Withania somnifera ( Ashwagandha )

 

Introduction

Ashwagandha is an important medicinal plant which include several secondary metabolites,

• Withanaloids 
• Somniferine 
• Somnine 
• Alkaloids
• Withsteroids

As well as known by different names including,

• Ashwagandha 
• Winter cherry 
• Amukkara 
• Indian Ginseng

This is belongs to family solanaceae. And also it is native to India.

Morphology

This is a small evergreen woody shrub. Also grow up-to 150 – 170 cm. Stout & fleshy roots are the most important parts used in traditional medicinal systems. Leaves are simple, elliptic to ovate & about 10 cm long. Reach to full maturity in 5 – 6 months


              

    


Cultivation

Farmers of Uttar & Madhya pradesh of india cultivate manly. Sandy loam or light red soil having slightly basic pH ( 7.5 - 8 pH ) with good drainage ideal for cultivation. Prefer semi tropical areas which receiving 500 - 750 mm annual rainfall. Plant tolerance for water stress conditions & can' t survive in water logging conditions.

Both direct seeding or transplanting use but method depend on the purpose of the cultivation & available resource.

Nursery:

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More suitable for produce roots to export maret. Raised nursery beds prepair by mixing of top soil, sand & compost with suitable ratio. 5 kg of healthy seeds require for 1 ha of field. 1 to 1 1/2 month old seedlings obtain for field planting with 60 - 30 cm or 60 - 60 cm spacing.

Direct Seeding:

10 - 12 kg of seeds require for broadcasting. Seeds sould be sowed with maintaining 8 - 10 cm between row spacing & cover with thin layer of soli.

Seed treatment :

Thirum with 3g/kg seeds rate for prevent seed born diseases.
Gibberellic ( GA3 ) with 200 ppm concentration for increase germination.

Fertilizer:

Mainly supply organic manure ( 10 tonns of FYM per ha recommended ) and additionally 15kg of Nitrogen & 15 kg of Phosphorus per ha can apply for raise production.

Irrigation:

Normally cultivate as a rainfed crop but light irrigation can apply if require at early stages of the cultivation.

Harvesting :

Berries turn into yello-red & yellowing of leaves can seen when plants reach their full maturity. Soil should be wetted at the time of harvesting & carefully uprooting should be done without any damage to roots. Berries flucked by hand for obtain seeds.


Grading

Medicinal Uses

• Boost immune system
• Lowering cholesterol 
• Regulating blood sugar levels 
• Good for heart 
• Stimulate collagen & promote wound healing
• Reduces depression, stress & anxiety
• Stimulates underactive thyroid
• Increase muscle mass & strength