Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2000"

Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties, therapeutic benefits, and toxicity. DESIGN: This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases; no statistical pooling of results or evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed due to the widely different methods employed by each study. RESULTS: Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoetic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound. CONCLUSION: Preliminary studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic effects with little or no associated toxicity. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety of conditions should also be conducted. (Altern Med Rev 2000;5(4) 334-346)

Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of Winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root

Abstract: Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effects of roots of W. somnifera (ashvagandha) were assessed on human subjects. Six mild NIDDM subjects and six mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were treated with the powder of roots of W. somnifera for 30 days. Suitable parameters were studied in the blood and urine samples of the subjects along with dietary pattern before and at the end of treatment period. Decrease in blood glucose was comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug. Significant increase in urine sodium, urine volume, significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) cholesterol were observed indicating that root of W. somnifera is a potential source of hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agents. Clinical observations revealed no adverse effects.

Dendrite extension by methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera) in SK-N-SH cells.

Abstract: Extension of dendrites and axons in neurons may compensate for and repair damaged neuronal circuits in the dementia brain. Our aim in the present study was to explore drugs activating neurite outgrowth and regenerating the neuronal network. We found that the methanol extract of Ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera; 5 microg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of cells with neurites in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. The effect of the extract was dose- and time-dependent mRNA levels of the dendritic markers MAP2 and PSD-95 by RT-PCR were found to be markedly increased by treatment with the extract, whereas those of the axonal marker Tau were not. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the specific expression of MAP2 in neurites extended by the extract. These results suggest that the methanol extract of Ashwagandha promotes the formation of dendrites.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera.

Abstract: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy an ethanolic extract of Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), in patients with ICD-10 anxiety disorders. The sample comprised 39 subjects, of whom 20 received the drug and 19 received placebo. The two groups were sociodemographically and clinically similar at baseline. At 2 and 6 weeks follow-up, data from approximately 85% of patients in each group were available for analysis. Statistical trends favouring the drug were observed at both time points. At 6 weeks, significantly more patients met a priori response criteria in the drug group (88.2%) as compared with the placebo group (50%). The drug was well-tolerated and did not occasion more adverse effects than did placebo. It is concluded that this ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera has useful anxiolytic potential and merits further investigation.

Effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides on iron-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract: Glycowithanolides, consisting of equimolar concentrations of sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin A, isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera Dunal, have been reported to have an antioxidant effect in the rat brain frontal cortex and striatum. In the present study, the effect of 10 days of oral administration of these active principles, in graded doses (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg), was noted on iron overload (FeSo(4), 30 mg/kg, i.p.) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Apart from hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), the serum enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, were assessed as indices of hepatotoxicity. Silymarin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) was used for comparison. Iron overload induced marked increase in hepatic LPO and serum levels of the enzymes, which was attenuated by WSG in a dose-related manner, and by silymarin. The results indicate that the reported use of WS in Ayurveda for hepatoprotection against heavy metals and other environmental toxins, may be due the antioxidant action of WSG.

The effect of extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on gonadotrophins and ovarian follicles of immature Wistar rats

Abstract: The effects of water extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on ovarian follicular development and serum levels of FSH and LH were studied in immature 17-day-old and 25-day-old­Wistar rats Water extracts of the plants were given to the animals per os in a dose of 47 mg/100 g body weight for 6 days Serum levels of FSH and LH were measured by ELISA Folliculogenesis was studied with a light microscope In 25-day-old rats, extracts of both plants elicited significant changes in gonadotrophin levels coupled with a significant increase in ovarian weight and profound folliculogenesis Numerous primary, secondary, tertiary and antral follicles were present A distinct zona pellucida was not seen and the oocyte was often detached In 17-day-old animals there was a significant increase­in body weight but without significant changes in the ovarian weight and folliculogenesis Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Stress induced neuron degeneration and protective effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. and Withania somnifera Dunn. in hippocampus of albino rats: an ultrastructural study.

Abstract: Effects of herbal formulations were studied on hippocampal neuron cell bodies. Study was carried out in adult Swiss albino rats . Experimental rats (E) were divided into three groups. Group EI rats were given immobilization stress for 14 hr/day for 30 days. Rats in E2 and E3 group were given daily single dose (40 mglkglbody wt.) of alcoholic extract of S. anacardiunl and W. somnifera. After 1 hr giving the plant extract, the rats were subjected to stress. Treatment continued for 14 hr for 30 days. Control rats were kept in complete nonstress condition. Ultrastructural characteristics of neuron cell bodies in hippocampal sublayer (CAI-CA4 and Dg) was studied in rats of EI, E2 and E3 groups and compared with control. Results of the present study demonstrated, that both CA2 and Dg, 85% of neuron cell bodies exhibited degenerating characteristics , (which includes karyorrhexis, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, chromatin fragmentation and intracellular spacing). Interestingly, after the treatment with S. ancardium cells demonstrating degenerating characteristics was significantly reduced (80%) as compared to treatment with W. somnifera. Study suggests that probably both the herbal drugs have cytoprotective properties.

Effect of Withania somnifera on Lysosomal Acid Hydrolases in Adjuvant‐induced Arthritis in Rats

Abstract: The effect of Withania somnifera Linn. Dunal (Solanaceae) on adjuvant arthritic rats was studied and compared with that of indomethacin. These results indicate that Withania somnifera has promising anti-arthritic activity as a result of its stabilizing action on lysosomal enzyme activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of Withania somnifera was assessed by measuring paw swelling and lysosomal enzyme activity in control and experimental rats. Increased paw diameter and lysosomal enzyme activity in the arthritic animals were significantly suppressed to near normal levels in rats treated with 1000 mg kg−1Withania somnifera root powder and 3 mg kg−1 indomethacin.

Withania somnifera composition.

Abstract: A high purity Withania Somnifera extract composition in the form of a high purity, stable, free-flowing, light yellow-to-brown herbaceous powder, for producing an enhanced cognition effect for the user and to augment the learning facility in the geriatric population when taken in a dosage of 200-800 mg/day. This extract contains, by weight, (a) at least 3% of withanolide glycosides and sitoindosides, preferably 3-8%, (b) at least 3% of oligosaccharides, preferably 3-8%, preferably a molecular weight of < 2000, and (c) less than 0.5% of free cytotoxic withaferin A (aglycone), wherein the ratio of (a):(c) is 75-95:25-5, and the ratio of (a):(b) is 40-60:60-40. An extraction process for obtaining such extract composition, and pharmaceutical and nutritional use products thereof, also are described.

Effect of Withania somnifera on 20-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma.

Abstract: Administration of an extract from the root of the plant Withania somnifera (20mg/dose/animal i.p) was found to inhibit the 20-methylcholanthrene induced sarcoma development in mice and increase the life span of tumour bearing animals. Administration of Withania could inhibit the lipid peroxide formation (152 nanomoles/mg protein) (P<0.01) compared with control (198 nanomoles/mg protein). Withania could increase the GSH level (7.7 micromoles/mg protein) which was lowered in control tumour bearing animals (3.96 micromoles/mg protein). GST level was also significantly increased (451 micromoles/min/mg protein) (P<0.001) in Withania treated animals compared to control animals (205 micromoles/min/mg protein). All the animals in the control group developed sarcoma by the 80th day of carcinogen administration. Only 3 animals in the Withania treated group developed sarcoma by the 105th day. In control animals the survival rate was 40% but in the Withania treated group the survival rate was 100% after 15 weeks of carcinogen treatment. These results indicate that Withania could inhibit 20-methylcholanthrene induced sarcoma development in mice.

Adrenocorticosterone alterations in male, albino mice treated with Trichopus zeylanicus, Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng preparations

Abstract: The levels of corticosterone were estimated by the HPLC method in the adrenal glands of stressed (5 h constant swimming) male albino mice treated with Trichopus zeylanicus, Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng preparations and compared with non-treated stressed and normal controls. The treatments increased the corticosterone levels in all the groups. The physical endurance (increased survival time) of swimming mice also increased in all the treated groups, except in the group treated with Withania somnifera powder (500 mg/kg, p.o.).

Screening method (metabolite grid) for novel therapeutic extracts and molecules for diabetes

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions derived from plants useful for treating diabetes. The present invention also provides methods for screening plant metabolites and constituents to identify therapeutic agents and/or dietary supplements for treating diabetes. The therapeutic compositions can be derived from plants such as Phyllanthus emblica, Azadiractha indica, Terminalia chebula, Mucunapuriens, Curcuma longa, Ficus glomerata, Phyllanthus niruri, Momordica charantia, Euphorbia royleana, Catharanthus roseus, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Gymnema sylvestre, Melia azadirechta, Morinda citrifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tinospora cardifolia, Tribulus teristris, Trigonella foenum graecum , and Withania somnifera.

Withania somnifera Dunal extracts for increasing male sperm count

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a composition comprising a Withania somnifera extract. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for increasing male sperm count in-vivo with a composition comprising Withania somnifera extracts.

Skin preparation for external use for bleaching

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the subject highly stable and safe preparation having excellent bleaching effect by including an extract derived from a plant belonging to the genus Withania, Solanaceae family. SOLUTION: This skin preparation for external use is obtained by including pref. 0.0001-20.0 wt.% of an extract derived from a plant belonging to the genus Withania, Solanaceae family (pref. Withania somnifera). An extraction solvent for acquiring the above extract is e.g. an alcohol such as ethanol, hydrous alcohol, acetone. This preparation may also be formulated with an oil, wetting agent, ultraviolet absorber, antioxidant, surfactant, antiseptic, moisturizer, perfume, water, alcohol, thickening agent, etc. The dosage form of this preparation is e.g. a solubilized system such as lotion, emulsified system such as milky lotion or cream, ointment, dispersion, pack. The skin can be bleached by applying this preparation to the skin. Furthermore, from the above extract, melanogenesis inhibitors and tyrosinase activity inhibitors can be obtained.

Cell Differentiation Inducing Steroids from Withania somnifera L. (Dun.).

Abstract: In the course of screening for cell differentiation inducers from botanical sources, the methanol extract of Withania somnifera L. (DUN.) showed activity. From the aerial parts of the plant, sixteen withanolides, including three new compounds, 14, 15 and 16, were isolated and their structures elucidated to be (20S, 22R)-4β, 5β, 6α, 27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2, 24-dienolide, (20R, 22R, 24S, 25R)-4β, 20β-dihydroxy-5β, 6β-epoxy-3β-methoxy-1-oxo-withanolide and 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-(20S, 22R)-1α, 3β-dihydroxywitha-5, 24-di-enolide, respectively, from the spectral data. Of these withanolides, 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed potent cell differentiation inducing activity against M1 cells. The most potent compound, 3, showed more potent activity than dexamethasone, the positive control. These active compounds have the same partial structure of the AB ring part, having a 4β-hydroxy-5β, 6β-epoxy-2-en-1-one moiety.