ASHWAGANDHA -
AGRICULTURE
News: Ashwagandha is great, but not
for everybody
What's in the news?
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Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera), Indian ginseng, is growing in popularity, both in India and
abroad.
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All retailers of ayurvedic medicines that Quantum
spoke to said that Ashwagandha was a “fast-moving product”.
Ashwagandha:
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Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub indigenous to India,
northern Africa, and the Middle East.
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Scientifically termed Withania somnifera, the plant earned its name Ashwagandha due to
its roots emitting an odor
resembling that of a wet horse ('ashwa' for horse and 'gandha' for smell).
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It belongs to the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family, which
also includes tomatoes and potatoes.
Benefits of Ashwagandha:
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Medicinal Use: Ashwagandha has been utilized as a medicinal plant
for centuries, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
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Adaptogenic Properties: It is often referred to as an
adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stressors and restoring equilibrium.
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Health Benefits: Ashwagandha is associated with various health
benefits such as reducing inflammation, boosting energy levels, alleviating
anxiety, relieving pain, and enhancing sleep quality.
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Bioactive Compounds: Different parts of the
ashwagandha plant, including the roots, leaves, and berries, may contain
varying concentrations of bioactive compounds.
● Withanolides: Notably, withanolides are naturally occurring steroid compounds found in ashwagandha, known for their beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.