Why Adaptogen Quality Matters (and How to Tell If You’re Getting the Real Thing)
When I first started using adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola, I assumed they were all basically the same. The labels looked similar, the bottles made the same promises—but the results were inconsistent. Some worked. Some didn’t. And the more I looked into it, the clearer it became: quality isn’t just important when it comes to adaptogens—it’s everything.
That’s why I’m so picky about the sourcing and formulation of every product we make at Brother Barbell Supplements. If an adaptogen isn’t extracted and dosed properly, it’s not going to deliver results—period. So let’s talk about what actually separates high-quality adaptogens from the junk that clogs most supplement shelves.
Not All Extracts Are Created Equal
Take ashwagandha, for example. You’ve probably seen products that claim to contain it—but what form is it? A high-quality version like KSM-66 or Sensoril is standardized to a specific amount of withanolides (the active compounds). That means you’re getting a consistent, research-backed dose every time.
Cheap versions may just use raw ashwagandha root powder—which can contain wildly varying amounts of withanolides and, in many cases, not enough to do anything at all. The label might say “ashwagandha,” but your body won’t feel the difference unless the potency is there.
The same goes for Rhodiola, Panax ginseng, cordyceps, and nearly every other adaptogen. If the label doesn’t tell you what part of the plant was used, how it was extracted, and what it’s standardized to—you’re taking a gamble.
Markers of a High-Quality Adaptogen Supplement
Here’s what I look for in any adaptogen formula—and what we prioritize in every product we make:
Standardization – Are the active compounds (like withanolides, rosavins, or ginsenosides) listed with a specific percentage? If not, assume they’re underdosed.
Full-spectrum extracts – These preserve more of the plant’s natural synergy, which can improve absorption and reduce side effects.
Third-party testing – Adaptogens can be prone to contamination if they’re grown or processed poorly. Always look for brands that test for purity.
Proper dosage – Many companies use token doses just to slap an ingredient on the label. I make sure every dose in our products reflects what’s been shown to work in clinical studies.
Filler-Free = More Effective
One thing I’ve seen over and over is companies cutting corners with additives like magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and unnecessary binders. These fillers can interfere with absorption, irritate the gut, and dilute the effectiveness of even high-quality extracts.
At Brother Barbell, we use pullulan capsules—a naturally fermented, gut-friendly capsule material that dissolves cleanly and doesn’t get in the way of your results. It’s more expensive, but it’s worth it to deliver a product that actually works.
How to Tell If It’s Working
A real adaptogen formula doesn’t just feel like caffeine or melatonin. It helps you feel more resilient, more balanced, and more grounded. You’re less reactive to stress. You sleep more deeply. You recover faster—mentally and physically.
It’s not always flashy, but when the quality is right, it’s powerful.
I built Brother Barbell Supplements around that principle: no fluff, no filler, and no shortcuts. If you’re taking adaptogens, make sure you’re taking the real thing—because when they’re formulated right, they can change the game.
