Ashwagandha and hair loss: what the science says and why extract quality matters

Ashwagandha has become one of the most sought-after, and also most questioned, ingredients in food supplements. But talking about safety takes more than headlines: it means distinguishing between extracts, doses, traceability and the profile of the person using it.

As often happens with botanical active ingredients, the problem does not always lie in the ingredient itself, but in how it is communicated, what type of extract is used, at what dose, with what quality controls and for what kind of person it is recommended.

At Modesta Cassinello we believe information must be handled rigorously. That is why our Hair Boost food supplement does not use a generic ashwagandha, but Sensoril®, a standardized extract from Kerry, one of the leading international laboratories in functional ingredients.

What is ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic tradition. In recent years it has been studied for its role as an adaptogen, that is, for its possible contribution to the body's response to stress.

When it comes to hair, ashwagandha does not act as a "miracle" ingredient or as a stand-alone active against hair loss. Its interest lies elsewhere: sustained stress, lack of rest and hormonal changes can influence the hair cycle, hair quality and the perception of hair loss. That is why, within a well-designed formula, it can make sense to work on these internal factors as well.

Why possible risks are being discussed now

Ashwagandha has become very popular and, as a result, alarmist or oversimplified messages have also increased. Social media often mixes up very different products: non-standardized extracts, high doses, formulas of unknown origin, prolonged use without supervision or profiles of people for whom caution is advisable.

This can cause confusion. Talking about "ashwagandha" in general is not the same as talking about a specific extract, with traceability, standardization, safety studies and a defined dose within a complete formula.

Not all ashwagandha extracts are the same

In food supplements, the quality of the ingredient is key. Two products can list "ashwagandha" on the label and yet be very different.

The following can vary:

• The part of the plant used.
• The extraction method.
• The concentration of withanolides.
• The presence or absence of quality controls.
• The daily dose.
• The supplier's traceability.
• The evidence available on that specific extract.

That is why, when assessing the safety or efficacy of a supplement, it is not enough to look at the name of the ingredient. You have to look at which extract has been used.

Sensoril® by Kerry: why we chose it

Hair Boost contains Sensoril®, a standardized ashwagandha extract developed by Kerry. For us, this choice matters because Kerry is one of the leading international suppliers of functional ingredients and works to high standards of quality, research and traceability.

Kerry has also recently launched Safeguard Ashwagandha, a platform created to bring together scientific information and safety data on ashwagandha, precisely at a time when a lot of unverified information is circulating.

Initiatives like this are necessary because they help separate evidence from noise, which is especially important for healthcare professionals, pharmacists and consumers looking for reliable information.

Ashwagandha, stress and hair

Hair is very sensitive to the general state of the body. Periods of sustained stress, lack of rest, hormonal changes, restrictive diets or times of high demand can influence the hair cycle.

This approach can also be seen in some of the best-known international formulas in hair supplementation, where stress is addressed as one of the internal factors that can influence the hair cycle. In this context, ashwagandha is not presented as a stand-alone active for hair loss, but as part of a broader strategy to support the body during periods of greater physical or emotional demand.

That is why Hair Boost is not designed as a supplement centred on a single ingredient, but as a comprehensive formula. Sensoril® is part of a broader strategy together with sulphur amino acids, antioxidants, minerals and active ingredients selected to support hair through different mechanisms.

The formula includes, among others, zinc and selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, copper, which contributes to normal hair pigmentation, and vitamin E, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Who should seek advice before taking ashwagandha

Although ashwagandha has usage data and studies available, it should not be taken lightly. As with many botanical ingredients, there are profiles for which particular caution is recommended.

It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements containing ashwagandha in cases of pregnancy or breastfeeding, minors, liver or thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, complex clinical situations or treatment with relevant medication, especially thyroid, sedative or immunosuppressant medication.

This recommendation does not mean the ingredient is a problem for everyone. It means that supplementation should be adapted to the person's profile and not used indiscriminately.

Our position

At Modesta Cassinello we stand for responsible supplementation, formulated with a pharmacist-led approach and based on traceable ingredients.

That is why, in the face of alarmist messages, our answer is clear: it is not about saying "yes to ashwagandha" or "no to ashwagandha", but about assessing which extract is used, at what dose, with what evidence, within which formula and for which person.

Hair Boost contains Sensoril® by Kerry because we were looking for a standardized ingredient, with scientific backing and consistent with our approach: supporting hair from within, bearing in mind that stress, rest and internal balance are also part of hair health.

Rigorous information is especially important at a time when a lot of viral content oversimplifies complex topics. In food supplements, quality, dose, traceability and professional judgement make the difference.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Is ashwagandha safe?
In healthy adults and at appropriate doses, standardized ashwagandha extracts have usage data and studies available. Even so, as with other botanical active ingredients, it is advisable to assess each person's profile and avoid indiscriminate use.

Can it affect the liver or thyroid?
Isolated cases have been reported, which is why particular caution is recommended for people with liver disease or thyroid disorders, as well as for those taking related medication. In these cases, the right thing to do is to consult a healthcare professional first.

Why does Hair Boost use Sensoril®?
Because not all ashwagandha extracts are the same. Sensoril® is a standardized extract from Kerry, selected for its traceability, quality and technical backing.

Is Hair Boost just an ashwagandha supplement?
No. Hair Boost is a comprehensive formula that combines Sensoril® with amino acids, antioxidants and micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, copper and vitamin E, as part of an approach to supporting hair from within.