Madhya Pradesh State PCS

• 18 Apr 2024

Ashwagandha

Why in News?

Ashwagandha is growing in popularity, both in India and abroad. It is an evergreen shrub found in parts of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Key Points

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb. It is reputed as an immunity enhancer.
• It is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body to manage stress.
• Ashwagandha also boosts brain function and lowers blood sugar and helps fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Ashwagandha has shown clinical success in treating both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage throughout your body.
  • An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.
• Being hardy and drought tolerant species with its enormous biocompounds, its usage is forever regarded and continues to enjoy the monopoly in many parts of India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh.
  • It grows in dry parts in sub-tropical regions. Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are the major Ashwagandha producing states of the country.
  • In Madhya Pradesh it is cultivated in more than 5000 hectares.
• The estimated production of Ashwagandha roots in India is more than 1500 tonnes and the annual requirement is about 7000 tonnes necessitating the increase in its cultivation and higher production.