Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2022)

Author(s):
Dr. Priya Awasthi and Dr. Subhash Chandra Singh

Abstract:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is a member of the Solanaceae family. Ashwagandha is referred to as a “royal herb” because of its multifarious rejuvenative effects on the human body. Over 35 chemical constituents are identified, extracted and isolated and various chemical constituents such as steroidal lactones, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannin etc. are identified, extracted and isolated. At nearby, more than 12 alkaloids, 40 withanolides and several sitoindosides (a Withanolide containing a glucose molecule at C-27) are reported from aerial parts, roots and berries of Withania species. It’s all parts i.e. roots, branches, leaf, flowers and fruits are used due to its wide range of health benefits and consumptions. In markets the value added products prepared by Ashwagandha root powder are more acceptable. Hence, there is a need to standardize and develop more value added products of Ashwagandha root powder based so, as to promote its health beneficial effects because despite of possessing great therapeutic value Ashwagandha cannot be consumed in raw form due to its bitter taste. So there is a need to develop more blended value added products having overall acceptability for wide utilization of this crop.