Ashwagandha, a widely used medicinal herb in Ayurveda, emerged as a focal point at the 2nd WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit held in New Delhi. The summit, which began on Wednesday at Bharat Mandapam, has drawn global attention to the potential role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare. Experts from various countries gathered to examine how time-tested herbal remedies can be scientifically validated and safely integrated into contemporary medical systems.
The three-day event, scheduled from December 17 to 19, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda, with Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav also in attendance. The summit is jointly organised by the World Health Organization and the Government of India, reflecting a growing international interest in evidence-based traditional medicine.
During the discussions, Ashwagandha was highlighted for its potential benefits in managing stress, improving immunity, and supporting overall wellness. Researchers emphasized the importance of rigorous clinical studies to establish safety, efficacy, dosage standards, and quality control. Speakers also stressed that integrating traditional remedies into mainstream healthcare requires regulatory frameworks that ensure patient safety while respecting traditional knowledge systems.
Health experts noted that the global demand for herbal and natural products is increasing, making it essential to develop harmonised guidelines for their use. Ashwagandha was presented as an example of how traditional knowledge, when supported by scientific research, can contribute to preventive healthcare and complement modern treatments.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda, in his address, underlined India’s long-standing tradition of holistic healthcare and its responsibility to share validated traditional medicine practices with the world. He highlighted the government’s efforts to promote research, standardisation, and global collaboration in the field of traditional medicine.
The summit also serves as a platform for policymakers to discuss international cooperation, intellectual property rights, and sustainable sourcing of medicinal plants. Environmental experts raised concerns about overharvesting and stressed the need for sustainable cultivation practices to meet growing global demand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the closing ceremony on December 19. His participation is seen as a strong endorsement of India’s commitment to advancing traditional medicine on a global stage. The summit outcomes are expected to influence future WHO guidelines and national policies related to traditional and complementary medicine.
Overall, the event marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between ancient medical knowledge and modern science, positioning herbs like Ashwagandha as potential contributors to global health systems when backed by scientific evidence and regulatory oversight.
