Comparative GC-MS analysis of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal grown at high temperature
Attanayake A.M.S.U.M., De Silva C.S., De Silva S., Gunasekera H.K.L.K.
Abstract:
Context: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (L.) Dunal is a medicinal plant from family Solanaceae valued for its diverse secondary metabolites, which contribute to its therapeutic importance. Objective: This study examined how temperature influences the phytochemical profile of Ashwagandha roots. Methods: Plants were cultivated under two controlled conditions: an ambient temperature (27–32 °C) and an elevated temperature at poly-tunnel to mimic global warming (35–36 °C). GC– MS analysis was conducted. Results: Both temperature treatments exhibited comparable molecular weight distributions and shared several recurring molecular signatures, indicating conservation of core metabolic pathways. However, the ambient-grown sample (27°C –32 °C) displayed pronounced metabolite dominance, with three major peaks accounting for nearly 65% of total chromatographic area and a broader molecular weight range. In contrast, plants exposed to elevated temperature (35°C –36 °C) showed reduced peak dominance, lower relative abundance of lipid-associated masses, and a more even distribution of metabolite signals, suggesting redistribution of metabolic flux under temperature stress. Conclusion: These findings indicate that while temperature stress does not eliminate core metabolic activity in W. somnifera roots, it significantly alters quantitative metabolite distribution. Ambient conditions appear to favor greater metabolite concentration and structural stability, whereas elevated temperature promotes metabolic rebalancing that may influence phytochemical consistency and medicinal quality.
Keywords: global warming, temperature stress
Attanayake A.M.S.U.M., De Silva C.S., De Silva S., Gunasekera H.K.L.K.
Abstract:
Context: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (L.) Dunal is a medicinal plant from family Solanaceae valued for its diverse secondary metabolites, which contribute to its therapeutic importance. Objective: This study examined how temperature influences the phytochemical profile of Ashwagandha roots. Methods: Plants were cultivated under two controlled conditions: an ambient temperature (27–32 °C) and an elevated temperature at poly-tunnel to mimic global warming (35–36 °C). GC– MS analysis was conducted. Results: Both temperature treatments exhibited comparable molecular weight distributions and shared several recurring molecular signatures, indicating conservation of core metabolic pathways. However, the ambient-grown sample (27°C –32 °C) displayed pronounced metabolite dominance, with three major peaks accounting for nearly 65% of total chromatographic area and a broader molecular weight range. In contrast, plants exposed to elevated temperature (35°C –36 °C) showed reduced peak dominance, lower relative abundance of lipid-associated masses, and a more even distribution of metabolite signals, suggesting redistribution of metabolic flux under temperature stress. Conclusion: These findings indicate that while temperature stress does not eliminate core metabolic activity in W. somnifera roots, it significantly alters quantitative metabolite distribution. Ambient conditions appear to favor greater metabolite concentration and structural stability, whereas elevated temperature promotes metabolic rebalancing that may influence phytochemical consistency and medicinal quality.
Keywords: global warming, temperature stress
