Ashwagandha
Ayurvedic Herb for Natural Healing
Introduction
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form
of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body
manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits
for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower
blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and
depression. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve
stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.
Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for the smell of the horse, which refers to both its
unique smell and ability to increase strength.
Origin
Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by
several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry. The
ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to
India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or
leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Value in Global Market
Global Ashwagandha Market is valued to grow at a healthy CAGR
over the forecast period 2020-2026. The key factors augmenting the
market are rising demand for ayurvedic medicines as a cure to various
health ailments including constipation, arthritis, stress, diabetes,
insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues, and high awareness about their
benefits among consumers.
As a health Solution
The Government of India is extensively promoting the usage of
ayurvedic products through awareness programs and subsidies.
This, in turn, is propelling the demand for ashwagandha products
in the country.
Insufficient sleep is a prevalent problem across the globe, which
affects various age groups due to the increasing usage of
smartphones and electronic devices and stress. Many research studies have shown that Ashwagandha was found to be beneficial for improving sleep and as well as reducing anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia. This, in turn, is anticipated to provide growth opportunities for market players. Poor quality of clinical research on ayurvedic medicines is projected to hamper the market growth.
The prevalence of diabetes is rising rapidly across the globe. It is the major cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks, and lower limb amputation.
Ashwagandha can help reduce blood sugar levels among diabetics. This, in turn, is projected to fuel its demand during the forecast period.
Based on applications, the market has been divided into the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and others. The use of ashwagandha in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to increase owing to its high use for the treatment of myriad health diseases. The herb has been found to impede cancer cells in the breast, colon, and lung. Furthermore, it can reduce cortisol levels in the human body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress.