What is SV Botanica's Ashwagandha Extract standardised for?

The stock grade is a root-only dry extract of Withania somnifera standardised to 5% withanolides, assayed gravimetrically (5.35% w/w on the reference batch) and identified by TLC. An HPLC withanolide test report is available per batch to confirm the compound-specific profile, and lower- and higher-potency grades (2.5%, 10%) are available on request.

Why is the extract made from the root rather than leaf or whole plant?

Root is the part used in classical Ayurveda and is naturally low in withaferin A, the withanolide that draws the most regulatory scrutiny. Leaf and whole-plant material is cheaper and can show a higher total withanolide number, but it carries elevated withaferin A and is a different ingredient. SV Botanica's extract is root only, and an HPLC profile confirming low withaferin A is available on request.

Why can the withanolide percentage differ between gravimetric and HPLC?

A gravimetric assay measures the total withanolide-rich fraction by weight and typically reads higher and broader; HPLC quantifies specific named withanolides and reads lower but is compound-specific. Our 5% stock grade is assayed gravimetrically, and an HPLC test report is available per batch — so you can compare suppliers on the same method and confirm the profile against named markers.

What heavy-metal and microbial testing is done on the Ashwagandha Extract?

Heavy metals — lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury — are tested by ICP-MS against strict limits (Pb NMT 1 ppm, As NMT 1 ppm, Cd NMT 0.3 ppm, Hg NMT 0.1 ppm). The microbial panel covers total plate count (NMT 1,000 cfu/g) and yeast and mould (NMT 100 cfu/g), with E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus required absent. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis ships with every order.

What colour should genuine ashwagandha root extract be?

A root extract is a light to dark brown fine powder. A distinct green tint suggests leaf or whole-plant material rather than root, and should prompt a CoA review and an HPLC check for withaferin A, which is elevated in leaf material.

What is the shelf life, packaging and MOQ for bulk Ashwagandha Extract?

Bulk Ashwagandha Extract has a 36-month shelf life when stored cool, dry and sealed. It ships in 25 kg HDPE drums with food-grade moisture-protected PE liners; 1 kg and 5 kg pouches are available for samples. Minimum order quantity is 25 kg.

Ashwagandha Extract Supplier India

What is Ashwagandha Extract?

The root of the world's most studied adaptogen, concentrated to a defined withanolide grade

Withania somnifera — ashwagandha — is the cornerstone adaptogen of Ayurveda, used for over three millennia to support resilience to stress, restful sleep and vitality. Its activity is attributed to a family of steroidal lactones called withanolides, concentrated in the root.

SV Botanica supplies Ashwagandha Extract as a root-only dry extract standardized to 5% withanolides, assayed gravimetrically (5.35% w/w on the reference batch) and identified by TLC. It is processed in GMP-certified facilities in India and screened by ICP-MS for heavy metals with a full microbial panel before release. An HPLC withanolide test report is available per batch to confirm the compound-specific profile, so the gravimetric figure is never the only data point you rely on.

Using root only — rather than cheaper leaf or whole-plant material — keeps the extract aligned with classical Ayurveda and naturally low in withaferin A, the withanolide that attracts the most regulatory scrutiny. Lower- and higher-potency grades (2.5%, 10%) and HPLC-assayed batches are produced on request, alongside organic and water-soluble material.

We supply supplement brands, nutraceutical manufacturers and Ayurvedic formulators across Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Every batch is backed by a Certificate of Analysis and full export documentation — start a conversation with our team via the quote request form, or read the full ashwagandha extract buyer's guide.

Active Constituents

Key compounds driving ashwagandha's adaptogenic profile

Withanolides

The signature steroidal lactones of ashwagandha and the standardisation marker — measured as a group by gravimetric assay and individually by HPLC.

Withanolide A

One of the principal root withanolides, frequently used as an HPLC reference marker for a defined, compound-specific profile.

Withanosides

Glycosylated withanolides (e.g. withanoside IV and VI) abundant in root that contribute to the total withanolide fraction.

Withaferin A

A bioactive but heavily-scrutinised withanolide — naturally low in root and elevated in leaf, making it the analytical tell for plant part.

Sitoindosides

Acylsteryl-glucoside withanolides associated with the adaptogenic and restorative activity of the root.

Alkaloids & Root Matrix

Minor alkaloids and the native root polysaccharide matrix round out the full-spectrum profile of the gravimetric grade.

Health Benefits & Research Backing

Evidence from clinical research on ashwagandha root extract and withanolides

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Stress & Cortisol

Standardised ashwagandha root extract has reduced perceived stress and serum cortisol versus placebo in randomised trials — the core adaptogenic positioning.

Ref: Chandrasekhar K et al., 2012; Indian J Psychol Med

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Sleep Quality

Root extract has improved sleep onset, quality and refreshed-on-waking scores in controlled studies of adults with poor sleep.

Ref: Langade D et al., 2019; Cureus

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Cognition & Memory

Withanolide-standardised root extract has supported memory, attention and executive function in adults with mild cognitive complaints.

Ref: Choudhary D et al., 2017; J Diet Suppl

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Strength & Recovery

Resistance-training studies have shown gains in muscle strength, size and recovery with standardised ashwagandha versus placebo.

Ref: Wankhede S et al., 2015; J Int Soc Sports Nutr

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Anxiety & Wellbeing

Root extract has reduced anxiety scores and improved general wellbeing in randomised, placebo-controlled human research.

Ref: Salve J et al., 2019; Cureus

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Vitality & Hormonal Support

Trials in men have linked standardised root extract with healthy testosterone and vitality markers, anchoring men's-health formulas.

Ref: Lopresti AL et al., 2019; Am J Mens Health

Ashwagandha pairs naturally with other Ayurvedic adaptogens and tonics — see our Shatavari Extract and Shilajit Extract for complementary vitality formulations, or Brahmi (Bacopa) for cognitive blends. For the science behind the actives, read withanolides & ashwagandha's actives.

Available Grades & Standardisations

Select the right withanolide grade and assay method for your formulation

Grade	Specification	Assay	Best For	Certifications
Withanolides 5% Standard	NLT 5.0% withanolides (5.35% on batch)	Gravimetric	General wellness, stress & sleep formulas	GMP, Kosher
Withanolides 2.5% Entry	NLT 2.5% withanolides	Gravimetric	Cost-sensitive blends & multi-herb formulas	GMP, Kosher
Withanolides 10% Premium	NLT 10% withanolides	HPLC (on request)	High-potency & clinical-marker supplements	GMP, Halal
HPLC Test Report Any Grade	Compound-specific withanolide profile; withaferin A on request	HPLC	Defined-profile labels, monographs, QA spec	Available per batch
Organic / Water-Soluble	Native or standardised; organic on request	Gravimetric / HPLC	Beverages & certified-organic products	GMP, Organic (on request)

The documented stock grade is 5% withanolides by gravimetric assay (the grade backed by our current Certificate of Analysis). An HPLC withanolide test report is available per batch on the same root material, and 2.5%, 10%, organic and water-soluble grades are produced on request. A gravimetric % and an HPLC % are not the same number — see gravimetric vs HPLC before comparing quotes.

Technical Specifications

Typical specification — 5% withanolides root grade (mapped from a current batch CoA)

Parameter	Specification	Method
Botanical Name	Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal	—
Part Used	Root	—
Withanolides	NLT 5.0% (5.35% on batch)	Gravimetric
Identification	Positive vs. reference	TLC
Appearance	Light to dark brown fine powder	Organoleptic
Loss on Drying / Moisture	NMT 10.0%	IP-2014
pH (1% solution)	3 – 7	IP-2014
Bulk Density	NLT 0.25 g/mL	IP-2014
Solubility in Water	NLT 60%	IP-2014
Ash Content	NMT 15.0%	IP-2014
Particle Size	NLT 95% through #40 mesh	Sieve
Heavy Metals (Pb/As/Cd/Hg)	≤1 · ≤1 · ≤0.3 · ≤0.1 ppm	ICP-MS
Total Plate Count	NMT 1,000 CFU/g	USP <2021>
Yeast & Mould	NMT 100 CFU/g	USP <2021>
E. coli / Salmonella / S. aureus	Absent	USP <2022>
Shelf Life	36 months (sealed, cool, dry)	—
Packaging	25 kg HDPE drum with inner PE liner; 1 & 5 kg pouches for samples	—

Figures shown are typical specifications for the 5% gravimetric root grade and reflect our current Certificate of Analysis; a batch-specific CoA is issued with every shipment. An HPLC withanolide test report (and a withaferin A figure) is available per batch on request. MSDS, allergen and Non-GMO declarations accompany each batch. Specifications for 2.5%, 10%, organic and water-soluble grades available on request.

Applications by Industry

Where Ashwagandha Extract delivers measurable formulation value

Stress & Mood

Stress & cortisol-support capsules
Mood & calm formulas
Adaptogen daily blends
Nervine & relaxation stacks

Sleep & Relaxation

Sleep-onset & quality formulas
Night-time calm blends
Magnesium + ashwagandha stacks
Wind-down functional drinks

Sports & Performance

Strength & recovery supplements
Pre/post-workout adaptogens
Endurance & VO₂ formulas
Testosterone-support stacks

Men's & Women's Vitality

Men's vitality & hormonal formulas
Energy & stamina blends
Reproductive-wellness products
Tonic & rasayana formulations

Cognitive Health

Memory & focus capsules
Nootropic adaptogen blends
Brahmi + ashwagandha stacks
Healthy-ageing cognition formulas

Ayurvedic & Classical

Classical rasayana preparations
Churna & tablet formulations
Multi-herb Ayurvedic tonics
Traditional restorative blends

Quality Assurance & Sourcing

From cultivated root to a defined withanolide grade — traceable, tested, certified

Raw Material Sourcing: Roots are sourced from cultivated Withania somnifera in India's traditional ashwagandha-growing belt, authenticated at source and processed as root only. Excluding leaf and whole-plant material keeps withaferin A naturally low and the profile aligned with classical Ayurveda.

Manufacturing & Testing: Root is cleaned, dried, extracted and standardised to 5% withanolides in GMP-certified facilities. Each batch runs a full QC battery — TLC identity, gravimetric withanolide assay, sieve, pH, ash and bulk-density checks, heavy metals by ICP-MS, and a complete microbiological panel — before release. An HPLC withanolide test report, including a withaferin A figure, is available per batch when a defined, compound-specific profile is required.

Documentation: Every shipment comes with a Certificate of Analysis, MSDS, Allergen Declaration, BSE/TSE-free statement, Non-GMO affidavit and Country of Origin Certificate. Kosher is certified and Halal available; organic certification on request. To qualify our facility or request specifications, reach our team via the certifications page or the quote form.

Certifications

Full compliance for global B2B supply

GMP Certified Facility

ISO Certified Facility

FSSAI Licensed Manufacturer

APEDA Registered Exporter

Kosher Certified

Halal Certified (available)

Organic Certified (on request)

Non-GMO Compliant

Heavy-Metal Tested (ICP-MS)

Regulatory & Compliance Notes

Key information for global product registration and labelling

European Union

Ashwagandha is under active regulatory review in parts of the EU, with several member states scrutinising withaferin A and recommending caution. Root-only, low-withaferin-A material with an HPLC profile and full heavy-metal documentation is the safest position; labelling must comply with Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and any national restrictions.

United States

Marketed as a dietary ingredient under DSHEA (21 CFR Part 111). No pre-market approval is required, but importer facility registration with the FDA is needed. Heavy-metal limits (e.g. California Prop 65) make ICP-MS-tested material essential, and structure-function claims require substantiation and FDA notification.

India & Other Markets

A classical Ayurvedic rasayana, well-established under AYUSH and FSSAI-relevant for supplement use under the FSS (Health Supplements) Regulations 2022. Widely accepted across the Middle East (Halal grades), Southeast Asia and other markets, subject to local heavy-metal and labelling limits. See our regulatory & compliance guide.

Related Products

Frequently co-formulated with Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha Resources & Guides

Deep-dive articles for formulators, buyers, and brand owners

Buyer's Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical and commercial questions answered by our ingredients team

Ashwagandha ExtractWithania somnifera