Ashwagandha root extract quality: Is your product hiding undisclosed leaves?

Discover the importance of ashwagandha root extract quality and how adulteration affects product efficacy and safety.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), used for 4,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, has suddenly skyrocketed in popularity. Known for its immunomodulatory, cortisol-reducing, and vitality-supportive qualities, ashwagandha is now being featured in a variety of pet as well as human products.  While its superstar status is merited, given its many scientifically-proven health benefits in both human and animal trials, will ashwagandha root extract quality suffer as a result of this interest? And how can manufacturers and pet parents guard against inferior hidden ingredients in products?

The rise of ashwagandha

The global ashwagandha market reached approximately $692.9 million in 2023 and is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2034.  By 2034, analysts expect the market to hit around $1.9 billion.1 This rapid expansion results directly from increasing consumer awareness of ashwagandha’s stress-relieving and energy-boosting benefits. 

Understanding how adulteration affects quality

With this massive growth, there is some concern that the integrity of ashwagandha products faces serious threats from adulteration practices. Only the root of the plant has been approved by the Indian government for use in health products. Yet a report from the American Botanical Council cites a study out of Costa Mesa, CA asserting a different reality. Of the 584 commercial raw material samples of ashwagandha root inspected, 119 contained something other than authentic root material.2 Researchers used advanced analytical methods, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to detect these adulterants. That “something other” can include any aerial parts of the herb such as leaves and stems. This dilution of authenticity raises concerns about product efficacy and safety, making it crucial for manufacturers, formulators, and consumers to consider ashwagandha root extract quality.

Why adulteration occurs

Financial incentives play a significant role in the adulteration of ashwagandha. With rising demand leading to higher root prices, some producers opt for these cheaper aerial parts. The costs are significant – dried ashwagandha leaves sell for approximately 10-25% of the cost of leaves in the U.S.(1) Harvested in larger quantities and processed at lower costs, the savings allow manufacturers to sell their products at competitive prices while maximizing profits.

What difference does it make?

The implications of consuming adulterated products cannot be overlooked. Human and pet users will not experience the same therapeutic affects found solely in the root, and may even suffer and adverse reaction. 

Importance of transparency

Absolute transparency ensures products accurately contain what ingredient labels say. As a consumer, formulator, manufacturer or pet parent, you need clear traceability so you can feel good about your product’s ashwagandha root extract quality.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract quality – transparency from seed to shelf

The adulteration of ashwagandha root extract presents significant challenges for everyone. Fortunately, one brand, KSM-66 Ashwagandha, so closely controls its farming, harvesting, manufacturing and distribution, it has earned 45 safety and quality certifications. That’s more than any other botanical. They use ONLY roots – stems and leaves are composted and used in their sustainable farming practices. They pride themselves on their seed-to-shelf transparency practices.

Trust plays a vital role in the safety and efficacy of herbal products.  A commitment to transparency and authenticity will play a vital role in maintaining the reputation of botanical products, ultimately protecting consumer interests and promoting industry integrity.

1 Transparency Market Research (2024, August 12). Ashwagandha Market is Likely to Reach USD 1.9 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 9.2% | Report Analysis https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ashwagandha-market-likely-reach-usd-092400803.html

2 Kumar Singh, Vineet, & Mundkinajeddu, Deepak, & Agarwal, Amit, & Nguyen, Jonathan, & Sudberg, Sidney, & Gafner, Stefan, & Blumenthal, Mark. (2019). Adulteration of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Roots, and Extract. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343862896_Adulteration_of_Ashwagandha_Withania_somnifera_Roots_and_Extracts

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