Dr. Holly Lucille is joined by Ellie Abraham, PhD, to explain why two ashwagandha supplements may not be the same, even when they list the same ingredient. (Thalhamer 2024) This conversation covers differences between root and leaf extracts, withanolide standardization, botanical identity testing, certificates of analysis, and manufacturing quality. It also emphasizes that a well-made product may still not be appropriate for every patient. (NCCIH 2025)

Clinical Takeaways

Plant part matters. Ashwagandha root, leaf, and combined extracts may have different chemical profiles and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable. (Chaurasiya 2008)
Higher is not always better. The most concentrated product is not necessarily the safest or most effective. Clinical relevance depends on the extract, dose, intended use, and supporting research. (Thalhamer 2024) (NCCIH 2025)
Quality testing matters. Botanical authentication, contaminant testing, certificates of analysis, and cGMP compliance can help confirm that a product meets its specifications. (ECFR 2026)
Quality does not equal clinical fit. Patient history, medications, allergies, diagnoses, and potential interactions must still be considered. (NCCIH 2025)

Guest: Ellie Abraham has a PhD in plant biology and a background in analytical chemistry, ethnobotany, botanical testing, and dietary supplement quality control. She explains how manufacturers and laboratories verify botanical identity, plant part, standardization, contaminants, and product documentation.

Clinician FAQ

1. Are all ashwagandha supplements the same? No. Products may differ in plant part, extraction method, dose, standardization, chemical profile, and manufacturing quality. (Thalhamer 2024)

2. Why does ashwagandha root versus leaf matter? The root and leaf of ashwagandha contain different combinations of plant compounds. These differences may affect the product’s clinical properties, supporting research, and safety profile. (Chaurasiya 2008)

3. What does “standardized to 5% withanolides” mean? It means withanolides account for approximately 5% of the tested material. It does not identify each individual withanolide or describe the rest of the extract. (Thalhamer 2024)

4. Is a higher withanolide percentage better? Not necessarily. A higher percentage does not automatically mean that a product is safer or more effective. The appropriate concentration depends on the extract, dose, intended use, and supporting research. (Thalhamer 2024)

5. Can ashwagandha cause liver injury? Rare cases of liver injury associated with ashwagandha products have been reported. The exact cause and individual risk factors remain uncertain, but practitioners should consider supplement use when evaluating unexplained liver symptoms or abnormal liver tests. (NCBI 2012) (Philips 2023) (Björnsson 2020)

Timestamps / Key Moments

00:01:43 Ellie Abraham’s background in botanical testing

00:02:36 The ashwagandha leaf discussion in India

00:04:00 Differences between root and leaf

00:05:44 How botanical identity is verified

00:07:25 Why standardization matters

00:09:07 Why higher withanolides are not always better

00:10:56 Comparing two ashwagandha products

00:12:17 Red flags on supplement labels

00:14:42 When to request a certificate of analysis

00:16:27 Why cGMP compliance matters

Botanicals and Compounds Discussed

Ashwagandha root and leaf
Withanolides
Glycosides
Withanone
Curcumin and curcuminoids

Quality Methods and Documents Discussed

Botanical identity testing
Plant-part verification
HPTLC chemical fingerprinting
Standardization testing
Adulterant screening
Microbial and heavy-metal testing
Certificates of analysis
Third-party testing
cGMP compliance
Batch-to-batch consistency
Branded ingredient research

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