Root-associated cyanobacteria enhance biomass and withanolide production in Withania somnifera via stress-induced pathways

Key Points

• Cyanobacteria significantly increase biomass and withanolide levels in Withania somnifera, promoting plant growth and medicinal properties.
• A 40% increase in withanolide production was observed when plants were treated with root-associated cyanobacteria.
• The analysis focused on stress-induced pathways, highlighting their role in enhancing plant metabolite production.
• This study suggests that integrating cyanobacteria into cultivation could optimize the medicinal quality of Withania somnifera.