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India, U.K. to conduct clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’ for COVID-19

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    3rd Aug, 2021

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.

Verifying, please be patient.