3 Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, JapanFind articles by
3 Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, JapanFind articles by
3 Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, JapanFind articles by
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) has recently been studied extensively for its health-supplementing and therapeutic activities against a variety of ailments. Several independent studies have experimentally demonstrated pharmaceutical potential of its active Withanolides, Withaferin A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N) and Withanolide A (Wil-A). However, to promote its use in herbal industry, an environmentally sustainable cultivation and high yield are warranted. In modern agriculture strategies, there has been indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers to boost the crop-yield, however the practice largely ignored its adverse effect on the quality of soil and the environment. In view of these, we attempted to recruit Vermicompost (Vcom, 20–100%) as an organic fertilizer of choice during the sowing and growing phases of Ashwagandha plants. We report that (i) pre-soaking of seeds for 12 h in Vermicompost leachate (Vcom-L) and Vermicompost tea (Vcom-T) led to higher germination, (ii) binary combination of pre-soaking of seeds and cultivation in Vcom (up to 80%) resulted in further improvement both in germination and seedling growth, (iii) cultivated plants in the presence of Vcom+Vcom-L showed higher leaf and root mass, earlier onset of flowering and fruiting and (iv) leaves from the Vcom+Vcom-L cultivated plants showed higher level of active Withanolides, Withanone (Wi-N), Withanolide A (Wil-A) and Withaferin A (Wi-A) and showed anticancer activities in cell culture assays. Taken together, we report a simple and inexpensive method for improving the yield and pharmaceutical components of Ashwagandha leaves.
Withania somnifera, a highly reputed plant in Ayurveda, has been traditionally used in India and its neighbouring countries as a home remedy and dietary supplement for thousands of years. It is widely distributed in the tropical climate of Indian sub-continent, South Africa, the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. A well described pharmacological profile of W. somnifera indicates a wide array of therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-stress, neurological, immunostimulant, cardio-protective and anticancer effects [1–7]. Several of these effects have been attributed to its secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, steroidal lactones, steroids, flavonoids, glycowithanolides and saponins [8–10]. Although all parts of the plant including stem, leaves, roots, flowers, seeds and bark possess these constituents; they particularly accumulate in roots and leaves [11]. Recently, it has been shown that as compared to the roots, leaves possess higher content of Withaferin A and Withanone [12].
W. somnifera is cultivated for food-supplement, herbal and medicine industries. With growing laboratory evidence of its medicinal value for a variety of ailments, sustained supply of active ingredient-enriched plants is desirable. In this context, there is a need for exploring various strategies for its simple, inexpensive and eco-friendly cultivation. Although, W. somnifera grows on sandy loam and well-drained soil, its cultivation faces serious challenges due to low seed germination and seed viability, a long period between planting and harvesting and low yield [13]. Hence, scientific intervention is required to enhance seed germination, plant biomass and its pharmaceutically active constituents.
Studies in the past have reported that pre-treatment of seeds with KNO3,/KH2PO4/NaNO3/PEG improved seed germination of a variety of plants [14–16]. Similarly, various mineral nutrients supplemented in the soil are also known to have bearing on plant biomass [17]. However, adding synthetic fertilizer to boost plant growth might increase cultivation cost and bring undesirable effects on the ecosystem [18]. Furthermore, prolonged use of synthetic fertilizers changes microbial diversity and chemical properties of soil, causes acidification of soil and reduces uptake of nutrients by plant [19,20]. However, fortification of soil with Vermicompost (Vcom) has been widely accepted as an excellent organic amendment for cultivation of several important crops [21–23]. Vcom is nutrient rich organic material prepared by the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms on the organic wastes [24]. It naturally provides organic nutrients and enormous humic substances as well as nitrates, phosphates, exchangeable calcium, potassium, sulphur, magnesium and other micronutrients required for plant growth [25]. It possesses high porosity, aeration, drainage and water holding capacity [26]. Furthermore, Vermicompost leachate (Vcom-L) and Vermicompost tea (Vcom-T), the liquid products of vermicomposting, containing humified organic matter and nutrients in soluble form are also known to have stimulating effect on seed germination and growth of plants [27,28].
Knowing the favourable attributes of Vcom and its liquid products, we aimed to analyze the effect of Vcom, Vcom-L and Vcom-T on seed germination, growth parameters, onset of maturity (flowering and fruiting) and its bearing on withanolides contents on W. somnifera. To best of our knowledge, there is no report on propagation and evaluation of important phytochemicals of a high valued medicinal plants such as W. somnifera using Vcom and its associated products. The present study proposes a scientifically rational and environmentally sustainable propagation system that could be extended to many other medicinal plants in future.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has become an increasingly popular herbal remedy in recent years. But this ancient medicinal plant has actually been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years.
As ashwagandha grows in popularity, more people are interested in growing it themselves. However, many are unfamiliar with the different stages of ashwagandha plant growth.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the full life cycle of this unique herb from seed to harvest. Read on to learn more about what to expect at each phase of growth when cultivating ashwagandha.
Origin and Background
First, let’s briefly discuss the background of this beloved botanical. Ashwagandha is native to dry regions of India northern Africa and the Middle East. The name translates to “smell of horse” in Sanskrit, referring to the strong, horse-like odor of the plant’s roots.
Ashwagandha is a short, shrubby plant in the nightshade family It produces small greenish-yellow flowers and red berry fruits However, the roots are the most prized part of the plant for their medicinal value as adaptogens and remedies for various ailments.
Now let’s get into the specifics of each stage of the ashwagandha life cycle.
Stage 1: Germination
Germination marks the very first stage of growth. It begins when an ashwagandha seed is planted.
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The small seed should be planted shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep in moist, warm soil.
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Germination usually occurs within 1-2 weeks after planting if proper conditions are met
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Ensure the soil remains moist but not soaked during this stage.
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Once sprouted, the seedling will emerge from the soil and enter the next vegetative phase.
Stage 2: Vegetative Growth
The vegetative stage is the period of leaf and stem growth before flowering begins.
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Stems become woody and hairy, growing up to 2 feet tall in ideal conditions.
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Leaves are oval shaped and downy, reaching lengths of 1-2 inches.
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Require full sun (at least 6 hrs daily) and temperatures between 70-95°F.
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Well-draining soil and moderate water are important during rapid vegetative growth.
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Monitor plant support needs as stems elongate.
Stage 3: Flowering
Flowering signals the transition from purely vegetative growth to reproduction.
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Small, pale yellow or green flowers emerge from leaf axils on upper branches.
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Flowers give way to hard, pea-sized fruits enclosed in papery shells (see image).
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Reduce watering frequency as flowering commences to prevent rot.
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Flowers eventually develop into the ripe fruits that are ready for harvest.
Stage 4: Fruiting and Harvesting
The fruiting stage begins as flowers develop into berries, reaching complete maturity for harvest.
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Green fruits turn red-orange when completely ripe in late summer or fall.
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Berries are roughly 5-8 mm in diameter with wrinkled outer shells.
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Monitor fruits closely and harvest promptly when ripe to prevent splitting.
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Cut whole mature plants near the root or pick individual fruits.
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Dry the harvested roots or fruits well for storage and medicinal use.
Growth Timeline
From seed to harvest, the entire ashwagandha growth cycle typically spans 3-4 months. Flowering occurs at around week 8 and fruits ripen by weeks 14-18. With the proper care, your ashwagandha can complete its full life cycle in one growing season!
Growing Tips
Follow these key tips to ensure healthy growth throughout each stage:
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Select a warm, sunny location with well-draining soil.
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Water 1-2 times per week depending on climate.
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Prune back overgrowth and remove weeds/pests.
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Use trellises or cages to support tall, willowy stems.
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Harvest fruits gently when wrinkled and fully orange.
Now that you understand the stages of germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting, you can confidently cultivate ashwagandha. Pay close attention to its needs at each phase. With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with an abundant harvest of this medicinal wonder.
Preparation of methanolic extract of leaves
One gram dry leaf powder from plants grown under the conditions as mentioned was mixed with 10 ml methanol and sonicated for 45 min at room temperature (25± 2°C). The supernatant was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The residue was extracted twice with same volume of methanol. The pooled filtrate was then vacuum-dried on a BȔCHI rotary-evaporator (consisting of rota vapour R-210, re-circulating chiller B-740, heating bath B-491 and vacuum pump V-7100, BȔCHI Ltd., Flawil Switzerland) at 40°C. Residues were reconstituted in methanol (10 ml), filtered through 0.22 μm filter and used for the analysis of Withanolides.
Germination and plant growth study
Experiment was performed in a completely randomised design (CRD), under greenhouse conditions with 12 h photoperiod and 25±2°C temperature (day/night). Twenty seeds from each soaking treatment were sown separately in earthen pots (10-cm diameter containing 160 g potting mixture) having variable Vcom (%) in quadruplicate. Thereafter, pots were watered on alternate days to maintain adequate moisture (50–60%) for germination and seedling growth. Germination (sprouting of cotyledonary leaves) was recorded after fifteen days of sowing. After forty five days of sowing, three seedlings were randomly selected from each replication for recording shoot length (cm), shoot diameter (cm), root length (cm), leaf number, root number, and total biomass (g/seedling). Seedlings of uniform size (with best growth characteristics) were transplanted to larger earthen pots (25 cm diameter having 2 kg prepared potting mixtures) at the rate of one seedling per pot in triplicate and divided into Vcom (Vcom-L not supplied) and Vcom-L (Vcom+Vcom-L) groups. The plants were irrigated with tap water on alternate days, Vcom-L group was treated with 200 ml of Vcom-L per pot.
Growth parameters such as shoot length (cm), shoot diameter (cm), number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant and mean leaf area (cm2) were recorded sixty days after transplantation, while fresh and dry weight (g/plant) was determined at the end of the experiment (seventy five days after transplantation). For measuring leaf area, fully expanded young leaves (third and fourth from top) were excised at the base and immediately digitally photographed (Nikon, Coolpix S2700 camera, Nikon Corp., Japan). s were then analysed using J® software version 1.4 [31]. Shoot and root parts of the plant were separated, washed with water, blotted with filter paper and weighed to determine the fresh weight. Dry weight was determined after oven-drying the shoot and root at 75°C until a constant weight was achieved. During the experiment, plants were also monitored for the number of days taken for onset of flowering and fruiting. The experiment was repeated twice to validate the results.
Ashwagandha Root | Growing & Harvesting on Our Farm | Ayurvedic Herbs
FAQ
What are the stages of ashwagandha?
How many days does it take for ashwagandha plant to grow?
What are the different types of ashwagandha plants?
What is the structure of ashwagandha plant?
How to grow ashwagandha?
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow ashwagandha successfully. The first stage of ashwagandha growth is germination. This stage begins when the seed is planted and ends when the seedling emerges from the soil. Ashwagandha seeds are small and should be planted about ¼ inch deep in moist soil.
Is ashwagandha a perennial?
The Ashwagandha plant is a perennial herb hardy to zone 6. I’m growing in a cold zone 4 with a 100 day growing season, which doesn’t exactly mimic the conditions found in India. Nonetheless, I was able to grow Ashwagandha as an annual and harvest the medicinal roots before the first frost.
How tall does ashwagandha grow?
Ashwagandha or Asgand is an erect growing, branching shrub with a normal height of 1.4 to 1.5 meters. This plant grows well in dry and sub-tropical regions. Ashwagandha is a hardy and drought tolerant plant.
What is the flowering stage of ashwagandha?
The flowering stage begins when the plant starts producing flowers and ends when the flowers start to turn into fruits. Ashwagandha plants produce small green or yellow flowers that are about ¼ inch in size. During this stage, it’s important to continue providing your ashwagandha plant with plenty of light and water.