What long-term stress does to your body
Stress is a normal biological reaction. It only becomes a problem when the stress response stays "on": when cortisol levels remain elevated day after day without sufficient recovery. Research links prolonged elevated cortisol to disrupted sleep, fluctuations in energy and appetite, and a reduced ability to concentrate.
For many people, it is a vicious cycle: stress disrupts sleep, poor sleep makes you less resilient to stress, and that keeps cortisol high. Sufficient sleep, exercise, and addressing the sources of stress are therefore the foundation.
What is ashwagandha KSM-66?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a root that has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition. KSM-66 is a full-spectrum root extract, standardized to a minimum of 5% withanolides: the most important bioactive compounds. It is the most researched ashwagandha extract, with more than 22 randomized studies in scientific journals.
This standardization is important: it makes research results easier to attribute to a fixed composition. With non-standardized ashwagandha powders, the content of bioactive compounds can vary significantly per batch.
What has been researched
A 2025 meta-analysis in BJPsych Open (Bachour et al.) combined 15 randomized studies on ashwagandha in adults, measuring factors such as cortisol and perceived stress. A double-blind study from 2024 (Leonard et al., Nutrients) investigated a liposomal ashwagandha formulation of 225 mg and looked at memory, attention, and mood. Most studies lasted 4 to 12 weeks.
Important context
For ashwagandha, there is no EFSA-approved health claim under EU Regulation 1924/2006. The mentioned research concerns specific extracts and dosages and is not a promise regarding the effect of a supplement. If you suffer significantly from stress, tension, or sleep problems, please contact your GP or another healthcare provider.
Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you use thyroid medication, antidepressants, or immunosuppressants, consult your doctor first.
The PPH formula
The PPH GABA + Ashwagandha KSM-66 formula contains 100 mg of KSM-66 ashwagandha extract per capsule, supplemented with GABA, L-theanine, chamomile, lemon balm, Montmorency cherry, and folate.
- Ashwagandha KSM-66 100 mg, standardized to a minimum of 5% withanolides
- GABA 250 mg
- L-theanine 50 mg
- Chamomile 100 mg and lemon balm 50 mg
- Montmorency cherry 70 mg
- Folate 400 µg, as 5-methylfolate
Folate contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha KSM-66 is the most researched ashwagandha extract, thanks to its consistent standardization. A supplement is no substitute for the basics: sufficient sleep, exercise, and addressing the sources of stress where possible.
View PPH GABA + Ashwagandha KSM-66.
Your vitality is not optional — it is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Bachour G. et al. (2025). Effects of Ashwagandha on Cortisol, Stress, and Anxiety: Meta-Analysis of 15 RCTs. BJPsych Open. DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2025.10136. PubMed PMC12242034
- Leonard M. et al. (2024). Acute and Repeated Liposomal Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood. Nutrients, 16(12), 1813. DOI: 10.3390/nu16121813. PubMed PMC11207027
- Pratte M.A. et al. (2014). An Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review for Ashwagandha. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25211657/
