Ashwagandha – A Revered Herb with Numerous Benefits
Ashwagandha, also known as king of herb or Indian ginseng has been used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines to improve strength and stamina, enhance mental clarity, focus, support reproductive health, and treat ailments such as insomnia, arthritis, and fatigue for over 3,000 years. The name “Ashwagandha” comes from a unique horse like smell in its roots. Botanically it is known as Withania somnifera. Its key bioactive compounds include alkaloids and withanolides (steroidal lactones) like withaferin A, and phenolic compounds mainly contribute to its medicinal properties.
The health benefits of Ashwagandha are vast. It is used as adaptogen to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. Additionally, it improves brain function and memory. Ashwagandha has immunomodulatory properties and defends body by cell mediated immunity. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ashwagandha is known for its ability to alleviate glucose intolerance, gastric ulcers, cognitive decline and mental depression. Young people are using it as a dietary supplement. Research has shown that Ashwagandha is useful in sexual dysfunction, especially in males, as it increases testosterone levels and improve sperm quality. Withaferin A has been shown to possesses anti-tumorigenic properties, inhibits the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and development of melanoma in mice. It has also been found effective in liver injury, systematic inflammation, and liver cancer. Ashwagandha was very effective against SARS-CoV-2 and gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. These remarkable attributes have made Ashwagandha highly sought after worldwide.
Ashwagandha is cultivated in several Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. It is particularly profitable for farmers in arid regions, and many are turning to its cultivation due to its growing demand. The global market for Ashwagandha is projected to increase from $433 million in 2022 to $1.187 billion by 2032, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2023 to 2032.
To promote awareness and use of medicinal plants, the Ministry of Ayush established the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) on November 24, 2000. The NMPB supports the sector through research and development, training, and awareness campaigns, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. The NMPB also focuses on conservation efforts, both in-situ and ex-situ, and aims to increase the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plant species. In the year 2023, the NMPB launched a nationwide initiative called “Ashwagandha – A Health Promoter” to raise awareness about the herb’s benefits and applications. The campaign’s goal is to educate the public about Ashwagandha’s medicinal properties, promote its use, and distribute free saplings. Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi participated in this nationwide initiative by hosting a national conference on Ashwagandha and Human health, and held various activities including poetry, painting, and skit competitions for the students. A free sapling distribution drive and spreading of information about Ashwagandha in public was done by Deshbandhu College student volunteers.
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