Ashwagandha-Withania somnifera for Sustainable Socioeconomic Empowerment

Ashwagandha, a renowned medicinal plant within the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) System, stands as a plant of paramount significance due to its multifaceted health benefits. Recognizing its pivotal role, the AYUSH Ministry, Delhi’s National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) launched the "Ashwagandha - A Health Promoter" campaign in the year 2022. This initiative signifies the plant's potential in promoting health and well-being. This comprehensive review endeavours to elucidate various facets of Ashwagandha, encompassing pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, conservation strategies, cultivation practices, therapeutic applications, market dynamics, exploration of value-added products and an overview of current research endeavours.


INTRODUCTION
The exploration of Ashwagandha's pharmacognostic attributes delves into the plant's morphology, microscopy, physicochemical standards and adulteration, providing a foundational understanding of its botanical features.Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the phytochemical composition sheds light on the bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's excellent medicinal properties.Conservation strategies are discussed to address the sustainable utilization of Ashwagandha resources for economic development.Cultivation practices are explored to fulfil the market demand, optimize yield and quality.Therapeutic values are elucidated, emphasizing the diverse health benefits associated with Ashwagandha consumption.In addition, market research findings contribute insights into the commercial landscape of Ashwagandha-derived products, while discussions on value-added products provide avenues for innovation and start-ups.

Species
The genus Withania belongs to the Solanaceae family, comprising 23 species distributed across The Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, the southern European continent, the west Asian region, southern Asia, and Northside of Africa.Among these varieties, Withania somnifera (commonly known as ashwagandha) and Withania coagulans (referred to as Ashutosh Booti) hold economic importance due to their medicinal properties.3][4] Laxman et al.: Ashwagandha for Sustainable Socioeconomic Empowerment Top of Form Distribution Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) exhibits a broad global distribution, with its native range encompassing parts of Canary Islands, North Africa, south Asia, Mediterranean, southern Europe and western Asia.Renowned for its adaptogenic and medicinal properties, ashwagandha has transcended its original habitats and is now cultivated in diverse regions around the world due to its adaptability.
The plant has found favourable environments in locations with warm climates, well-drained soil, and ample sunlight.Notably, regions such as India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan mention in Figure 1 and have become key cultivation areas due to the conductive agro-climatic conditions. [5]ARMACOGNOSY [1][2][3][4]

Plant Part Macroscopic Character Observation
Fresh Root The roots measure between 20 to 30 cm in length and have a diameter ranging from 6 to 12 mm.Additionally, there are a few lateral roots, typically 2 to 3 in number, which exhibit a slightly smaller size compared to the main root.The primary roots are characterized by their straight and unbranched morphology.

Dried root
The external surface displays a coloration ranging from buff to grey-yellow and features longitudinal wrinkles.Internally, the core exhibits a soft, solid mass characterized by a grey-yellow hue and scattered pores in Figure 3.

Morphology
The roots are unbranched and straight, with thickness varying according to age.These roots bear secondary roots that resemble fibers.Externally, the roots have a buff to grayish-yellow hue, marked by lines that run longitudinally.The top is composed of two to six remnants of the stem base, exhibiting varied thickness.Nodes are noticeable solely on the side where the petiole is visible.The stem mention in Figure 4, cylinder like in shape, is greenish with creases running lengthwise which is mention in Figure 2, and its fracturing is uneven and brief.The distinctive Odour is distinctive, while the flavour is sharp and harsh.

Substitutes/Adulterants
Common instances of adulteration involve unidentified non-root components of W. somnifera, including stems, leaf, and other aerial components, which are plentiful in withaferin A and several other Withanolides.Another significant species, W. coagulans Dun, is the only other major Withania species found in India.
Distinguishing characteristics between the roots of W. somnifera; W. coagulans include a parenchymatous cortex & simple round starch grains in the former. [1,7]Top of Form

PHYTOCHEMISTRY
The primary constituents are steroidal lactones (Withanolide having ergostane skeleton) and alkaloids.This diverse group of Withanolides includes Withanone, Withaferin-A, Withanolides I-III, III, Withanolides -A, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, P, and S, WS-I), as well as withasomi-dienone and withanolide-C mention in table 5. Additionally, the approximately 0.2% total alkaloid components consist of Tropine, pseudotropine, anaferine, cuscohygrine, and anahygrine, isopellatierine, and 3-tropyltigloate, contributing to the plant's pharmacological profile.Both withanolides and alkaloides are found contributing to its diverse therapeutic properties and establishing it as a significant botanical resource within traditional medicine systems.Structures of important phytochemicals present in Ashwagandha [6,7] are summarised in Table 1.

TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGY
The properties and actions of Ashwagandha, succinctly depicted in the provided table, highlight its diverse therapeutic attributes.With stress-relieving and adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha is recognized for its ability to enhance resilience to various stressors.The table elucidates its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, contributing to its potential in promoting overall well-being.Additionally, Ashwagandha's immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects underscore its multifaceted role in supporting health. [10]Ashwagandha the entire plant has biocompatible, hepatoprotective, neurotic regenerator, insect killer, larval killer, antioxidant, immune-modulating, and cardio protective mention in Table 3.

Side Effects
Ingesting large doses of ashwagandha may lead to adverse effects such as upset stomach, diarrhoea, vomiting, and potential liver problems.Additionally, it has the potential to irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing digestive issues.Studies also advise against the use of ashwagandha during pregnancy due to potential distress to the fetus.However, based on available research in for animals as well as humans, it can be inferred which ashwagandha generally considered secure for both brief and extended utilization.

Microscopy of Withania Somnifera
There have been no notable negative consequences.Notably, individuals with responses of hypersensitivity to Solanaceae plants, particularly more especially to this species, should exercise caution and avoid its use. [7,12]PORTANT TRADITIONAL FORMULATIONS Madhusnuhi-rasayana Ajaaswgandhadilehyam, as documented in traditional Ayurvedic textbooks. [1,4]SAGE [4] 3-6 g of the medication in a powdered form and 4-8 mL of liquid ashwagandha extract.

TRADE AND COMMERCE
Ashwagandha holds significance as one of 32 different species prioritized by the NMPB.Typically, from 6-to 8-month-old plants, ashwagandha harvests yield 8-10 q/ha of dried roots on average, resulting in a 75,000/ha overall return.However, market rates are subject to demand and supply fluctuations.To enhance net profits, selecting high-producing enhanced varieties tailored

Figure 1:
In the GBIF Secretariat (2021), W. Somnifera (L.) Dunal's ethnographic distribution. [5]axman et al.: Ashwagandha for Sustainable Socioeconomic Empowerment for specific circumstances related to agriculture and climate is recommended. [20,23]rket research by Data Bridge organization indicates the worldwide market for ashwagandha is projected to expand between 2022 and 2029 at a CAGR of 11.4%, reaching an estimated value of by 2029, USD 102.72 million.The increasing market need for Ashwagandha across medicinal, herbal, cosmeceutical, and the fields of nutraceuticals underscores the necessity for utilizing enhanced, high-yielding cultivars and cutting-edge farming and processing technologies to produce high-quality raw materials. [20,23]rmers, women's organizations, students, and start-ups can prepare value-added products Powder or churna -whole plant or stem or leaves or fruits.
Kadha/Juice -whole plant or stem or leaves or fruits.
Drops of the entire plant, including the stem, leaves, and fruits Candies of whole plant, stem, leaves or fruits.
Leaf sauces and fruit stems.
Table 2: Different parts of Ashwagandha and their phytochemicals.

Fruits
The chemical constituents of Ashwagandha fruits include elaidic acid, oleic acid, tetracosanoic acid linoleic acid, palmitic acid.Additionally, Withanamide A to I are also present among the bioactive compounds in this botanical source.

Stem bark
The chemical profile of Ashwagandha stem-bark encompasses Somiferanolide and withasomnilide, somnifera withanolide, somniwithanolide and withasomniferanolide among its bioactive constituents.
Laxman et al.: Ashwagandha for Sustainable Socioeconomic Empowerment

Method of propagation Broadcasting or by transplanting Broadcasting
For directly sown crops, thinning of plants is carried out approximately twenty to thirty days following seeding, ensuring a group of plants ranging from 20000 to 25,000 per hectare.Effective weed control is achieved through manual weeding performed at intervals of 25-30 days. [22]ransplanting Approximately 2 Kg seeds are needed for generation small plants in an acre.Prior to sowing, the seeds should undergo treatment with 3 g per kilogram of Diathane M-45.The seed sowing in greenhouse takes place immediately before to the rainy season starting, covering them with thin layer of soil.Germination typically occurs within Seven to eight days after seeding.Once the plantlets reach approximately six weeks old, they are substituted into the sector, spaced sixty cm apart in sixty cm wide furrows. [22]me of propagation July-August Soil Light red and sandy rich soil with adequate drainage and a pH of 7.5-8. [22]imate Dry and subtropical partsAshwagandha is a crop that is grown in the Kharif season

Fertilizers
After 50 days, an application of 45 kg of nitrogen per hectare is advised.The cultivation primarily relies on residual fertility, and as such, there is no recommendation for the use of manure or fertilizers.

Diseases
Susceptible to fungal infection, Seed rooting.Major insects: Shoot borer and mite Pesticides 2-3 spray of rogar or Nuvanat rate 0.6% The extract from neem seed kernels will affect mites more.Sumicidin (10 mL per liter) can be used to control shoot borer. [22]Apply treatment to the seeds before to planting, soaking them in 3 mL/L of Calphomin at the nursery and applying 5 g/ kg of seed.Spraying Diathane M-45 at a rate of 3 g/L of water should be done on the crop when it is 30 days old.If illnesses develop, the spraying should be done again at a 15-day interval. [22]rvest time and method December or January lasts up to March by uprooting January marks the beginning of harvesting, which lasts until March (150-170 days after sowing).The drying of the leaves and crimson berries indicates the crop's maturity.To retrieve the roots, the entire plant is uprooted and the stem is chopped 1-2 cm above the crown to separate the roots from the aerial components.To aid in dying, they are then sliced into tiny pieces, around 7 to 10 cm.The dried berries that were picked to get the seeds, plants are threshed. [22]ying and storage kept in a tightly sealed container and dried in the sun or shade.

CONCLUSION
W. somnifera, recognized as an Ayurvedic rasayana stands out as an ancient medicinal plant with widespread health-promoting attributes.Every part of this plant offers therapeutic benefits, and its long-standing reputation includes well-established neuroprotective, anti-stress, and anti-inflammatory properties.Demonstrating safety and effectiveness in overall health promotion, W. somnifera has yet to establish India's strong presence for its value-added products in the global market.Therefore, the development of value-added products derived from Ashwagandha holds immense potential for commercial success and can contribute significantly to the socioeconomic empowerment of India.

Roots [ 1 - 4 ]
Microscopic characteristics: In cross-sectional view of the root, the cork exhibits exfoliation or crushing, and when present, it appears both non-lignified and isodiametric.The cambium of cork is comprised of 2-4 rows of cells spread out.The plants secondary cortex consists of approximately 20 layered densely packed cells with parenchyma.The plant phloem contains sieve tubes, complementary cells, and phloem-parenchyma.The plant cambium is characterized by four to five rows of cells with tangential elongation.The auxiliary xylem is rigid, creating a ring of closed vessels and is divided by medullary rays that are multiseriate.Additionally, A handful of xylem tissue parenchyma cells are observed in this context.A. T.S of root: The cork cells are isodimetric and non-lignified.Intercellular spaces are present in phloem parenchyma.fibres absent in phloem and present in xylem B. Tracheids stained with phlooglucinol, C. Starch grain, D. Parenchyma cell packed with starch grains, E. Scalariform vessels stained with phloroglucinol, F. Fiber.

Table 4
elaborates the details of Ashwagandha cultivation.