UPSC Articles
Clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’ soon
Part of: Prelims and GS -II- International Relations; Health
In news The Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with the U.K.’s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to conduct a study on ‘Ashwagandha’ for promoting recovery from COVID-19.
- Clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’ will be conducted on 2,000 participants in three U.K. cities — Leicester, Birmingham and London
- This is the first time the Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with a foreign institution to investigate its efficacy on COVID-19 patients.
- The successful completion of the trial could be a major breakthrough and could give scientific validity to India’s traditional medicinal system.
What is ‘Ashwagandha’?
- ‘Ashwagandha’ (Withania somnifera or AG), commonly known as ‘Indian winter cherry’, is a traditional Indian herb that boosts energy, reduces stress and makes the immune system stronger.
- 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.
- It is an easily accessible, over-the-counter nutritional supplement in the U.K. and has a proven safety profile.
- The positive effects of ‘Ashwagandha’ have been observed in long COVID-19,
- Recently, a number of randomised placebo-controlled trials of AG in humans in India had demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress, improving muscle strength and reducing symptoms of fatigue in patients treated for chronic conditions.
News Source: TH
