KSM-66® Ashwagandha: Vitality in Men’s Daily Nutrition Shake
Overview
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a revered adaptogenic herb known for enhancing stress resilience, hormonal balance, and physical performance. KSM-66® is a patented, high concentration ashwagandha root extract used in Maeva’s Men’s Daily Nutrition Shake to support men’s vitality. Research shows KSM-66® can help combat stress, maintain healthy testosterone levels, and boost strength, key benefits for men pursuing weight loss on GLP-1 medications or intense training routines.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can sap energy, impair recovery, and even promote muscle loss. KSM-66® ashwagandha has demonstrated powerful cortisol-lowering and anxiolytic effects in human trials. For example, a 60-day placebo-controlled study in stressed adults found KSM-66® users experienced dramatically improved stress scores (≈72% reduction on one scale) along with a 27.9% drop in serum cortisol.
Participants reported greater calmness, better sleep, and higher productivity compared to placebo. Multiple RCTs confirm Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic activity – one meta-review noted significant cortisol reductions (~28–32%) after 8 weeks of ~600 mg/day ashwagandha. By blunting excessive cortisol, KSM-66® helps men on low-calorie diets “adapt” to stress, supporting mood and preserving muscle during weight loss.
Testosterone & Vitality
Ashwagandha is one of few herbs shown to positively influence male hormone levels and reproductive health.
In a clinical trial, 8 weeks of KSM-66 (600 mg/day) led to a 14.3% increase in testosterone and improvements in DHEA levels. This corresponded with markedly enhanced male sexual well-being, higher sperm counts (+32%), motility (+37%), and more frequent satisfying sexual events.
Another 12-week study reported a 17% rise in testosterone and over 50% gains in sperm parameters when adding KSM-66® to men’s regimen. These hormonal benefits translate to better vitality, muscle anabolism, and energy. In fact, KSM-66®'s testosterone boost has been linked to improved athletic performance: one trial in male athletes saw a 15.3% testosterone increase accompanied by significantly greater muscle strength and faster recovery from exercise.
Maintaining testosterone in the normal range is especially crucial for men on GLP-1 medications or caloric deficits, as those conditions can sometimes lower androgen levels. By supporting healthy testosterone and reducing stress, KSM-66® in Maeva’s Men’s Shake helps “keep the edge” promoting muscle retention, drive, and overall wellness during weight management.
Physical Performance
Beyond hormones, KSM-66® directly enhances physical fitness.
In one randomized trial, young men doing resistance training gained significantly more strength and muscle size when supplementing with ashwagandha vs placebo. The ashwagandha group’s bench press and leg extension strength improvements outpaced controls, and muscle recovery markers (like creatine kinase) were better. These ergogenic effects are attributed to ashwagandha’s modulation of stress and inflammation and its support of anabolic hormones.
Coupled with the Shake’s creatine and protein content, ashwagandha provides a complementary boost – creatine directly increases muscle energy and strength, while KSM-66® may improve the hormonal environment and reduce catabolic stress hormones. Maeva specifically dosed KSM-66® at 600 mg per shake, a clinically effective dose. At this level, studies have seen not only hormone and strength benefits, but also cognitive perks (better focus and reduced fatigue) which can help men stay motivated.
Summary
Including KSM-66® Ashwagandha in the Men’s Daily Nutrition Shake provides a science-backed foundation for men’s health. It lowers stress and cortisol for a calmer mind, helps maintain testosterone within a healthy range, and supports muscle strength and endurance. These effects synergize with the shake’s high protein (25 g) and creatine to combat muscle loss during dieting and keep men feeling energetic. Backed by multiple gold-standard trials, KSM-66® is an evidence-based adaptogen to “stay strong while you slim down,” aligning perfectly with Maeva’s mission of preserving muscle and vitality on a GLP-1 journey.
