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@article{204063,
        author = {Dr G. Chandraiah},
        title = {Herbal Drug Standardization, Powder Microscopy and Phytochemical Evaluation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (L.) Dunal Root: A Comprehensive Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {2627-2636},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204063},
        abstract = {Withania somniferous (L.) Dunal, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most important medicinal plants used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, noninflammatory, and protectiveness properties. The root of Ashwagandha contains several biologically active constituents, particularly withanolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroidal lactones, and saponins, which contribute significantly to its therapeutic potential. The present review focuses on the herbal drug standardization, powder microscopy, physicochemical parameters, phytochemical constituents, and quality control aspects of Ashwagandha root powder. Detailed microscopic studies reveal the presence of cork cells, starch grains, xylem vessels, fibres, and calcium oxalate crystals which serve as diagnostic pharmacological markers for drug identification and authentication. Physicochemical standards such as ash values, extractive values, moisture content, and pH play a crucial role in evaluating purity and quality. Advanced analytical techniques including HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, and spectroscopic methods are also discussed for the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds. The review further highlights the pharmacological activities, therapeutic applications, cultivation practices, adulteration detection, and industrial importance of Ashwagandha root in herbal medicine and pharmaceutical industries. This comprehensive review provides valuable scientific information for researchers, academicians, pharmacognosy’s, and herbal drug industries for the standardization and quality assurance of Ashwagandha formulations.},
        keywords = {Ashwagandha; Withania somnifera; Herbal drug standardization; Powder microscopy; Pharmacopeia; Phytochemical evaluation; Withanolides; Medicinal plants; Quality control; HPTLC; HPLC; Herbal medicine; Pharmacognosy; Physicochemical analysis; Root powder},
        month = {June},
        }