COVID19: India, U.K. to conduct clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and LSHTM signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct clinical trials of Ashwagandha, recently.
Clinical trials will have to be conducted on 2,000 people in three UK cities of Leicester, Birmingham and London.
There are several studies on Ashwagandha in past to know its benefits on several ailments. But this is the first time that the Ministry of AYUSH has collaborated with foreign institution to study and look at its its efficacy on COVID-19 patients.
What is Ashwagandha?

• Ashwagandha is scientifically called as withania somnifera.
• It is commonly called as ‘Indian winter cherry’.
• This traditional herb boosts energy, reduces stress and makes system stronger.
• It is an easily accessible, over-the-counter nutritional supplement in uk .
• Significance of the Trial for India
• Successful completion of clinical test can provide a serious breakthrough and supply scientific validity to traditional medicinal system of India. After successful trial, Ashwagandha are going to be authorized for medicinal treatment to stop infection and can be recognized by scientific community globally.

Recent study on Ashwagandha
Recently, randomized placebo-controlled trials of Ashwagandha were conducted in humans in India. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy on reducing anxiety & stress while improving muscle strength and reducing symptoms of fatigue in patients that are treated for chronic conditions. It also showed its efficacy on treating non-restorative sleep.

All-India Institute of Ayurveda
It is an Apex Institute for Ayurveda under AYUSH. It aims to bring synergy between Traditional Wisdom of Ayurveda and Modern tools & technology. Institute was found out to supply postgraduate and doctoral courses in several disciplines of Ayurveda. It focuses on fundamental research of Ayurveda, drug development, standardization and scientific validation of Ayurvedic medicine.