Home Ingredients Digexin® (Ashwagandha Root and Okra Pod Extract Blend)

Digexin® (Ashwagandha Root and Okra Pod Extract Blend)

Withania somnifera, Abelmoschus esculentus
Evidence Level
Limited
4 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Digexin® (code CL18100F4, also listed as LN20188 and NX18100F4) is a branded blend of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extracts and an okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pod extract, combined 1 to 1 and standardized to at least 5 percent polysaccharides and 0.2 percent total withanolides. It is made by Laila Nutraceuticals in India and sold to supplement brands in the US by NXT USA, which markets it for bowel regularity and the gut-brain axis. Two placebo-controlled trials in India, in 48 and 135 adults with functional constipation, tested 300 mg or 500 mg a day for 14 or 60 days and reported lower bowel symptom scores, along with better sleep and mood ratings. Only the trial summaries could be read, and they do not show whether the changes were larger than on placebo; the larger trial was funded by NXT USA. No independent group has tested the blend yet.

Studied Dose 300 mg or 500 mg once a day in both human trials (one capsule after dinner in the 14-day trial), for 14 or 60 days.
Active Compound Ashwagandha root extracts (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) and an aqueous okra fruit extract, 45 percent each plus 10 percent excipients, standardized to at least 5 percent polysaccharides and at least 0.2 percent total withanolides.

Benefits

Bowel regularity and bowel symptom scores

In two placebo-controlled trials in adults with functional constipation (48 adults for 14 days and 135 adults for 60 days), scores fell on 300 mg or 500 mg a day on the PAC-SYM bowel symptom questionnaire, the main outcome of both. The published summaries call the drop significant but do not show whether it was larger than on placebo, and both trials were small and run in India.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Gut transit time and complete bowel movements

In the 60-day trial in 135 adults with functional constipation, gut transit time was reported to shorten and complete spontaneous bowel movements to increase. These were secondary outcomes, the summary gives no figures, and the trial was funded by the company that sells the blend.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Digestive comfort and bowel-related quality of life

In both trials, scores on a digestive symptom rating scale (GSRS) and a bowel-related quality of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL) fell during treatment, reported as significant. These were secondary questionnaire outcomes in small trials, and the summaries do not show whether the scores fell more than on placebo.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Self-rated sleep quality, stress and mood

Both trials reported better self-rated sleep quality, and the trial summaries report lower stress ratings in the 14-day trial and lower anxiety and low-mood symptom scores in the 60-day trial. These were secondary outcomes in people recruited for bowel symptoms, the scales were not named in the summaries, and the effects have not been tested in stressed adults.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Blood markers linked to gut and stress signaling

In both trials, blood cortisol and IL-6 fell and serotonin, gastrin and IL-10 rose, and the 60-day trial also reported lower zonulin and higher diamine oxidase. These are laboratory markers, not health outcomes, and serotonin in blood does not show what happens in the brain.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Gut muscle contraction (lab and animal work)

In strips of rat small intestine, the blend increased muscle contractions in a dose-dependent way, and the effect was blocked by atropine, which points to muscarinic (acetylcholine) receptors. Rats given 200 or 300 mg/kg for 8 days had faster stomach emptying and gut transit and wetter stools, with no change in pellet count. Not yet measured in people.

2

Stress hormone and serotonin signals (animal and marker data)

In the same rat study, serum corticosterone (the rat stress hormone) fell and serotonin rose, and the human trials reported lower cortisol and higher serotonin in blood. The makers describe this as gut-brain axis activity, but no study has shown that these marker changes cause the bowel effects.

3

Two plant extracts in one blend

The blend pairs okra fruit extract, standardized to polysaccharides (the mucilage fiber), with ashwagandha root extract, standardized to withanolides. A review co-written by one trial author cites unpublished lab work for a stronger effect than either extract alone; no published study has compared them, so the role of each part is unknown.

Clinical trials

1
Digexin in adults with functional constipation: 14-day placebo-controlled pilot
PubMed

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single-site trial of CL18100F4 300 mg or 500 mg a day (one capsule after dinner, per the registry) for 14 days at a hospital in Guntur, India; the registered primary outcome was change in PAC-SYM score. Registered as CTRI/2020/11/029320, which names CLS Pvt Ltd (Telangana, India) as sponsor and funder. All four authors were hospital staff, none was listed at Laila Nutraceuticals, and they declared no competing interests. (Punukollu et al. 2024, J Ethnopharmacol)

48 men and women aged 25 to 60 with functional constipation by Rome III criteria.

The authors report that both doses significantly reduced PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and GSRS scores (p < 0.0001) and improved sleep quality and stress ratings; the summary does not say whether these p values compare the blend with placebo or with baseline, and gives no placebo-group figures. On 500 mg, serum serotonin, gastrin and IL-10 rose and IL-6 and cortisol fell by the end of the study. No adverse events were reported, and blood counts, blood chemistry, vital signs and urine tests stayed in the normal range.

2
Digexin in adults with functional constipation: 60-day placebo-controlled trial
PubMed

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of CL18100F4 300 mg or 500 mg a day for 60 days in India (authors at hospitals in Varanasi and Guntur); primary outcome was the PAC-SYM score at days 7, 30 and 60. Funded by NXT USA, Inc. (grant 23/NXTUS/GH20, per the publisher's funding record); no registry number was found. No author was listed at Laila Nutraceuticals; one author also co-wrote a review promoting the blend. (Singh et al. 2024, J Am Nutr Assoc)

135 men and women aged 25 to 60 with functional constipation by Rome IV criteria.

The authors report that the blend significantly (p < 0.001) reduced PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and GSRS scores and gut transit time and improved complete spontaneous bowel movements, starting from day 7, and improved sleep quality and depression and anxiety symptoms; the summary does not say whether these p values compare the blend with placebo or with baseline, and gives no placebo-group figures. Serum IL-10, diamine oxidase, serotonin and gastrin rose and IL-6, cortisol and zonulin fell. No major adverse events were seen, and laboratory tests stayed in the normal range.

3
Digexin and gut motility in rats (animal study)
PubMed

Laboratory study on isolated rat intestine plus an 8-day feeding study in Wistar rats at 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Six of the seven authors were employees of the Laila Nutra R&D department. (Annavarapu et al. 2026, Toxicol Mech Methods)

Isolated rat ileum and Wistar rats.

The blend increased intestinal contractions in a dose-dependent way, an effect blocked by atropine. In rats it improved gastric emptying, intestinal transit and stool moisture without changing pellet count, lowered serum corticosterone and raised serotonin, with no adverse changes in liver, kidney or metabolic tests. This is an animal study and does not show an effect in people.

4
Digexin safety testing in rats, mice and cells (animal study)
PubMed

Guideline toxicology program of LN20188 (the same blend): acute oral toxicity, a 90-day repeated-dose study in rats at 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg a day, and three genetic toxicity tests. Funded by Laila Nutra Private Limited, and all four authors were Laila employees. (Madireddy et al. 2026, Biomed Res Int)

Rats, mice, bacterial strains and human blood cells in culture.

The median lethal dose was above 2,000 mg/kg, and in the 90-day study body weight, organ weights, blood counts, blood chemistry and thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) were comparable with controls, giving a no-observed-adverse-effect level of 1,500 mg/kg, the highest dose tested. The blend did not damage genes in the three tests. Animal safety data do not establish safety in people.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

In the two human trials (14 and 60 days), no adverse events or no major adverse events were reported, and blood counts, blood chemistry, vital signs and urine tests stayed in the normal range. Longer-term safety in people is unknown.
Liver: rare cases of liver injury, usually with jaundice and itching 2 to 12 weeks after starting, have been reported with ashwagandha supplements; most recovered after stopping, but people with existing liver disease have had severe outcomes, including deaths. None has been reported with this blend. Stop and see a doctor if you notice dark urine, itching, unusual tiredness or yellowing skin or eyes.
Thyroid: NCCIH says ashwagandha is not recommended for people with thyroid or autoimmune disorders or before surgery. An 8-week safety trial of an ashwagandha root extract found no change in thyroid hormones in healthy adults, and thyroid hormones did not change in a 90-day rat study of this blend.
Digestive upset and drowsiness: NCCIH lists drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting among the side effects of ashwagandha preparations.
Hormones: NCCIH advises people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer to avoid ashwagandha, because it may raise testosterone.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NCCIH says ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding; this blend has not been studied in either.

Important Drug interactions

No drug interaction studies of this blend have been published.
Thyroid medicines (such as levothyroxine): NCCIH lists thyroid hormone medicines among possible ashwagandha interactions; ask your doctor about monitoring.
Sedatives, sleep medicines and anti-seizure medicines: NCCIH lists these as possible interactions, and drowsiness may add up.
Immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus): NCCIH lists immunosuppressants among possible ashwagandha interactions; ask your doctor before combining.
Diabetes and blood pressure medicines: NCCIH lists both as possible ashwagandha interactions; ask your doctor and monitor your levels.

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Frequently asked questions about Digexin® (Ashwagandha Root and Okra Pod Extract Blend)

What is Digexin?

Digexin is a branded ingredient that combines ashwagandha root extract and okra pod extract in equal parts, standardized to at least 5 percent polysaccharides and 0.2 percent total withanolides. It is made by Laila Nutraceuticals in India and sold to supplement brands in the US by NXT USA for bowel regularity and digestive comfort.

How much Digexin was used in studies?

Both human trials used 300 mg or 500 mg once a day, for 14 or 60 days; the registry for the shorter trial lists one capsule after dinner. Check the label of a finished product, since some products combine Digexin with other ingredients or use a different amount.

How strong is the evidence for bowel regularity?

Two randomized placebo-controlled trials in India, in 48 and 135 adults with functional constipation, reported lower bowel symptom scores on 300 mg or 500 mg a day. Both were short, the larger one was funded by NXT USA, and the published summaries do not show whether the improvements were larger than on placebo, so an independent trial would help confirm them.

Does Digexin work like an ashwagandha stress supplement?

Not necessarily. A 500 mg dose supplies about 225 mg of ashwagandha extract with at least about 1 mg of withanolides by the stated standardization, and its trials enrolled people for bowel symptoms, with sleep and mood as secondary outcomes. Ashwagandha cautions still apply, including rare liver injury, thyroid conditions and avoiding it in pregnancy.

What is Digexin used for?

NutraSmarts does not list Digexin under a health category. What the research covers: In two placebo-controlled trials in adults with functional constipation (48 adults for 14 days and 135 adults for 60 days), scores fell on 300 mg or 500 mg a day on the PAC-SYM bowel symptom questionnaire, the main outcome of both.

Is Digexin safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for Digexin include: In the two human trials (14 and 60 days), no adverse events or no major adverse events were reported, and blood counts, blood chemistry, vital signs and urine tests stayed in the normal range. Longer-term safety in people is unknown. It may also interact with some medications. Digexin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Digexin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: No drug interaction studies of this blend have been published. Thyroid medicines (such as levothyroxine): NCCIH lists thyroid hormone medicines among possible ashwagandha interactions; ask your doctor about monitoring. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Digexin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Digexin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 4 study summaries and 11 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(11 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Punukollu RS, Chadalawada AK, Siddabattuni K, Gogineni NT. A blend of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal root and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench fruit extracts relieves constipation and improves bowel function: A proof-of-concept clinical investigation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024;318(Pt B):116997. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116997.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled 14-day trial (CTRI/2020/11/029320) in 48 adults aged 25 to 60 with functional constipation (Rome III): CL18100F4 300 mg or 500 mg a day was reported to significantly reduce PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL and GSRS scores and to improve sleep quality and reduce stress; on 500 mg, serum serotonin, gastrin and IL-10 rose and IL-6 and cortisol fell. No adverse events were reported. The authors, all at one hospital, declared no competing interests. Only the abstract was read; it does not say whether the p values compare the blend with placebo, and gives no placebo-group figures. Supports the bowel symptom, comfort, sleep and mood, and blood marker benefits.
  2. Singh G, Dixit I, Kalman D, Gogineni NT. A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2024;43(6):553-566. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2024.2346073.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled 60-day trial in 135 adults aged 25 to 60 with functional constipation (Rome IV): CL18100F4 300 mg or 500 mg a day was reported to significantly reduce PAC-SYM (the primary outcome), PAC-QOL and GSRS scores and gut transit time, improve complete spontaneous bowel movements, sleep quality and depression and anxiety symptoms, and change serum IL-10, diamine oxidase, serotonin, gastrin, IL-6, cortisol and zonulin; no major adverse events. The publisher's funding record lists NXT USA, Inc. (award 23/NXTUS/GH20). Only the abstract was read; it does not say whether the p values compare the blend with placebo, and gives no placebo-group figures; a distributor press release described the results as better than placebo, which could not be checked against the paper. Supports the bowel symptom, transit, comfort, sleep and mood, and blood marker benefits.
  3. Annavarapu TR, Shaik ST, Venkateswarlu S, Kundimi S, Alluri KV, Sengupta K, Bagchi D. Safety and efficacy of a novel phytoceutical formulation CL18100F4 in increasing gut motility and improving stool consistency in animals. Toxicol Mech Methods. 2026;36(3):432-441. doi: 10.1080/15376516.2026.2616721.PubMedUsed to support: Animal and lab study identifying CL18100F4 as Digexin, a formulation of ashwagandha root and okra pod extracts: the blend increased contractions of isolated rat ileum (blocked by atropine) and, at 200 and 300 mg/kg for 8 days in rats, improved gastric emptying, intestinal transit and fecal moisture without changing pellet count, lowered serum corticosterone and raised serotonin, with no adverse liver, kidney or metabolic changes. Six of seven authors were at the Laila Nutra R&D department. Supports the mechanism descriptions only.
  4. Madireddy R, Dodda S, Chinta G, Alluri KV. Toxicological Assessment of LN20188, a Botanical Combination of Withania somnifera Root and Abelmoschus esculentus Fruit Extracts. Biomed Res Int. 2026;2026(1):e6355273. doi: 10.1155/bmri/6355273.PubMedUsed to support: Open-access toxicology report stating that LN20188 is also called NX18100F4, CL18100F4 or Digexin, a 1:1 blend of ashwagandha root extracts (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) and an aqueous okra fruit extract: 45 percent okra extract, 45 percent ashwagandha extract and 10 percent excipients, standardized to at least 5 percent polysaccharides and 0.2 percent total withanolides, made at a Laila Nutra facility in Vijayawada. Acute oral LD50 was above 2,000 mg/kg; a 90-day rat study at up to 1,500 mg/kg a day found no adverse effects, including on T3, T4 and TSH; genetic toxicity tests were negative. Funded by Laila Nutra and written by its employees. Supports the composition, maker and the animal safety data.
  5. Evans C, Kalman D. Addressing GI Health Through the Bidirectional Modulation of the Gut-Brain Axis With Herbal Extracts: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2024;16(8):e66698. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66698.PubMedUsed to support: Narrative review presenting Digexin as a blend of ashwagandha and okra for regularity and mood through the gut-brain axis; it cites unpublished preclinical work showing stronger effects on gut contractility for the blend than for single extracts, and its mechanism figure is a proposed model, not measured data. The second author co-wrote the 60-day trial, and the authors report funding from supplement industry companies. Supports the marketing context and the statement about unpublished comparisons; it is not evidence of a health effect.
  6. Björnsson HK, Björnsson ES, Avula B, Khan IA, Jonasson JG, Ghabril M, Hayashi PH, Navarro V. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: A case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Liver Int. 2020;40(4):825-829. doi: 10.1111/liv.14393.PubMedUsed to support: Five cases of liver injury attributed to ashwagandha supplements: jaundice, nausea, tiredness and itching began 2 to 12 weeks after starting; injury was cholestatic or a combined cholestatic and hepatocellular pattern, no patient had liver failure, and liver tests returned to normal within 1 to 5 months in the four people followed up. Other-product reference (not this blend); supports the liver caution.
  7. Philips CA, Valsan A, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R, Oommen TT, Rajesh S, Bishnu S, Augustine P; Liver Research Club India. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury-A case series from India and literature review. Hepatol Commun. 2023;7(10):e0270. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000270.PubMedUsed to support: Indian case series of 8 people with liver injury from single-ingredient ashwagandha products, mostly cholestatic hepatitis; 5 had existing chronic liver disease, and 3 of them developed acute-on-chronic liver failure and died. Product analysis found no adulterants. Other-product reference (not this blend); supports the liver caution.
  8. Verma N, Gupta SK, Tiwari S, Mishra AK. Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, study in Healthy Volunteers. Complement Ther Med. 2021;57:102642. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102642.PubMedUsed to support: Safety trial in 80 healthy volunteers (40 men, 40 women): 300 mg ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 8 weeks caused no significant changes in hematology, blood biochemistry including liver tests, thyroid hormones or vital signs, and no adverse events were reported. Other-product reference (not this blend); supports the thyroid caution.
  9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ashwagandha. NCCIH Health Information (nccih.nih.gov). 2023;Last updated March 2023; accessed November 2026..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed indexed. A US government fact sheet stating that ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting; that cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha supplements; that it is not recommended before surgery or for people with autoimmune or thyroid disorders; that it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding; that people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should avoid it; and that it may interact with diabetes, blood pressure, immunosuppressant, sedative, anti-seizure and thyroid hormone medicines. Cited for the side effect and interaction cautions.
  10. Clinical Trials Registry India (accessed 2026). CTRI/2020/11/029320: Efficacy of CL18100F4 to relieve constipation and to improve bowel clearance in healthy subjects. WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (trialsearch.who.int). 2020;Registered 24 November 2020; record accessed November 2026..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed indexed. Registry record of the 14-day pilot trial: CL18100F4 500 mg or 300 mg, one capsule daily after dinner, versus placebo for 14 days in 48 adults aged 25 to 60 with functional constipation (Rome III); primary outcome change in PAC-SYM, with stress and sleep questionnaires, stool scale, bowel movements, rescue laxative use and serum markers as secondary outcomes; primary sponsor and source of support CLS Pvt Ltd, Telangana, India. Supports the trial design, dose timing and sponsor.
  11. NutraIngredients (accessed 2026). Ashwagandha-Okra mix shows bowel health benefits in proof-of-concept clinical trial. NutraIngredients (nutraingredients.com). 2023;News article, 21 September 2023; accessed November 2026..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed indexed. Trade press report stating that Digexin is made by Laila Nutraceuticals in India and commercialized by NXT USA. Supports the maker and US seller statements only; it is not evidence of any health effect.