Global Research on Ashwagandha Rises 111.58% from 2019 to 2024: Ministry
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Synopsis
The global interest in ashwagandha has dramatically increased, with studies rising from 95 in 2019 to 201 in 2024, according to India’s Ministry of Ayush. This increase highlights the herb's significance in traditional medicine and its diverse health benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Global studies on ashwagandha increased by 111.58% from 2019 to 2024.
- Ashwagandha is a crucial herb in various traditional Indian medicinal practices.
- Research indicates significant anti-cancer properties in ashwagandha.
- A systematic review shows ashwagandha extract improves sleep in adults.
- Market demand for ashwagandha is growing significantly.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) The number of global studies on ashwagandha has skyrocketed from a mere 95 in 2019 to 201 in 2024, marking an impressive 111.58 percent increase, according to the Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday.
Ashwagandha is a prominent herb in various traditional Indian medical practices, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H), recognized for its diverse medicinal benefits.
Scientifically known as Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and belonging to the Solanaceae family, ashwagandha is a small perennial plant with distinctive white flowers and orange-red berries, typically thriving in India’s warmer climates. It is commonly referred to as the Indian Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng.
As per data from PubMed, a leading global database for biomedical research, over 1,911 studies have referenced ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) by March 2025, indicating a remarkable increase in scholarly publications. The data also suggests that research on ashwagandha has doubled in just five years.
Research has uncovered bioactive compounds in ashwagandha that exhibit significant anti-cancer properties, demonstrating efficacy against brain tumor cells in both laboratory and animal studies.
This herb is also recognized for its multiple beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating effects. Additionally, it positively influences the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
According to a systematic review conducted in 2024, ashwagandha extract is beneficial for enhancing sleep quality in adults.
This review, which analyzed five randomized controlled trials involving 400 participants, revealed that ashwagandha extract has a small yet significant impact on overall sleep quality.
Effects on sleep quality were particularly prominent among adults diagnosed with insomnia.
Importantly, ashwagandha extract was also shown to enhance mental alertness under rising anxiety levels, though it had no notable impact on overall quality of life, and no serious side effects were reported.
The Ministry highlighted several additional clinical trials suggesting that ashwagandha extracts may aid in alleviating stress and anxiety.
With the growing popularity of ashwagandha in natural remedies, stress relief, and holistic health, the market is expanding rapidly.
According to the American Botanical Council’s 2020 Herb Market Report, ashwagandha sales in the US reached $31.7 million, reflecting a 185.2 percent increase from the previous year. Globally, market analysis in 2023 anticipated sales to hit $102 million by 2029.
