NooGandha vs KSM-66: A Head-to-Head Comparison

NooGandha is an herbal root traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine—formulated to support mental function, calmness, and resilience. While the plant itself is native to regions like India and parts of the Middle East, NooGandha as a branded ingredient is formulated and manufactured in the United States by Specnova. It uses both root and leaf extract in a liposomal delivery format, which helps the active compounds get absorbed more effectively in the body. This liposomal form is designed to protect the herb’s beneficial components during digestion.

Instead of overwhelming your system with large doses, NooGandha offers a moderate, daily amount—typically around 225 mg per day. This dose has been shown to gently support focus, memory, and mood, while reducing feelings of fatigue or anxious tension.

Key benefits include increased resistance to stress, as concluded in this research. Improved short-term memory, reaction time, and ability to focus were also notable benefits found in this 2021 study.

KSM‑66 is a premium, full‑spectrum ashwagandha root extract made only from the root of the ashwagandha plant, never the leaves. Developed by Ixoreal Biomed in India over 14 years of research, it preserves all active compounds in the same natural balance found in the plant. It’s extracted using a solvent-free, green chemistry process to ensure purity and potency.

As an adaptogen, KSM‑66 helps your body manage physical and mental stress. It supports balanced cortisol levels, stamina, and relaxation—while preserving energy and resilience. Because it's full-spectrum, it delivers the complete synergy of root bioactives for optimal benefits.

Key benefits include lowering stress and cortisol levels, with studies showing that taking 300 mg daily of KSM‑66 significantly reduces perceived stress, anxiety scores, and blood cortisol levels compared with placebo. Participants reported better mood and well-being after 60 days.

KSM‑66 has been shown to promote refreshed sleep, increase sleep efficiency, reduce time to fall asleep, and enhance alertness upon waking—especially in people with mild insomnia. It may also help increase muscle strength, VO₂ max, and recovery making it a good choice for athletes. 

Key Benefit

NooGhanda’s benefits include enhanced focus, mood, and cognitive performance whereas KSM-66 can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost strength and endurance.

Source

NooGandha is extracted from both root and leaf, delivered in a liposomal format for better absorption. KSM-66 is a root-only, full-spectrum extract.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended daily dose of NooGhanda is 225 mg. For KSM-66, it’s 300-600 mg/day.

Onset Time 

You can expect to see noticeable effects within 1-2 weeks with NooGhanda. With KSM-66 the effects are more gradual, taking 2-8 weeks.

Cycle 

No cycling is needed with NooGhanda; 8-12 week cycles are often recommended with KSM-66.

Side Effects

NooGhanda is generally well tolerated, although may cause mild drowsiness in some people. KSM-66 is also generally well tolerated with occasional digestive upset reported in sensitive people.

Best For

NooGandha is best for mental clarity, emotional balance, and stress resilience, whereas KSM-66 is best for physical performance, sleep quality, and long-term stress management.

While NooGandha and KSM-66 have distinct strengths, they also share several key similarities that make them both popular adaptogens. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Both Are Forms of Ashwagandha: They are different extracts of the same herb—Withania somnifera.

• Help the Body Adapt to Stress: Both supplements support a healthy stress response by modulating cortisol levels, helping the body maintain balance during physical or mental strain.

• Clinically Studied: Each has been studied in human clinical trials showing measurable benefits in stress reduction, mood improvement, and cognitive or physical performance.

• Daily Use Is Safe and Common: Both NooGandha and KSM-66 are designed for regular, daily use and are generally well tolerated by most people.

• Natural and Plant-Based: They are derived from the ashwagandha plant and appeal to those seeking plant-based or holistic approaches to wellness.

• Support Brain Function: Both show potential to improve aspects of cognitive health like focus, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

• Non-Habit Forming: Neither supplement is known to cause dependency or withdrawal, making them safe for long-term support.

Both NooGandha and KSM-66 are considered safe for most healthy adults when used as directed. They’ve each undergone human clinical trials and are generally well tolerated—but as with any supplement, individual responses may vary.

Possible side effects of NooGhanda may include:

• Mild drowsiness or fatigue (especially when first starting)

• Headache or mild digestive discomfort (rare)

• Potential interactions with thyroid medications or sedatives (consult a healthcare provider)
  
  

Good to know: NooGandha is often favored for its lower, targeted dose (225 mg/day), which helps minimize overstimulation or grogginess—side effects sometimes associated with higher-dose ashwagandha.

Possible side effects of KSM-66 may include:

• Mild stomach upset or nausea

• Sleepiness or grogginess in some people

• Potential interactions with medications for blood pressure, thyroid, or anxiety

• Rare cases of increased thyroid hormone levels

Good to know: 

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Starting with a lower dose and taking it with food may help reduce any digestive discomfort.

General Safety Tips:

• Start with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase if needed

• Take consistently at the same time each day for best results

• Talk to your doctor before using if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications

Both supplements are backed by research and known for their clean ingredients and standardized extraction processes, making them among the safest and most trusted forms of ashwagandha available today.

Can you take NooGandha and KSM-66 together?

Taking NooGandha and KSM-66 together is generally considered safe since both are forms of ashwagandha with slightly different benefits and extraction methods. Combining them may offer a broader range of effects, such as improved mental focus from NooGandha alongside enhanced physical performance and stress resilience from KSM-66. However, because both supplements influence similar pathways, it’s best to start with lower doses and consult a healthcare professional to ensure this combination fits your individual needs.

Can NooGandha and/or KSM-66 help you build muscle?

Both NooGandha and KSM-66 have potential to support muscle building, but KSM-66 is more commonly associated with this benefit. KSM-66 has been studied for its ability to enhance strength, endurance, and recovery, which can help with muscle growth when combined with regular resistance training. NooGandha may indirectly support muscle building by reducing stress and improving focus, helping you maintain a consistent workout routine, but it is not typically marketed primarily for muscle gain.

Can either of these supplements be taken by women?

Both NooGandha and KSM-66 are suitable for women and can provide various benefits related to stress management, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing. These supplements have been used by women of different ages, including those looking to support energy, mood, and physical performance. As with any supplement, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before starting either supplement to ensure safety and proper dosing.