The Ministry of AYUSH in India has issued a statement cautioning against the use of ashwagandha leaves in Ayurveda and therapeutic goods.
The government said that this was due to the fact that the leaves of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) were not mentioned in old Ayurveda scriptures.
The roots, on the other hand, were mentioned in the classical texts as well as the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.
The ministry issued the notification after learning that some over-the-counter (OTC) formulations on the market include ashwagandha leaves. “Neither their safety nor efficacy is vividly investigated nor recorded in ASU (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani) classical writings,” the paper said.
“According to the Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia, asvagandha is made up of dried mature roots of Withania somnifera Dunal” (API, Part I, Vol. I).
“There is no considerable data or literature to support the effectiveness of Withania somnifera leaf crude medicine or extract.” Given this, it is not suitable to consider Withania somnifera leaves as ASU medications at this time, according to AYUSH, who also stated that it should not be used in food supplements in the name of ASU pharmaceuticals.
Sandeep Gupta, founder and CEO of India’s Expert Nutraceutical Advocacy Council (ENAC), told the media that the announcement will have negative impact on the sector. “Certainly [it will have an impact on the business], as certain OTC companies have been selling ashwagandha at a very low price.” Why are certain ashwagandha products so inexpensive? It’s true when it comes from the leaves and is used by so many people.
“Ashwagandha roots are usually more expensive than ashwagandha leaves, and the extraction method is crucial,” he explained.
Most well-known companies sell ashwagandha products using root extracts, while others are advertised as leaf-based products, saying that the leaves “have a multitude of health advantages, including its adaptogenic characteristics,” as well as quickening weight reduction, according to a search on Amazon India. Other goods on the e-commerce site didn’t indicate which section of the plant was utilised, merely stating that the component was ashwagandha extract.
According to Gupta, leaves were a popular choice since they were less expensive than roots. “This is a major issue, and the government should publicise it properly so that the general public is aware of it.” “However, if something is disturbing customers and has to be addressed or remedied as soon as possible, it is the industry’s job and accountability,” he added. “Try to utilise the appropriate source of ashwagandha, which is through the roots.”
Akay Natural Ingredients, an ingredient provider, concurred with AYUSH’s claim. “True, Ayurveda has nothing to say concerning the use of leaves. It solely discusses the roots. As a result, as a firm, we’re pushing our 100 percent root-based, USP-standardised extract “Emmanuel Nambusseril, the company’s chief marketing officer, said the company distributes AshwaBEST, a trademarked ashwagandha root extract.
He feels that AYUSH’s declaration will have little impact on producers that produce high-quality goods. “We do not believe that quality-conscious manufacturers will have any difficulties. The leaves were introduced as a cost-cutting measure and a way to get around some patent difficulties. Roots, on the other hand, are commonly employed. Some hazardous chemicals are found in leaves but not in roots “he stated.
Price Difference
According to Nambusseril, the price difference between ashwagandha leaf and root extract was normally four to tenfold, depending on the grade of the roots. “The quantity of withanolides in roots and leaves is the most essential factor, which many nutraceutical producers are unaware of. When compared to the leaves, the levels in the roots are lower “He stated.
As a result, he stated that some component suppliers mixed ashwagandha leaf extracts with root extracts to get a greater concentration of withanolides. Withanolides are the active ingredient in Ashwagandha, and they have several advantages and applications owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-balancing qualities. As a result, Ashwagandha is also known as an adaptogen, and its advantages include anti-aging, immune boost, benefits for insomnia and joint pain, and so on.