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Introduction:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian
ginseng, and as Indian Winter Cherry is an important ancient plant, the roots of which have been
employed in Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda and Unani. 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. 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.
Ashwagandha, the Indian ginseng or winter cherry has been used as a quiet valuable herb in the Ayurvedic
and indigenous medical system for over 3000 years. The roots, leaves and fruits
(berry) possess tremendous medicinal value. A famous Ayurvedic rejuvenative
botanical used in many tonics and formulas, Ashwagandha is the best rejuvenative
that helps maintain proper nourishment of the tissues, particularly muscle and
bones, while supporting the proper function of the adrenals and reproductive system.
Common Name:
Hindi - Asgandh
English - winter cherry
Latin - WITHANIA somnifera
Sanskrit - Ashwagandha
Tamil - Amukira
Kannada - Keramaddinagaddi
Telgu - Vajigandha, Pennerugadda
Malayalam- Amukkuram, Trittavu.
Marathi - Askandha |
Ashwagandha Plant
Ashwagandha dried roots
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Ashwagandha Plant:
An erect branched under shrub up to 1.25 m in height,
minutely stellate tomentose. Root fleshy, tapering, whitish brown. Leaves ovate, flower greenish. It grows in dried parts in subtropical regions.
Chemical Constituents:
The methanol, hexane and diethyl ether extracts from both
leaves and roots of ashwagandha were found. Alkaloid percentage in roots ranges from 0.13 to 0.31%. The roots of Withania somnifera
are alterative, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, sedative and restorative in nature. The pharmacological activity of
the root is attributed to the alkaloids and steroidals lactones. The total alkaloid content in the roots of Indian types has been reported to vary between
0.13 and 0.3, though much high yields (up to 4.3 per cent) have been recorded elsewhere. Many bio-chemical heterogeneous alkaloids, including choline,
tropanol, pseudotopanol, cuscokygrene, 3-tigioyloxytropana, isopelletierine and
several other steroidal lactories. Twelve alkaloids, 35 withanolides and several
sitoindosides have been isolated from the roots of the plant have been studied.
A sitoindoside is a biologically active constituent known as withanolide containing a glucose molecule at carbon 27. Indian ginseng’s pharmacological
activity has been attributed to two main withanolides, withaferin A and withanolide D.
Withaferin-A is therapeutically active withanolide reported to be present in
leaves. In addition to alkaloids, the roots are reported to contain starch, reducing sugars, glycosides, dulcitol, withancil, an acid and a neutral
compound. The amino acids reported from the roots include aspartic acid,
glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid and cysteine. |
Ashwagandha plant
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Cultivation
W. somnifera grows well in sandy loam or light red soil,
having pH 7.5-8.0 with good drainage. It can be cultivated between 600-1200 m altitude. The semi-tropical areas receiving 500-750
mm rainfall are suitable for cultivation of this rained crop. The crop requires dry season during its growing period. Temperature
between 200C to 350C is most suitable for cultivation. Late winter rains are conducive for the proper development of the plant roots
LAND PREPARATION
Ashwagandha is usually grown in fields which are not well covered by
the irrigation systems. The field on which food crops cannot be taken profitably for the above reason may be used for Ashwangandha
cultivation. The soil of the field selected for Ashwagandha cultivation is well pulverized by ploughing, disking and/or
harrowing. The field may be then levelled by the application pata.
PLANTING
The crop can be sown either by broad casting or in lines. Live to
line method is preferred as it in creases root production and also helps in performing intercultural practices properly. The seeds are
usually sown about 1-3 cm deep in June- July in nursery. A light shower after shower after sowing ensures good germination. About
500-750 gm seeds are sufficient for 1 ha. field. Seeds can be treated, with Thiram or Indofil or Dithane medicinal plants - 45 (@
3 gm/kg seed), before sowing to protect seedlings from seed borne diseases. The seedling after 25-35 days after sowing can be
transplanted in the field marinating 60 x 60 cm. Spacing between the plants & the rows. It may be noted that since 'Asagnadh' is a rainy
season Kharif crop, the time of sowing is decided by date of arrival of monsoon in that area.
THINNING AND WEEDING
The seeds sown by broadcasting or in the line in furrows should be
thinned out by hand at 25-30 days after sowing to maintain a plant population of about 30-60 plants per square meter (about 3.5 to 6
lakh plants/hectare). The plant density to be used may depend on the
nature and fertility of the soil. On the marginal land the population is kept high. If some fertiliser (N:P:K::20:20:0) is
applied then the population should preferably be kept at a lower level. One hand weeding at an early stage is sufficient to enable
the Ashwagandha plants to take over the growth of weed which get suppressed by its smothering effect.
MANURES, FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES
The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers
and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of
the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared
(either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.
IRRIGATION
Light shower after transplantation ensures establishment of seedlings. There is no need of irrigation if rainfall is at regular
intervals. Excessive rainfall/water is harmful to the crop. Life saving irrigations may be applied, if required.
HARVESTING/ POST HARVESTING
The plants start flowering and bearing fruits from December onwards.
The crop is ready for harvest in January- March at 150 to 180 days after sowing. The maturity of crop is judged by drying out of leaves
and yellow red berries. The entire plant is uprooted for roots which are separated from aerial parts by cutting the stem 1-2 cm above the
crown. The roots are then either cut transversely into small pieces (7 to 10 cm) or dried as it is in the sun. About 650-800 kg roots
can be obtained from 1 ha on drying it comes to 350-435 kg. Berries
are hand plucked separately. They are dried and crushed to take out the seeds.
The dried roots, entire or transversely cut into smaller pieces, have to be further cleaned, trimmed and graded. The roots are beaten
with a club which removes adhering soil and breaks off the thin, brittle lateral rootlets. Lateral branches, root crown and stem
remains on roots are carefully trimmed with the help of knife.
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YIELD
On an average, the yield from 1 hectare of commercial cultivation is
approximately 3 to 5 q./ of dry roots and 50 to 75 kg of seeds. A maximum yield can be procured upto 6.5 to 7.0 q/ha. There are
instances where farmers have achieved root yields as high as 1 tonne.
Commercially, 6 to 15 mm diameter and 7 to 10 cm length root species
are better. Alkaloid percentage in roots ranges from 0.13 to 0.31%. n an average yield from one hectare land under commercial
cultivation is approx 3-5 quintals of dried roots and 50-75 kg seeds. |
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Ashwagandha as Medicinal Herb
Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents
in Ayurveda. Its roots, seeds and leaves are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in
treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup,
cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles,
inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis. Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores.
Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets and syrups.
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties.
Ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an
herb to be used for heightening sexual experience. Ashwagandha has
the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. A 2002 laboratory study
indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting
ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.
The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers,
insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research
support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease.
Incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in human.
It helps in providing progressive, long lasting results for various health concerns like aging, anemia and slow growth, arthritis, fatigue, waning
memory, sports fitness and stress-disorders. Pharmacological studies and
research so far have indicated that Ashwagandha has anti-tumour, anti-stress, antioxid boosting,
haemopoeitic and rejuvenating properties. It is also an exceptional nerve tonic and nourishes the nerves and
improves nerve function to maintain calm during stressful conditions. It also nourishes crucial mind and body connection and psychological immune response.
Ashwagandha Side Effects
Ashwagandha does not have any significant side effects reported in the medical literature.
Safety in pregnancy has not been fully established for Ashwagandha. |
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Ashwagandha Benefits
Ashwagandha benefits all parts of the body and can be used as a tonic or in oral
form. Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha is useful in addressing the following health problems:
1) Osteoarthritis: A study in 2008 , scientists tested ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and
found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis.
2) Anxiety: In an animal-based study published in 2000, researchers found that ashwagandha
had an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of lorazepam (a medication used to treat anxiety disorders). The herb also appeared to ease depression.
3) Type 2 Diabetes: Ashwagandha may help normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity,
according to preliminary, animal-based research published in 2008.
4) Cancer:: : In a 2003 study, tests on human tumor cell lines revealed that ashwagandha may
slow the growth of lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.Published in 2007, another study on human cells shows that ashwagandha may
inhibit tumor growth without harming normal cells.
5) Anti-Oxident: Ashwagandha used as an anti-oxidant, as studies have shown that it can eliminate free radicals from your immune system.
Free radicals are the agents that cause the breakdown of your body’s tissue, alternatively known as aging.
6).Provide energy: Studies show that supplementing with ashwagandha can provide the energy needed to get through long workouts while also allowing for maximum recovery and cell re-growth.
7) General tonic: Ashwagandha is a tonic, which increases sperm count and sexual potency. In the rural areas vegetable made out of this plant is given to tuberculosis patients. It also increases the iron content in the blood |
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Economics
Unit cost
The unit cost for development of 1 ha transplanted
Ashwagandha cultivation is Rs.22,400/-. The details of the income assumed are also presented in the given table.
Income (Rs./ha)
From roots 35000
From seeds 3600
Total gross income 38600
Cost 22400
Net income 16200
Note: Market for medicinal plants is volatile and the economics may vary.
Recent research
* Recent research on withaferin-A, reveals that Ashwagandha also has the ability
for cancer treatment or prevention.
* Free radical scavenging activity of Ashwagandha root powder
was found in in 15 days of experimental studies on rats.
* Liver and kidney protective roles of Ashwagandha were proved
in metal-induced toxicity in experimental studies on mice in Indore.
* Ashwagandha tablets improved the physical and mental health of pre-school children in clinical trials in Chennai.
* In a reported study, this herb was given to 30 mental patients suffering from anxiety neurosis in doses of 40
ml/day. (in two equally divided doses.) for one month. At the end of the month, most of the anxiety disorders, panic attacks and similar mood phobias, had
disappeared.
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