Comparative metabolomic analysis of leaves and roots of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal varieties using UHPLC-HRMS: Perspectives on their therapeutic and industrial potential

To address the limited knowledge of varietal metabolomic diversity in Withania somnifera , the present study undertook the phytochemicals and metabolomic characterization of the leaves and roots of three Ashwagandha varieties, namely Pushti (A), Poshita (B), and Pratap (C). The study aimed to elucidate tissue and variety specific metabolic profiles, identify key bioactive metabolites. These findings provide a basis for further investigation into the potential applications of the identified metabolites in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other value-added plant-based industries. The metabolomic analysis revealed substantial variation in metabolite composition and abundance among the varieties and tissues. Overall, variety A exhibited the greatest annotated metabolites in both leaves and roots, with the highest number of detected metabolites recorded in AL (289 metabolites) and AR (376 metabolites). Despite the greater overall metabolite richness in variety A, the relative abundance of specific bioactive metabolite classes varied among the varieties. In leaf tissues, variety C (CL) showed the high proportion of withanolides (19.0%), whereas in root tissues, variety B (BR) exhibited the greatest withanolide proportion (22.3%). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the leaves and roots of W. somnifera represent valuable reservoirs of diverse bioactive compounds, including withanolides and other pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. Overall, the observed metabolite richness and the reported antioxidant activities of the leaves and roots across three varieties support their use as raw materials for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.