Ashwagandha, a drought-resistant herb known as “Indian ginseng,” has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Its roots, packed with health-boosting compounds called withanolides, are used globally in supplements and herbal remedies. However, farmers often struggle with low yields and poor root quality, while industries face shortages of raw materials.
A groundbreaking 2024 study published in Industrial Crops & Products offers a solution by identifying high-yielding Ashwagandha varieties that produce starch-rich, brittle roots ideal for processing.
Why Ashwagandha Quality Matters for Farmers and Industry
Ashwagandha roots are graded based on two critical traits: starch content and crude fiber. Starch, a carbohydrate that makes up 40–60% of the root’s dry weight, determines brittleness—the ease with which roots can be ground into powder.
Roots with high starch (over 50%) are brittle and fetch premium prices (up to ₹800/kg in India) compared to fibrous roots (₹300/kg).
Unfortunately, most cultivated varieties lack these traits, forcing industries to rely on wild plants, which are overharvested and unsustainable. Adding to the problem is the loss of genetic diversity—the variety of genes within a species.
Wild Ashwagandha populations have lost 30–40% of their genetic diversity since 2000 due to reckless harvesting and habitat destruction.
This makes the plant vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change. To address these challenges, researchers from ICAR-DMAPR (India) set out to identify elite Ashwagandha accessions (superior plant varieties) that combine high Ashwagandha root yield, low fiber, and adaptability to different climates.
How the Study Was Conducted: From Farms to Labs
The research team conducted field trials across two distinct regions of India: Samdari, Rajasthan (arid zone with sandy soils and extreme heat) and Anand, Gujarat (semi-arid zone with fertile loamy soils).
Over three years (2021–2024), they tested seven starch-rich Ashwagandha accessions (labeled DNA-1 to DNA-7 and DTWr-1) against three traditional varieties (‘Nagori,’ ‘CIM-Pushti,’ and ‘Poshita’).
Each plot was carefully managed with controlled irrigation, fertilizers, and spacing to mimic real farming conditions. To ensure accuracy, the team measured over 20 parameters, including plant height, root weight, berry size, and starch content.
In the lab, advanced tools like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) were used to analyze withanolides, while DNA markers assessed genetic diversity. Statistical methods like ANOVA and Critical Difference validated the results, ensuring they were reliable and repeatable.
Breakthrough Findings: Two Standout Varieties
Among the tested accessions, DNA-4 and DTWr-1 emerged as game-changers for different reasons.
1. DNA-4: The Brittle-Root Specialist
DNA-4 thrived in Rajasthan’s harsh arid climate, producing slender, brittle roots ideal for powder production. Its roots had a unique “red ring” pattern when cut—a sign of high starch converting into sugars.
While its yield was moderate (2.11–2.27 tons of dry roots per hectare), its low fiber content (11.83%) and large, orange-colored berries (7.31–7.98 mm) made it perfect for seed production and small-scale farming.
2. DTWr-1: The High-Yielding Powerhouse
DTWr-1 stole the spotlight in Gujarat’s semi-arid zone, delivering a staggering 5.47 tons of dry roots per hectare—nearly double the yield of traditional varieties like ‘Nagori’ (2.87 tons/ha).
Its roots contained up to 62.93% starch (the highest recorded) and just 7.55% fiber, making them effortless to grind.
Additionally, DTWr-1 roots had 0.142% total withanolides, including 0.129% withanolide A—a compound known for reducing inflammation and stress.
Why Location Matters: Climate Shapes Root Quality
The study revealed stark differences in root quality based on growing conditions. In Rajasthan’s arid zone, stress from extreme heat and sandy soils pushed plants to store more starch as a survival mechanism, increasing brittleness.
However, yields were lower due to limited water and nutrients. In contrast, Gujarat’s fertile soils and moderate climate produced thicker, heavier roots. But these roots often developed hollow centers or black spots, reducing their market value.
For example, accession DNA-7 yielded 5.53 tons/ha in Gujarat but had lower starch (48.18%) compared to DTWr-1’s 62.93% in Rajasthan.
This highlights the need to match high-yielding Ashwagandha varieties with their ideal growing regions.
Genetic Insights: Protecting Diversity for the Future
Using DNA markers, researchers confirmed that DTWr-1 and DNA-4 are genetically distinct from traditional varieties like ‘Nagori.’ This genetic diversity is crucial for breeding resilient crops.
For instance, DTWr-1’s high starch genes could be combined with disease-resistant traits from other accessions, creating “super varieties” suited for climate change.
Real-World Impact: Benefits for Farmers, Industry, and the Planet
1. For Farmers: DTWr-1’s massive yield (5.47 tons/ha) can boost incomes by 90% compared to traditional farming.
In arid regions like Rajasthan, DNA-4 offers a lifeline—it requires minimal irrigation and thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for drought-prone areas.
2. For Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Companies: DTWr-1’s low fiber cuts grinding costs by 30–40%, while its 0.142% withanolides ensure consistent potency in supplements. DNA-4’s brittle roots are perfect for ready-to-use powders, reducing processing time.
3. For the Environment: By reducing reliance on wild plants, these elite Ashwagandha accessions help conserve biodiversity. Additionally, Ashwagandha’s deep roots prevent soil erosion in arid zones, improving land health over time.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite their promise, DTWr-1 and DNA-4 face hurdles. DTWr-1 performs best in Gujarat’s loamy soils and may struggle in other regions. Similarly, DNA-4’s lower yield might not appeal to large-scale farmers. To address this, researchers recommend:
- Regional Farming Policies: Governments should subsidize DNA-4 for arid zones and DTWr-1 for fertile regions.
- Farmer Training: Workshops on optimal planting and irrigation techniques.
- Genetic Preservation: Seed banks to protect elite accessions from future threats.
Looking ahead, technologies like CRISPR gene editing could enhance withanolide production, while partnerships between farmers and pharma companies could stabilize supply chains.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Ashwagandha
This study isn’t just about better crops—it’s a roadmap for climate-smart agriculture. By pairing high-yielding Ashwagandha varieties like DTWr-1 and DNA-4 with their ideal environments, farmers can double profits, industries gain premium raw materials, and ecosystems are protected.
For a plant that has survived millennia in harsh deserts, this research ensures Ashwagandha remains a symbol of resilience for generations to come.
Power Terms
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal): A medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, known for its adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with stress. It has thick roots and berries, both of which are used in traditional medicine. The plant grows well in dry regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat in India.
Agro-climatic Zones: Regions classified based on climate, soil, and vegetation, which determine what crops can grow there. For example, Zone IA (arid) and Zone III (subtropical) in the study influence how well Ashwagandha grows.
Morphotypes: Different physical forms of the same species. In Ashwagandha, some plants have thick roots, while others have more branches or larger berries.
Root Brittleness: How easily the root breaks, which depends on starch content. Brittle roots are preferred because they are easier to grind into powder for medicines.
Starch: A carbohydrate stored in roots, important for energy. High starch content (49–63% in the study) makes Ashwagandha roots brittle and valuable for industry.
Crude Fiber: The indigestible part of plant material. Lower fiber (7–28% in the study) means better root quality for making powders and extracts.
Withanolides: Active compounds in Ashwagandha (like Withaferin A and Withanolide A) that provide health benefits, such as reducing stress and inflammation.
Randomized Block Design (RBD): A research method where plants are grouped in blocks to reduce errors. This ensures fair comparison between different Ashwagandha types.
HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography): A lab technique to measure chemical compounds (e.g., withanolides) in plants. It works by separating and identifying molecules in a liquid mixture.
Genetic Diversity: Differences in genes among plants. Low diversity in Ashwagandha (due to overharvesting) makes breeding new varieties harder.
Autogamy: Self-pollination, where a plant fertilizes itself. Ashwagandha mostly self-pollinates, which limits genetic variation.
Xenogamy: Cross-pollination between different plants, which can increase genetic diversity but is rare in Ashwagandha.
Accession: A unique plant sample collected for research. For example, DNA-4 and DTW-1 are Ashwagandha accessions with high root yield and starch.
Dry Root Yield: The weight of dried roots per hectare (t/ha). Higher yields (up to 5.47 t/ha in the study) mean more raw material for medicine.
Test Weight: The weight of 1,000 seeds. Heavier seeds (like those from DNA-4) often mean better quality for planting.
Anthrone Reagent: A chemical used to measure starch content. It turns blue when mixed with starch, and the color intensity shows how much starch is present.
CTAB Method: A lab technique to extract DNA from plants. It helps scientists study genetic differences between Ashwagandha types.
ISSR/SRAP Markers: Tools to analyze plant DNA and identify genetic variations. They help distinguish between Ashwagandha accessions.
UPGMA Dendrogram: A tree-like diagram showing genetic relationships. Closer branches mean plants are more similar genetically.
Adaptogenic: A substance (like Ashwagandha) that helps the body resist stress, fatigue, and illness.
Landrace “Nagori”: A traditional Ashwagandha variety grown in Rajasthan. It’s hardy but has lower starch than newer accessions like DTW-1.
Loamy Sand Soil: A soil type with a mix of sand, silt, and clay. It’s good for Ashwagandha because it drains well and retains nutrients.
NPK Fertilizers: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) nutrients added to soil. They help Ashwagandha grow better roots and leaves.
Critical Difference (CD): A statistical value to compare plant traits. If two accessions differ by more than the CD, the difference is significant.
Churna: An Ayurvedic herbal powder made from dried roots (e.g., Ashwagandha churna). Brittle, starchy roots are best for making it.
Reference:
Saran, P. L., Kumar, S., Sarkar, R., Kalariya, K. A., Reddy, N. R., & Das, M. (2025). Identification of elite accession of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) for root yield and brittleness. Industrial Crops and Products, 223, 120161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.120161
