India, U.K. to conduct clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’ for COVID-19
- Posted By
10Pointer
- Categories
Science & Technology
- Published
3rd Aug, 2021
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Context
To conduct a study on ‘Ashwagandha’ to promote recovery from COVID-19, the Ministry ofAyush has collaborated with U.K.'s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’.
Key facts about Ashwagandha
- ‘Ashwagandha’ (Withaniasomnifera) is commonly known as ‘Indian winter cherry’.
- It is an annual evergreen shrub of family Solanaceae or nightshade family.
- It grows in India, the Middle East, and the parts of Africa.
- It is a traditional Indian herb to boosts energy, reduction of stress and to make the immune system stronger.
The reason behind the study
- The positive effects of ‘Ashwagandha’ were observed in Long COVID for its effective treatment or management.
- It shows no possible sideeffects.
Significance of the study
- The successful completion of the trial will be a breakthrough and give scientific validity to India’s traditional medicinal system.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)
- It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush.
- This has been conceived as an Apex Institute for Ayurveda.
- It aims at bringing synergy between Traditional Ayurveda and Modern tools and technology.
- The institute focuses on fundamental research of Ayurveda, drug development, standardization, quality control, safety evaluation, and scientific validation of Ayurvedic medicine.
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