In vitro shoot multiplication using meta-Topolin and leaf-based regeneration of a withaferin A rich accession of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

•Identification of an elite accession of W. somnifera with high withaferin A.•Enhanced shoot proliferation in W. somnifera using meta-Topolin.•Development of an efficient leaf-based in vitro regeneration for W. somnifera.•The genetic fidelity of regenerated plantlets was assessed using molecular markers.