conclusion: In summary, these findings suggest that ARE has gut health promoting benefits in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles; the levels of L-citrulline; propionic acid; and SCFA; thus, reducing age-related changes by modulating the microbiome and the associated metabolites.
Click here for the full study
Other KSM-66 Ashwagandha Pure Root Extract Studies
Under Peer Review
Ashwagandha for shiny coat and fur in Cats
Ashwagandha for shiny coat and fur in Dogs
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha root extract on cognition and sleep in dogs
