New Delhi, April 18 -- India's food regulator has cracked down on a key ingredient in popular wellness supplements, ordering a halt to the use of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) leaves and their extracts amid safety concerns flagged by the Ministry of Ayush, according to a government official and documents reviewed by Mint. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said only the roots of ashwagandha-an Ayurvedic staple herb widely marketed for stress relief, muscle recovery and cognitive support-are permitted, and has directed states to act against violations.

The move could disrupt formulations in India's $38.77 billion nutraceuticals industry, where ashwagandha is a key product with its market estimated at $928.5 million in 202...