NewzVille Desk
India will co-host the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 3-day Summit starting from 17 December 2025, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, researchers and experts to deliberate on innovation, evidence-based practice and future strategies in traditional medicine.
The theme of the Summit is “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
The Ministry of Ayush organized a Curtain Raiser Programme on 8 December 2025 chaired by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of Ayush.
Special Session on Ashwagandha
The Ministry of Ayush will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most renowned and scientifically studied medicinal plants, highlighting its importance in traditional and contemporary health practices.
The title of the focused side event is “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts”.
The session will bring together leading researchers, policymakers, and clinicians to deepen scientific understanding of Ashwagandha.
Discussions will highlight contemporary evidence on its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, combined with insights from traditional knowledge.
With an emphasis on safety assessments, the session aims to further advance global acceptance of high-quality, evidence-based Ashwagandha products.
About Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (scientific name: Withania somnifera) is a globally renowned herb known for its numerous health
benefits. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is used as an herbal supplement, particularly
valued for its adaptogenic and immune-boosting properties.
Withania somnifera is the
most widespread species in the genus, and it occurs naturally in semi-arid and drier regions stretching from the Mediterranean across tropical Africa, South Africa, and the Canary and
Cape Verde Islands, as well as Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, and
India.
It is also grown in gardens in warmer parts of Europe and has emerged as a natural weed in South Australia and New South Wales. Ashwagandha has been trusted for its
preventive, promotive, and therapeutic applications.
Ashwagandha root has been documented to be used in Indian traditional medicine since 1000-1500 BC and is recognized for its diverse
pharmacological profile encompassing adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, rejuvenative, and aphrodisiac properties.
It is extensively documented in Ayurvedic texts as Rasayana, which
means beneficial for rejuvenation, immunomodulation, and longevity, and also for treating several conditions including but not limited to musculoskeletal, neurological, dermatological, respiratory, and reproductive system disorders in recent years, modern research has further
validated these traditional claims.
Thousands of years of use in traditional medicine and available scientific evidence reported that
Ashwagandha is well-tolerated, safe, and clinically effective. The data obtained from various studies did not demonstrate any serious adverse events of concern.
GoI addresses the Issue by DTU
Danish Technical University (DTU) in its report(2020), raised concerns such as the abortifacient effect, stimulation of the thyroid gland & immune system, effect on sex hormones, and adverse liver reactions.
Addressing the concern, the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India had constituted an expert committee to address the issues raised in the DTU report.
The primary goal of this technical report is to consolidate current evidence-based knowledge about Ashwagandha root, in the backdrop of observations highlighted in the DTU report.
The committee has strived to include the most reliable and credible scientific information to make this document a comprehensive account of the topic, without compromising its scientific integrity.
