In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is used to treat many ailments. It is considered effective in relieving increased stress and weakness. Ashwagandha supplements are widely used in India. Ashwagandha tablets are available in the market. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FSSAI) has now issued a strict advisory regarding these supplements. The FSSAI, the agency responsible for quality control of food products, has instructed companies manufacturing Ashwagandha supplements to use only the root in their supplements. This suggests that the claimed properties are found only in the roots of Ashwagandha. However, many companies are using Ashwagandha leaves in their medicines, which have the opposite effect. Consequently, people could suffer significant losses.
In fact, FSSAI has come across several cases where leaves were used in ashwagandha supplements. Following this, the agency has clarified that only the roots will be used in supplements sold under the name of ashwagandha.
Difference between Ashwagandha root and leaves
There is a significant difference between Ashwagandha root and leaves. Taking Ashwagandha root supplements increases stamina. While Ashwagandha leaves and leaf juice are used for weight loss. Consuming Ashwagandha root reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, which promotes better sleep. Ashwagandha leaf juice is used for wound healing. The benefits of both are quite different. Most people consume Ashwagandha to increase physical strength, which cannot be achieved by taking leaf supplements.
A large number of people in India use Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines. Ashwagandha is the third most used medicine in these. Apart from medicines, Ashwagandha is used in tea, juice, green tea and many healthy foods. But there is a huge difference in the price of Ashwagandha root and leaves. Usually Ashwagandha root is sold for Rs 300 to 500 per kg. Whereas Ashwagandha leaves are easily available for Rs 35 to 50 per kg. In such a situation, in order to earn profit, some pharmaceutical companies are using Ashwagandha leaves in the name of Ashwagandha supplements.
