 Recent research has found Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian herb as having anti-cancerous properties. Long-term use of the herb not only saves from the dreaded disease but is known for slowing down ageing process, thus restoring memory loss and cell destruction. It also fights fatigue, dehydration, bone weakness and dehydration. Now, the scientists working in the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ibaraki, Japan have found Ashwagandha as anti-cancer. The research team under the leadership of renowned scientist of Indian origin Renu Wadhwa has completed the clinical trials on animals that shows excellent results.
The lab trials have found that Ashwagandha has anti-cancerous compound which is toxic in nature and kills cancer cells in the body but protects normal cells. The research also established the anti ageing property of the herb. The research team also included another Indian scientist Sunil Kaul. The duo presented a paper on these properties of Ashwagandha in recently concluded International Symposium on "Brain Ageing and Dementia" at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Aswagandha (bot.Withania Somnifera) is mentioned in Charak and Sushruta Samhitas) as a rejuvenating herb and is being used by Ayurveda practitioners from time immemorial. It is also called Indian ginseng for its aphrodisiac, sedative, rejuvenative and life prolonging properties.
Now, the scientists at AIST have found that it has natural property to promote mental and physical health, which remained undiscovered before the research.
The research also established anti-ageing property of Ashwagandha. Wadhwa and Kaul said, "Most cancer cells occur due to ageing and when loss of cell equilibrium occurs. With Ashwagandha possessing anti-ageing and anti cancer properties, the uneven multiplication of cells is also slowed down which protects the body from cancer."
The findings of the research have already been published in reputed medical journals including the Clinical Cancer Research, Plos One, Cancer Letter and Journal of Gerontology (all US based).
Salman Haider, AIR Correspondent, Gorakhpur
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