CIMAP Study Reveals Ashwagandha Roots' Healing Compounds Concentrated in Outer Layer
Ashwagandha: CIMAP study finds 80% of healing compounds in 25% of root
Hindustan Times
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A study by the CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) reveals that the outer layer of Ashwagandha roots contains 75-80% of the plant's beneficial withanolides, despite being only 20-25% of the root's total mass. This discovery could enhance cultivation practices and meet the rising global demand for Ashwagandha.
- 01The outer layer of Ashwagandha roots holds 75-80% of withanolides, while the inner part contains significantly less.
- 02The study's findings could lead to improved cultivation techniques for Ashwagandha, particularly in enhancing withanolide yield.
- 03Pradipto Mukhopadhyay, a key scientist, noted that the industry prefers roots with less fiber and more biomass for efficient extraction.
- 04CIMAP scientists are working on gene editing to develop Ashwagandha varieties with reduced fiber and increased withanolide content.
- 05The demand for Ashwagandha has surged globally, particularly post-pandemic, highlighting the need for more efficient cultivation.
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Researchers at the CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) have made a significant discovery regarding Ashwagandha, a popular herb used for stress relief and overall health. Their study indicates that 75-80% of the plant's beneficial compounds, known as withanolides, are concentrated in the thin outer layer of the root, which constitutes only 20-25% of the total root mass. This finding is crucial as the demand for Ashwagandha has increased globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pradipto Mukhopadhyay, a leading scientist in the study, emphasized that this knowledge could help farmers and researchers cultivate Ashwagandha with enhanced withanolide content. The current varieties often have woody roots with high fiber content, which are less efficient for extraction. Therefore, CIMAP is now focused on gene editing techniques to develop new Ashwagandha varieties that will yield roots with lower fiber and higher withanolide concentrations. This advancement could significantly benefit farmers by improving crop yield while satisfying industry requirements.
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The discovery could lead to improved agricultural practices for Ashwagandha cultivation, benefiting local farmers and meeting industry demands.
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