Why in the news?

Ashwagandha exports have surged by 8 times in the past six years, penetrating markets like the United States, Czech Republic, and Canada.

The Ayurvedic industry in India has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17%, with the industry size increasing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today.
Gujarat, with about 850 Ayurvedic manufacturing units, ranks fourth in the country after Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
India leads in Ashwagandha production and export, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh emerging as key producers.
The herb is exported primarily as extracts and has gained significant traction in the United States, where it competes with Chinese Ginseng.

What is Ashwagandha?

Also known as Indian Ginseng or Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha belongs to a group of herbs known as ‘adaptogens’( best rejuvenating agent).
It is available in various forms such as extracts, powder, and raw herbs, catering to domestic and international markets.

In treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy.
Used as a tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc.
Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis.
Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores.
Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in the preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets, and syrups.

Ashwagandha-growing states: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Being a hardy and drought-tolerant crop, Ashwagandha requires a relatively dry season throughout its growing period.
- It is grown as late rainy season (kharif) crop between 600-1200 m altitudes.
- It grows well in sandy loam or light red soil having pH 7.5 to 8.0 (alkaloid) with good drainage.
Black soil or such heavy soil is suitable for cultivation.

With inputs from: https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/farm_enterprises/Farm%20enterprises_%20Ashwagantha.html

[2010] Consider the following statements:

The Taxus tree is naturally found in the Himalayas
The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 3 only