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Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2002"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Five new withanolide derivatives were isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera together with fourteen known compounds and showed significant neurite outgrowth activity at a concentration of 1 microM on a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.
Abstract: Five new withanolide derivatives (1, 9-12) were isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera together with fourteen known compounds (2-8, 13-19). On the basis of spectroscopic and physiochemical evidence, compounds 1 and 9-12 were determined to be (20S,22R)-3 alpha,6 alpha-epoxy-4 beta,5 beta,27-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-24-enolide (1), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside VIII, 9), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside IX, 10), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside X, 11), and (20R,22R)-1 alpha,3 beta,20,27-tetrahydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside XI, 12). Of the isolated compounds, 1, withanolide A (2), (20S,22R)-4 beta,5 beta,6 alpha,27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (6), withanoside IV (14), withanoside VI (15) and coagulin Q (16) showed significant neurite outgrowth activity at a concentration of 1 microM on a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.

174 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Biochemical analysis revealed that chronic swimming significantly induced lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione levels in the brains of mice, and co-administration of antioxidants carvedilol, melatonin, W. somnifera, quercetin or St. John's wort significantly reduced lipid per oxidation and restored the GSH levels decreased by chronic swimming in mice.
Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by persistent and relapsing fatigue, often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems. The etiology of CFS remains unclear; however, a number of studies have shown that oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis. In the present study, a mouse model of CFS was used in which mice were forced to swim for one 6-minute session on each day for 15 days and the immobility period was recorded. There was a significant increase in immobility period in saline-treated mice on successive days. Intraperitoneal treatment with the potent antioxidants carvedilol (5 mg/kg) and melatonin (5 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in immobility period. Similar results were observed with herbal preparations administered orally: Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg), and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., 10 mg/kg). Biochemical analysis revealed that chronic swimming significantly induced lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the brains of mice. The rats also showed decreased levels of antioxidant defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Co-administration of antioxidants carvedilol, melatonin, W. somnifera, quercetin or St. John's wort significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and restored the GSH levels decreased by chronic swimming in mice. Further, the treatment increased levels of SOD in the forebrain and of catalase. The findings strongly suggest that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of CFS and that antioxidants could be useful in the treatment of CFS.

137 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It can be inferred that WSRE possesses potential chemopreventive activity in this experimental model of cancer, and may be linked to the antioxidant/free radical-scavenging constituents of the extract.
Abstract: The chemopreventive effect of Withania somnifera hydroalcoholic root extract (WSRE) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer was investigated in Swiss albino mice. The skin lesions were induced by the twice-weekly topical application of DMBA (100 nmol/ 100 microliters acetone) for 8 wk on the shaved back of mice. WSRE was administered at the maximal tolerated dose of 400 mg/kg p.o. three times per week on alternate days 1 wk before DMBA and continued for 24 wk thereafter. The results of the study revealed a significant decrease in incidence and average number of skin lesions in mice compared with DMBA alone at the end of Week 24. Biochemical parameters were assessed in the lesions of WSRE-treated and untreated control mice. A significant impairment was noticed in the levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase in skin lesions of DMBA-treated control mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. These parameters were returned to near normal by administration of WSRE to DMBA-treated mice. The above findings were supported by histopathological studies. From the present study, it can be inferred that WRSE possesses potential chemopreventive activity in this experimental model of cancer. The chemopreventive activity may be linked to the antioxidant/free radical-scavenging constituents of the extract. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of WSRE are also likely to contribute to its chemopreventive action.

105 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results indicate that the reported antioxidant effect of WSG, rather than its GABA-mimetic action, may be responsible for the prevention of haloperidol-induced TD.

76 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the new withanolide (1) and the alcoholic fruit extract are discussed.
Abstract: Two new steroidal lactones of the withanolide-type, 5beta, 6alpha, 14alpha, 17beta, 20beta-pentahydroxy-1-oxo-20 S, 22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide (1)and 6alpha, 7alpha-epoxy-5alpha, 14alpha, 17alpha, 23beta-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide (2), were isolated from the fruit of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (Solanaceae) growing in Southern Egypt, together with two known coumarins, scopoletin (3)and aesculetin (4), a known triterpene, viz Beta-amyrin (5), and two known phytosterols, viz stigmasterol (6) and sitosterol (7) The structures of the isolated compounds have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, (1)H-, (13)C-NMR, DEPT experiments, HRFAB-, FAB-, and EI-mass spectrometry The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the new withanolide (1) and the alcoholic fruit extract are discussed

64 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The results indicate that EuMil has significant adaptogenic and anti-stress, activity, qualitatively comparable to PG, against a variety of behavioural, biochemical and physiological perturbations, induced by unpredictable stress, which has been proposed to be a better indicator of clinical stress than acute stress.
Abstract: EuMil, is a herbal formulation comprising the standardised extracts of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal, Ocimum sanctum L, Asparagus racemosus Willd and Emblica officinalis Gaertn., all of which are classified in Ayurveda as rasayanas to promote physical and mental health, improve defense mechanisms of the body and enhance longevity. These attributes are similar to the modern concept of adaptogenic agents, which are, known to afford protection to the human physiological system against diverse stressors. The present study was undertaken to investigate the adaptogenic and antistress activity of EuMil against chronic unpredictable, but mild, footshock stress-induced perturbations in behaviour (depression), glucose metabolism, suppressed male sexual behaviour, immunosuppression and cognitive dysfunction in CF strain albino rats. Panex ginseng (PG) was used for comparison. Gastric ulceration, plasma corticosterone levels, serum lipid, hepatic and renal functions were used as the stress indices. These effects were attenuated by EuMil (dose 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and PG (100 mg/kg. p.o.), administered once daily over a period of 14 days, the period of stress induction period. Further, chronic stress also induced glucose intolerance, suppressed male sexual behaviour, induced behavioural despair and cognitive dysfunction and immunosuppression. All these chronic stress-induced perturbations were attenuated, in a dose dependent manner by EuMil and PG. Thus, the results indicate that EuMil has significant adaptogenic and anti-stress, activity, qualitatively comparable to PG, against a variety of behavioural, biochemical and physiological perturbations, induced by unpredictable stress, which has been proposed to be a better indicator of clinical stress than acute stress. The likely contribution of the individual constituents of EuMil in the observed adaptogenic action of the polyherbal formulation, has been discussed.

58 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Effect of Withania somnifera on the cellular immune responses (CMI) was studied in normal as well as tumour bearing animals and Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was found to be enhanced in the Withania treated group on the 9th day.
Abstract: Effect of Withania somnifera on the cellular immune responses (CMI) was studied in normal as well as tumour bearing animals. Administration of Withania extract was found to enhance the proliferation of lymphocytes, bone marrow cells and thymocytes in responses to mitogens. Both PHA and Con A mitogens along with Withania treated splenocytes, bone marrow cells and thymocytes could stimulate proliferation twice greater than the normal. Withania treated splenocytes along with the mitogen LPS (10 microg/ml) could stimulate the lymphocyte proliferation six times more than the normal. Natural killer cell activity (NK) was found to be enhanced significantly in both the normal and the tumour bearing group and it was found to be earlier than the control (48.92% cell lysis). Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was found to be enhanced in the Withania treated group on the 9th day (65% cell lysis). An early Antibody dependent complement mediated cytotoxicity (ACC) was observed in the Withania treated group on day 13 (47% cell lysis).

57 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The root extract induced a marked impairment in libido, sexual performance, sexual vigour, and penile erectile dysfunction that may be attributed to hyperprolactinemic, GABAergic, serotonergic or sedative activities of the extract.
Abstract: Aim: To determine the effect of a methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal roots on sexual competence of male rats. Methods: Male rats were orally administered 3000 mg.kg -1 .day -1 of root extract for 7 days. Their sexual behaviour was evaluated 7 days prior to treatment, day 3 and 7 of treatment, and day 7, 14 and 30 post-treatment by pairing each male with a receptive female. Results: The root extract induced a marked impairment in libido, sexual performance, sexual vigour, and penile erectile dysfunction. These effects were partly reversible on cessation of treatment. These antimasculine effects are not due to changes in testosterone levels or toxicity but may be attributed to hyperprolactinemic, GABAergic, serotonergic or sedative activities of the extract. Conclusion: Use of W. somnifera roots may be detrimental to male sexual competence.

46 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The studies indicate that Withania somnifera could stimulate the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte and it may reduce tumour growth.
Abstract: The stimulatory effect of Withania somnifera on cytotoxic T lymphocytes was determined in Balb/C mice by the Winn's Neutralization assay using CTL sensitive EL4 thymoma cells as target cells. Withania somnifera showed a significant increase in CTL production both in vivo as well as in vitro. The survival time of E14 cells alone in treated animals was only 21 days and in the Withania extract treated group was 45 days with a percentage increase in life span (% ILS) of 114.28%. The survival rate of animals administered with EL4 cells (target) which were incubated with alloimmunized spleen cells (effector) from normal Balb/c mice was 33 days (% ILS 57.14%) and when this group was treated with Withania extract (20 mg/dose/animal i.p. for 10 days) their life span was increased to 53 days (% ILS 152.38%). The survival days of animals after the administration of EL4 cells incubated with alloimmunized spleen cells (effector) from Withania treated animals was 48 days (% ILS 118.18%) and when these animals continued with the Withania treatment their life span increased to 61 days (%ILS 177.27%). There was a significant increase in life span when animals were treated with EL4 cells incubated with effector cells generated by mixed lymphocyte culture of Balb/c mice and C57BL/6 mice in the presence (172.73%) and absence of Withania extract (59.09%). These studies indicate that Withania somnifera could stimulate the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte and it may reduce tumour growth.

44 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that the neutralization of the pharmacological effects of the toxic phospholipase is brought about by inhibition of the enzyme activity by formation of a complex between the WSG and the toxic phosphatease.

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, five new withanolide derivatives (1, 9-12) were isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera together with fourteen known compounds (2-8, 13-19).
Abstract: Five new withanolide derivatives (1, 9-12) were isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera together with fourteen known compounds (2-8, 13-19). On the basis of spectroscopic and physiochemical evidence, compounds 1 and 9-12 were determined to be (20S,22R)-3 alpha,6 alpha-epoxy-4 beta,5 beta,27-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-24-enolide (1), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside VIII, 9), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside IX, 10), 27-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylpubesenolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside X, 11), and (20R,22R)-1 alpha,3 beta,20,27-tetrahydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (withanoside XI, 12). Of the isolated compounds, 1, withanolide A (2), (20S,22R)-4 beta,5 beta,6 alpha,27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (6), withanoside IV (14), withanoside VI (15) and coagulin Q (16) showed significant neurite outgrowth activity at a concentration of 1 microM on a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Results indicate that pretreatment with Immu-21 selectively increased the proliferation of splenic leukocyte to B cell mitogen, LPS and cytotoxic activity against K 562 cells in mice.
Abstract: Immunomodulatory activity of an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, Immu-21 containing extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Emblica officinalis and Tinospora cordifolia was studied on proliferative response of splenic leukocytes to T cell mitogens, concanavalin (Con)-A and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and B cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro by [3H]-thymidine uptake assay in mice. The cytotoxic activity of Immu-21 was tested by measuring the splenic leukocyte natural killer (NK) cell activity against K 562 cells. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with Immu-21 (30 mg/kg) once a day for 14 and 21 days did not cause change in body weight and spleen weight, where as splenocytes/spleen count was increased. Treatment of Immu-21 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days and 1 mg/kg for 21 days significantly increased LPS induced leukocyte proliferation. NK cell activity was significantly increased when mice were pretreated with Immu-21 (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) once a day for 7 days. The results indicate that pretreatment with Immu-21 selectively increased the proliferation of splenic leukocyte to B cell mitogen, LPS and cytotoxic activity against K 562 cells in mice.

Patent
11 Jan 2002
TL;DR: The Withania Somnifera medicinal fractions have additional biological activities including anti-tumor potentiating activity and anti-cancer potentiating ability as discussed by the authors. But they are not suitable for use in immunosuppression or myelosuppresive drugs.
Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful for ameliorating or reversing naturally occurring immunosuppression or myelosuppresive, or side effects of myelosuppresive or immunosuppresive drug therapy. Medicinal fractions derived from the plant Withania Somnifera that reverse, at least in part, one or more characteristics of immunosuppression or myelosuppression and a process for manufacturing the fractions are particular aspects of the invention. Withania Somnifera medicinal fractions have additional biological activities including anti-tumor potentiating activity.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two new steroidal lactones of the withanolide-type, 5beta, 6alpha, 14alpha, 17beta, 20beta-pentahydroxy-1-oxo-20 S, 22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide, were isolated from the fruit of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) growing in Southern Egypt, together with two known coumarins, scopoletin (3)and aesculetin (4), and two known phytosterols, viz
Abstract: Two new steroidal lactones of the withanolide-type, 5beta, 6alpha, 14alpha, 17beta, 20beta-pentahydroxy-1-oxo-20 S, 22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide (1)and 6alpha, 7alpha-epoxy-5alpha, 14alpha, 17alpha, 23beta-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide (2), were isolated from the fruit of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) growing in Southern Egypt, together with two known coumarins, scopoletin (3)and aesculetin (4), a known triterpene, viz. Beta-amyrin (5), and two known phytosterols, viz. stigmasterol (6) and sitosterol (7). The structures of the isolated compounds have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, (1)H-, (13)C-NMR, DEPT experiments, HRFAB-, FAB-, and EI-mass spectrometry. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the new withanolide (1) and the alcoholic fruit extract are discussed.

Patent
20 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Sida sps., Vitis vinifera, Withania soma, Boerhaavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia is presented.
Abstract: The invention provides a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Sida sps., Vitis vinifera, Withania somnifera, Boerhaavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia for the protection and prevention of health and in particular, but not exclusively with antioxidant, immunoenhancing, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic, diuretic, digestive, choleretic, nervine relaxant properties.

Patent
10 Jul 2002
TL;DR: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation which comprises a mixture of the following eleven herbs: Withania somnifera, Chlorphyton borivilianum, Boerhavia diffusa, Elephantopus scaber, Moringa oleifera and Tecoma undulata, Bauhinia purpurea, Ficus racemosa, Cyperus rotundus, Sphaeranthus acmella and Tinospora cordifolia as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation which comprises a mixture of the following eleven herbs: Withania somnifera, Chlorphyton borivilianum, Boerhavia diffusa, Elephantopus scaber, Moringa oleifera, Tecoma undulata, Bauhinia purpurea, Ficus racemosa, Cyperus rotundus, Sphaeranthus acmella and Tinospora cordifolia; or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs or chemically synthesised. The herbal formulation of the invention is effective for the treatment of cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinomas, tumours and other metastatic states, including lung cancer.


Patent
12 Mar 2002
TL;DR: A synergistic herbal composition for the treatment of Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder comprising essentially the extracts of the following herbs Bacopa monneri and Celastrus paniculatus is presented in this article.
Abstract: A synergistic herbal composition for the treatment of Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder comprising essentially the extracts of the following herbs Bacopa monneri. Centella asiatica Glycyrrhiza glabra Withania somnifera and Celastrus paniculatus and a process for preparing the same.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A number of drugs mostly in the form of their extracts or as active principles isolated from them, have been evaluated for their antistress activity by a number of tests which include open field behaviour; Y-maze; Swimming endurance; effect on hexobarbitone sleeping time; stress induced ulceration; monitoring corticosterone, Ascorbic acid, MAO, SOD, SDH and neurotransmitter levels in tissues/blood and others.
Abstract: An exponential rise in world population coupled with rapid industrial growth has a direct impact on environment and society thus making man easily vulnerable to stress conditions. These, in-turn, cause disturbances in the normal physiological functioning of the body by way of increased free radical generation culminating in hypertension, neurosis, immune suppression and other physical and mental disorders. Global search is on, for the development of an effective antistress drug from natural source which could effectively tone up the disturbed physiological functioning of the subjects affected by such stress problems. A number of such drugs mostly in the form of their extracts (holistic approach) or in some, as active principles isolated from them, have been evaluated for their antistress activity by a number of tests which include open field behaviour; Y-maze; Swimming endurance; effect on hexobarbitone sleeping time; stress induced ulceration; monitoring corticosterone, Ascorbic acid, MAO, SOD, SDH and neurotransmitter levels in tissues/blood and others. Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Mikania cordata, Tinospora cordifolia, Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Glycerrhiza glabra, Annona muricata, Polyalthea cerasoides and many others have been reported with encouraging results.

Patent
20 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Phyllanthus sps., Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Withania soma, Boerhaavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia, Elettaria cardamomum and Cinnomomum sps.
Abstract: The invention provides a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Phyllanthus sps., Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Withania somnifera, Boerhaavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia, Elettaria cardamomum and Cinnomomum sps. for the protection of liver disorders in particular along with more antioxidant, immunoenhancing, gastrointestinal compatibility, diuretic, nervine relaxant and cardio-tonic properties and a process for preparing the same.

Patent
20 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this article, a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Sida sps., Vitis vinifera, Withania soma, Boerhaavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia is presented.
Abstract: The invention provides a novel herbal soft drink comprising decoction of plants selected from Sida sps., Vitis vinifera, Withania somnifera, Boerhaavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia for the protection and prevention of health and in particular, but not exclusively with antioxidant, immunoenhancing, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic, diuretic, digestive, choleretic, nervine relaxant properties.

Journal ArticleDOI
31 Dec 2002
TL;DR: In this article, light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and the infrastructure of the pollen grains of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
Abstract: Light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and theultrastructure of the pollen grains of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Light microscopic examination revealed that thepollen grain is tri- or tetrazonocoplate, approximately as long as broad measuring 29-μm. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that surface sculpture is scarbate granulate. Ultrathin sections as examined by transmission electron microscope showed that the pollen contained numerous starch grains, liped drops, endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles of dicotysomes. Two layers of pollen wall were also distinguished; the outer wall (exine divided into ektexine and enexine as well as an inner layer (intine). The nutritive values of Withania pollen were discussed. The importance of studying the ultrastructure of pollen grains as a new tool in plant taxonomy was alsodiscussed.

Patent
20 Dec 2002
TL;DR: For prevention and health protection, including particular antioxidant, immunopotentiating, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic, diuretic, digestive, Sida sps having choleretic properties, the nature of nerve sedative is studied.
Abstract: For prevention and health protection, but are not limited to particular antioxidant, immunopotentiating, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic, diuretic, digestive, Sida sps having choleretic properties, the nature of nerve sedative. , Vitis vinifera, Withania somnifera, providing a novel herbal soft drink containing Boerhaavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia decoction of selected plants such from.