Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract (Sensoril®)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb from the root of Withania somnifera that helps the body modulate its response to physical and psychological stress by regulating cortisol output and supporting HPA axis balance — making it one of the most evidence-supported botanicals for women over 35 navigating perimenopause, sustained stress, and the disrupted sleep that follows from both. In element³ REST (PM Formula), ashwagandha appears as Sensoril®, a clinically researched extract dosed at 125mg to support stress resilience, evening calm, and the transition into restorative sleep. If you find yourself wired but exhausted at the end of the day, this is one of the most directly relevant ingredients on your label.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract (Sensoril®)

[ 01 ] Key Facts

Dose in element³ 125mg in REST (PM Formula)
Form Sensoril® — a patented, clinically researched extract of Withania somnifera root and leaf, standardised to a minimum of 10% withanolide glycosides
Signs you may need more Wired-but-tired exhaustion · Difficulty switching off in the evening · Cortisol-driven nighttime waking · Anxiety that sits beneath the surface · Mood reactivity under sustained stress
Safe range Clinical research has used doses from 125mg to 600mg/day depending on extract concentration. No established RDI (ashwagandha is a botanical, not a nutrient). Sensoril® has TGA listing and an extensive clinical safety dossier.

Food sources

  • Ashwagandha is a cultivated medicinal herb, not a food

[ 02 ] Rationale

Why this ingredient is in element³

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a class of herbs that help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors by modulating the stress response rather than blocking it. Its primary mechanism of action runs through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the central control system for the cortisol response. Research indicates ashwagandha helps normalise cortisol output: lowering it when chronically elevated (as in sustained stress) and supporting healthier cortisol rhythms across the day-night cycle. Withanolides, the bioactive compounds in the root of Withania somnifera, also appear to act on GABA-A receptors, contributing to ashwagandha's calming, sleep-supportive effects through a pathway separate from cortisol.

The form matters here. Not all ashwagandha extracts are equivalent. Sensoril® is a patented root extract of Withania somnifera, standardised to a minimum of 10% withanolide glycosides, among the highest withanolide concentrations of any commercial ashwagandha. This standardisation matters for two reasons: it guarantees a consistent therapeutic dose batch-to-batch, and it allows clinically meaningful effects at lower volumes than less concentrated extracts. Sensoril® is differentiated from KSM-66® (the other major branded ashwagandha) by both its composition and its evidence base: KSM-66 research tends to emphasise daytime energy and physical performance, while Sensoril®'s clinical literature concentrates on stress reduction, sleep quality, and the specific symptom cluster, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disruption, most relevant to women navigating perimenopause.

The 125mg dose in REST was chosen deliberately. Sensoril®'s clinical research has used doses from 125mg to 250mg per day, with the lower 125mg dose demonstrating significant reductions in stress, cortisol, and anxiety markers when taken consistently. This dose is appropriate for daily use in an evening formula and avoids the over-sedation that can occur with higher single doses.

Within the REST formula, ashwagandha occupies the upstream position. Where L-theanine modulates alpha-wave brain activity, where Passionflower and Valerian Root act on GABA-A receptors, where Magnesium Citrate underwrites the broader enzymatic and hormonal context, and where Hops Extract adds further sedative pathway support, Sensoril® addresses the cortisol dysregulation that often causes the racing thoughts, muscle tension, and fragmented sleep these other ingredients are working to resolve. By lowering elevated evening cortisol, it removes one of the primary drivers of wired-but-tired exhaustion.

For women whose disrupted sleep is downstream of sustained stress and HPA axis dysregulation rather than of any one isolated symptom, Sensoril® earns its place in REST.

[ 03 ] At 35+

Relevant at 35+

The case for ashwagandha after 35 is built on the specific pattern of stress and hormonal change that defines this life stage. Sustained stress exposure across a woman's 30s, career, caregiving, the cognitive load of running a household,  leads to HPA axis dysregulation, where the cortisol response becomes either chronically elevated or erratically variable. This is the physiological substrate for what's often called adrenal fatigue: the wired-but-tired state where the body is depleted but the nervous system remains hypervigilant. Sensoril®'s clinical research targets exactly this population, chronically stressed adults, and consistently demonstrates reductions in cortisol, perceived stress, and anxiety scores.

Perimenopause amplifies the case. Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone affect both cortisol regulation and GABA receptor sensitivity, meaning the brain's natural calming mechanisms become less effective at the same time that hormonal volatility increases stress reactivity. Many women in their late 30s and 40s describe a noticeable shift, the same workload that felt manageable five years ago now produces sustained anxiety, mood reactivity, and sleep that doesn't fully restore. This is rarely a discipline problem. It's a neurochemical and endocrine reality. Ashwagandha's modulation of cortisol and GABA pathways supports the systems that hormonal change has made less efficient.

The benefits attached to Sensoril® at this life stage cluster around four interconnected outcomes: better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and muscle relaxation and recovery. These are not four separate effects, they are downstream expressions of a single mechanism. When evening cortisol is appropriately modulated, sleep onset is easier. When sleep is restorative, mood is more stable. When the nervous system is not chronically braced for stress, muscle tension releases. This is why ashwagandha is particularly well-placed in element³ for women in this stage of life: its single mechanism addresses a pattern of symptoms that conventional approaches treat in isolation.

[ 04 ] Your Questions

Your Questions

What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic practice for over 3,000 years. Its name in Sanskrit translates roughly to "smell of the horse" — a reference to the root's distinctive smell and its traditional reputation for conferring strength and vitality. In modern terms, ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen: a herb that helps the body modulate its response tAshwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic practice for over 3,000 years. Its name in Sanskrit translates roughly to "smell of the horse" — a reference to the root's distinctive smell and its traditional reputation for conferring strength and vitality. In modern terms, ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen: a herb that helps the body modulate its response to stress. The bioactive compounds responsible for its effects are withanolides — steroidal lactones concentrated in the root and leaf — which act on the HPA axis and GABA-A receptors. o stress. The bioactive compounds responsible for its effects are withanolides — steroidal lactones concentrated in the root and leaf — which act on the HPA axis and GABA-A receptors.

What are the benefits of taking ashwagandha?
Research suggests ashwagandha supports stress resilience, sleep quality, mood balance, and cognitive function through its adaptogenic effects on the HPA axis. Clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in cortisol levels, improvements in subjective sleep quality, reductions in anxiety and stress scores on validated scales, and improvements in self-reported mood — particularly in chronically stressed adults. It is one of the most clinically researched adaptogens available.

What are the benefits of ashwagandha in element³?
In element³ REST (PM Formula), Sensoril® at 125mg supports the four interconnected outcomes most relevant to evening recovery: better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and muscle relaxation. It works upstream of the rest of the formula — by modulating cortisol and supporting HPA axis balance, it removes one of the primary drivers of the wired-but-tired state, allowing L-theanine, Magnesium Citrate, Passionflower, Valerian Root, and Hops Extract to act on a nervous system that is already starting to downregulate.

What is the recommended daily dose of ashwagandha?
There is no established RDI for ashwagandha because it is a botanical, not a nutrient. Clinical research has used doses ranging from 125mg to 600mg per day, with the appropriate dose depending heavily on the extract concentration. Sensoril® — standardised to ≥10% withanolide glycosides — has demonstrated significant clinical effects at 125mg. element³ REST provides exactly this dose, designed for consistent daily use in an evening formula.

Are there any ashwagandha side effects?
Ashwagandha is well-tolerated in clinical research, with the most commonly reported side effects being mild gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness (consistent with its mechanism and intended evening use), and occasional headache — generally only at doses well above 125mg. Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy due to traditional concerns about uterine stimulation, and may interact with thyroid medications (it can mildly increase thyroid hormone levels) and immunosuppressants. Those with autoimmune conditions, hyperthyroidism, or who are taking thyroid medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. There have been rare case reports of liver-related issues; while causation has not been established, individuals with liver conditions should also consult a healthcare professional.

What is the best form of ashwagandha to take?

The two best-researched commercial extracts are Sensoril® and KSM-66®. They differ in composition (Sensoril® uses both root and leaf; KSM-66® uses root only) and in clinical positioning (Sensoril® research emphasises stress, sleep, and anxiety; KSM-66® research emphasises daytime energy and physical performance). Sensoril®'s higher withanolide concentration (≥10% withanolide glycosides) means meaningful clinical effects at lower doses. element³ REST uses Sensoril® specifically because its evidence base aligns with REST's evening, sleep-supportive role.

[ 05 ] The Research

12 studies

The Research

Study Key finding Why it's here
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysisCheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Husniati Yaacob, L., & Abdul Rahman, R. (2021). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 16(9), e0257843. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
Meta-analysis of five RCTs showed ashwagandha significantly improved overall sleep quality, sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency vs placebo.
Supports sleep onset and sleep quality.
 Read →
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive FunctionsChoudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599–612. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
Eight weeks of ashwagandha significantly improved memory, executive function and attention vs placebo in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Supports memory, attention and stress resilience.
 Read →
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 AdultsChandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). 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 Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
60 days of ashwagandha significantly reduced perceived stress, serum cortisol and anxiety scores vs placebo.
Supports cortisol balance and reduces perceived stress.
 Read →
A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled StudyAuddy, B., Hazra, J., Mitra, A., Abedon, B., & Ghosal, S. (2008). A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, 11(1), 50–56.
Standardised Sensoril® reduced biochemical and psychological stress markers (cortisol, CRP, fatigue) in chronically stressed adults.
Supports stress recovery and resilience.
 Read →
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyLopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186
60 days of ashwagandha significantly reduced morning cortisol, DHEA-S and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores in adults with self-reported high stress.
Supports HPA-axis balance and reduces anxiety.
 Read →
Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical StudySalve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019). Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cureus, 11(12), e6466. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466
Eight weeks of ashwagandha significantly reduced perceived stress and morning cortisol vs placebo in healthy adults.
Supports calm and balanced mood under daily stress.
 Read →
Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAkhgarjand, C., Asoudeh, F., Bagheri, A., Kalantar, Z., Vahabi, Z., Shab-Bidar, S., Rezvani, H., & Djafarian, K. (2022). Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research, 36(11), 4115–4124. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7598
Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and stress scores compared with placebo.
Supports stress and anxiety management.
 Read →
Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participantsPingali, U., Pilli, R., & Fatima, N. (2014). Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants. Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.122912
Acute and 14-day ashwagandha significantly improved reaction time and psychomotor performance in healthy adults.
Supports cognitive and psychomotor performance.
 Read →
Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled studyLangade, D., Thakare, V., Kanchi, S., & Kelgane, S. (2021). Clinical evaluation of the pharmacological impact of ashwagandha root extract on sleep in healthy volunteers and insomnia patients: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 264, 113276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113276
10 weeks of ashwagandha significantly improved actigraphy-measured sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency and total sleep time vs placebo.
Supports objective sleep quality.
 Read →
Effects of Withania somnifera extract in chronically stressed adults: A randomized controlled trial.Pandit, S., Srivastav, A. K., Sur, T. K., Chaudhuri, S., Wang, Y., & Biswas, T. K. (2024). Effects of Withania somnifera extract in chronically stressed adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 16(9), 1293. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091293
Daily ashwagandha extract reduced perceived stress, anxiety, fatigue and serum cortisol in chronically stressed adults vs placebo.
Supports recovery from chronic stress.
 Read →
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled TrialSharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), 243–248. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183
Eight weeks of ashwagandha normalised TSH, T3 and T4 levels in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism vs placebo.
Supports thyroid hormone balance.
 Read →
Safety and Efficacy of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognition, Energy and Mood Problems in Adults: Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled StudyKale, S., Lopresti, A., Suri, R., Garg, N., & Langade, D. (2024). Safety and efficacy of ashwagandha root extract on cognition, energy and mood problems in adults: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2024.2424279
Daily ashwagandha significantly improved self-reported cognition, energy and mood compared with placebo over the trial period.
Supports calm, focused energy and mood.
 Read →

[ 06 ] In the Protocol

Where Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract (Sensoril®) sits in the element³ Protocol

In the element³ protocol, Sensoril® plays the role of the upstream signal, the ingredient that addresses cortisol dysregulation and HPA axis imbalance so that the rest of the REST formula can act on a nervous system already starting to downregulate. Combined with L-theanine (which modulates alpha-wave brain activity) and the GABA-A receptor support of Passionflower and Valerian Root, Sensoril® at 125mg supports a complete neuroendocrine and neurochemical pathway from elevated evening stress into restorative sleep. REST is taken in the evening, around 30–60 minutes before bed, which aligns with ashwagandha's role in supporting the body's natural cortisol decline at the close of the day, and with the time at which sustained-stress cortisol elevation is most disruptive to sleep architecture.

You can learn more about the full element³ ingredient philosophy at element3.co.nz.