Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2003"
TL;DR: Investigation of withanolides in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in human and show either weak or no activity at 30 microg/mL.
302 citations
TL;DR: Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal, like PG, has significant antistress adaptogenic activity, confirming the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda.
Abstract: Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs reputed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalise the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. These attributes are remarkably similar to the properties ascribed to adaptogens like Panax ginseng (PG) in contemporary medicine. As such, the adaptogenic activity of a standardised extract of WS roots was investigated against a rat model of chronic stress (CS). The stress procedure was mild, unpredictable footshock, administered once daily for 21 days to adult male Wistar rats. CS induced significant hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, increase in plasma corticosterone levels, gastric ulcerations, male sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, immunosuppression and mental depression. These CS induced perturbations were attenuated by WS (25 and 50 mg/kg po) and by PG (100 mg/kg po), administered 1 h before footshock for 21 days. The results indicate that WS, like PG, has significant antistress adaptogenic activity, confirming the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda.
277 citations
TL;DR: A HPLC method for the determination of withaferin A and withanolide D was developed and was successfully used to investigate the presence of the markers in different W. somnifera plant parts as well as to analyze their content in market products.
150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, four novel withanolide glycosides and a withanolides have been isolated from the leaves of Withania somnifera and the structures of the novel compounds were elucidated as physagulin D (1→6)-β-β-d -glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β -d-glucopsyranoside (1), 27- O -β- d -glocopyraniumyl physagulus D (2 ), 27-O -βd-d −glucophyranos
120 citations
TL;DR: The therapeutic potential of Caps HT2 against vascular intimal damage and atherogenesis leading to various types of cardiovascular problems is revealed and indicates the effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity.
86 citations
TL;DR: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the Indian herbal plant Withania somnifera as a prophylactic treatment in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model of stroke in rats.
Abstract: 1. Stroke causes brain injury in millions of people worldwide each year. Despite the enormity of the problem, there is currently no approved therapy that can reduce infarct size or neurological disability. One of the approaches that can be used in limiting the neurological damage after stroke is the use of prophylactic treatment in patients with a high-risk of stroke. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the Indian herbal plant Withania somnifera as a prophylactic treatment in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model of stroke in rats. 2. Two groups of male Wistar rats were pretreated with a hydroalcoholic extract of W. somnifera (1 g/kg, p.o.) for 15 and 30 days. Thereafter, rats were subjected to focal ischaemia by occlusion of the MCA using an intraluminal thread. After 2 h MCA occlusion, reperfusion was allowed by retracting the thread. Animals were assessed for ischaemic changes using diffusion-weighted imaging 30 min after reperfusion. Twenty-four hours later, rats were subjected to motor performance tests and were subsequently killed for the estimation of the marker of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA). The control group received vehicle and a similar protocol was followed. 3. Significant motor impairment, with elevated levels of MDA, was observed in vehicle-treated MCA-occluded rats. In addition, diffusion-weighted imaging showed increased signal intensity in the right hemisphere compared with the contralateral hemisphere. Treatment with W. somnifera for 15 days did not improve motor performance or decrease the elevated levels of MDA. However, when the pretreatment time of W. somnifera was increased to 30 days, it prevented motor impairment and significantly decreased the raised levels of MDA compared with vehicle-treated rats. In the W. somnifera (30 days)-pretreated group, the percentage hemispheric lesion area in diffusion-weighted imaging was significantly attenuated (17 +/- 2%) compared with the vehicle-treated MCA-occluded group (30 +/- 4%). 4. Because W. somnifera has been documented to have anti-oxidant properties, the protection afforded by W. somnifera could be due to its anti-oxidant effect. The present study provides first evidence of the effectiveness of an Indian herb in focal ischaemia.
81 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate the therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera in aging and copper-induced pathophysiological conditions and inhibit both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification induced by copper.
Abstract: Withania somnifera is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs which promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalize the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. We investigated the effects of Withania somnifera on copper-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in aging spinal cord of Wistar rats. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased significantly in the spinal cord from adult to aged mice. Treatment with Withania somnifera successfully attenuated GPx activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. Withania somnifera inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modification induced by copper. These effects were similar to those of superoxide dismutase and mannitol. The results indicate the therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera in aging and copper-induced pathophysiological conditions.
80 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that oxidative stress plays a significant role in HP-induced orofacial dyskinesia and that Ws could be effective in preventing neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal side effects.
Abstract: We investigated the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of haloperidol (HP)-induced orofacial dyskinesia and evaluated the beneficial effect of Withania somnifera (Ws) root extract in the amelioration of HP-induced vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) and tongue protrusions in the rat model for TD. Rats were treated for 21 days with intraperitoneal HP (1 mg/kg); on day 22, VCMs and tongue protrusions were counted during a 5-minute observation period. HP-treated rats significantly developed these extrapyramidal symptoms, but coadministration of Ws root extract (100-300 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced them. Biochemical analysis revealed that chronic HP treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased forebrain levels of glutathione and the antioxidant defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Coadministration of Ws extract significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation and significantly reversed the decrease in forebrain SOD and catalase levels but had no significant effect on the HP-induced decrease in forebrain glutathione levels. These findings strongly suggest that oxidative stress plays a significant role in HP-induced orofacial dyskinesia and that Ws could be effective in preventing neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal side effects.
73 citations
TL;DR: Results demonstrate that WS may induce the synthesis of inducible NOS expression likely by acting at transcriptional level, and could account, at least in part, for the immunostimulant properties of Withania somnifera.
67 citations
Journal Article•
27 citations
TL;DR: Results show that the a new species of withanolide, 1-oxo-5beta, 6beta-epoxy-witha-2-ene-27-ethoxy-olide (compound-1) could prove to be an effective agent to counteract C-H-R stress.
Abstract: Objective: Isolation of biologically active fractions and compounds from the roots of Withania somnifera, a plant used extensively as a constituent of rasayana, in Ayurveda and to test their adaptogenic activity on stress indices using the cold-hypoxia-restraint (C-H-R) model. Design: Bioactivity-guided fractionation of an aqueous extract of the roots of Withania somnifera led to the isolation of a new species of withanolide 1-oxo-5β, 6β-epoxy-witha-2-ene-27-ethoxy-olide. Structure elucidation, was carried out using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and mass spectroscopic analysis. Stress-related indices were evaluated, namely serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, serum corticosterone levels, and serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Results: There was a significant decrease in a serum CPK, LDH, and LPO levels in animals pretreated with (1) fraction-I (20 mg/kg body weight), (2) 1-oxo-5β, 6β-epoxy-witha-2-ene-27-ethoxy-o...
TL;DR: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal; Solanaceae) is being cultivated around the world mainly for its root which has rejuvenative properties, but plant population density for maximum seed yield was lower at 40 than at 60 plants m–2 for maximum root yield.
Abstract: SummaryAshwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal; Solanaceae) is being cultivated around the world mainly for its root which has rejuvenative properties. Field experiments during 1999–2001 under semi-arid tropical conditions of Hyderabad, India studied the effect of tillage depths (15 and 30 cm) and plant population densities (20, 40, 60 and 80 plants m–2) on root morphology, yield and quality and cultivation economics of ashwagandha. Preparatory tillage to 30 cm depth in combination with a density of 60 plants m–2 gave the highest root yield of 1.2 t ha–1 which was 50% higher than that following 15 cm tillage depth and the same density. This is attributed to the favourable effect of the former treatment leading to 33, 37 and 21% increases in plant height, number of branches per plant and shoot biomass yield, respectively. Further, this treatment produced most (68%) best quality root pieces. Main root length, length of lateral roots and diameter of lateral roots were significantly increased, while the diam...
Dissertation•
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: An attempt was made to quantify withaferine A in herbal extract and polyherbal formulations produced from Withania somnifera by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), which was found to be reproducible, accurate, and precise.
Abstract: Withania somnifera has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of depression and inflammation, and as an aphrodisiac. It contains many phytochemicals such as Withaferine A, withanine, anahygrine, tropine, and withanolides. Of these, withaferine A is considered to be the most active compound. Withaferine A was estimated in herbal extract and polyherbal formulations by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). As there is no official HPTLC protocol for quantitation of the above phytochemicals, an attempt was made to quantify withaferine A in herbal extract and polyherbal formulations produced from Withania somnifera. Precoated silica gel G (aluminium backed) plates were used as stationary phase and toluene:ethyl acetate: formic acid (50 : 15 : 5) was used as mobile phase. Detection and quantification were performed by densitometry at λ 213 nm. The linear range was 1 μg to 3 μg. This HPTLC method was found to be reproducible, accurate, and precise.
Patent•
07 Nov 2003
TL;DR: In this article, a high purity extract composition of the Withania Somnifera, with advantageous levels of withanolide glycosides and oligosaccharides, a minimum of polysaccharides and substantially low levels of free withaferin A and equivalents (withanolide aglycones), was proposed.
Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of the plant Withania Somnifera, and, more particularly to a high purity extract composition with advantageous levels of withanolide glycosides and oligosaccharides, a minimum of polysaccharides, and substantially low levels of free withaferin A and equivalents (withanolide aglycones), which composition provides enhanced cognition-enhancing effects for the user, and an extraction process for obtaining such composition, as well as pharmaceutical, nutritional and personal care use products thereof.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The antioxidant, cytoprotective and related properties of Ashwagandha are found to be excellent, and it is able to retard the formation of 'cold cataract' in vitro, suggesting that Ashw Wagandha could well act as aCataracto-static agent.
Abstract: Cataract is the major cause of blindness the world over. Efforts to ease the cataract burden will be of great social and health economic benefit. Oxidative stress is known to be a major factor in age-related cataract of the eye lens. Regular systemic intake of antioxidant vitamins appears to retard the progression of cataract. These are beyond the reach of people in developing countries, who could, however, be encouraged to use antioxidant plant products that form part of their diet and traditional health practices. Ashwagandha (extract of the plant Withania somnifera) is one such product used in traditional medicine. We have studied the antioxidant, cytoprotective and related properties of Ashwagandha here, and find it to be excellent in these respects. It is also able to retard the formation of 'cold cataract' in vitro, suggesting that Ashwagandha could well act as a cataracto-static agent.
TL;DR: In this article, IBA was used to induce root formation in Withania somnifera leaf segments using an IBA dip treatment, and the average number and length of roots were 32.3 per culture and 5.6 cm, respectively.
Abstract: Direct rooting was induced in Withania somnifera leaf segments using an IBA dip treatment. The segments dipped in IBA formed roots along the midrib region of the abaxial surface when placed on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium containing no plant growth regulators. The length of the dip treatments (10, 20 and 30 min) and strength of the MS media (¼, ½, and full-strength) treatments had no apparent effect on rooting, although maximum rooting (85.3 percent of the cultures) occurred when the leaf segments were placed on ½-strength MS medium after a dip treatment with 100 mg/liter IBA solution for 20 min. The average number and length of roots were 32.3 per culture and 5.6 cm, respectively. Only 20 percent of the cultures produced roots if explants were grown on full-strength MS medium supplemented with IBA.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: It can be concluded that in comparison to methanolic extract, traditional extract was found to be more active in memory enhancement than anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.
Abstract: In the present study, the effect of Withania somnifera extracts prepared by two different methods on behavioral parameters assessed using open field exploratory behavior, behavioral despair and passive avoidance tests were compared in young and old stressed Wistar rats. Stress was induced on the animals by giving 30 intermittent shocks for 3 s consecutively for 7 d. W. Somnifera extracts prepared with 50% methanol and solvent containing water, ghee and honey were administered orally as fine suspension during the shock period. The results revealed that stress produced depression anxiety and retention deficit in young and old rats. Administration of W. Somnifera methanolic extract 250 mg/kg during shock period in young and old rats attenuated the stress-induced depression and enhanced memory. W. Somnifera traditional extract 250 mg/kg produced memory enhancement in both control and stressed young and old rats. Both the W. Somnifera extracts failed to reverse the stress-induced anxiety. It can be concluded that in comparison to methanolic extract, traditional extract was found to be more active in memory enhancement than anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.
Dissertation•
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of Withania somnifera in tincture, 1X and 6X homoeopathic dilutions (in 62% v/v ethanol) as an antimicrobial agent against the in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Abstract: Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003.
Journal Article•
Dissertation•
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: The phytochemical properties of Withania somnifera Dunal’s fruit extract have an important role in the development of biomass and its application in agriculture.
Abstract: STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF PINCHING, SPACING AND GROWTH REGULATORS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND ALKALOID CONTENT OF ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera Dunal)
Patent•
15 May 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, two new polyherbal formulations are described and which, when used together, have been found to be effective for the treatment of cancer and, more particularly, for the diagnosis or management of adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Abstract: Two new polyherbal formulations are described and which, when used together, have been found to be effective for the treatment of cancer and, more particularly, for the treatment or management of adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The first formulation comprises a mixture of the following six herbs: Glycine max, Lycopersicon esculentum, Allium Sativum, Curcuma longa, Linum Usitatissimum and Convolvulus arvensis; or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs or chemically synthesised. The second formulation comprises a mixture of the following four herbs: Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Phyllanthus emblica and Asparagus racemous; or a mixture of active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs or chemically synthesised.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Inoculation with G. mosseae was significantly effective in promoting plant growth causing remarkable increase in shoot height, number of leaves and % colonization was compared to uninoculated control.
Abstract: The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus mosseae, family Glomaceae), and fertilization on vegetative growth of two tropical medicinal plants, viz, Withania somnifera and Spilanthes calva was evaluated. The growth was assessed in terms of height, number of leaves and % colonization. Inoculation with G. mosseae was significantly effective in promoting plant growth causing remarkable increase in shoot height, number of leaves and % colonization was compared to uninoculated control. In addition, 40 mg P supplied to the plants was found to be more effective as compared to 80 mg P. BLACPMA 2(4): 56 - 59 (2003)
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a study on f-season greenhouse cultivation of medicinal crops viz: Withania somnifera and Psoralea croylifolia to evaluate cultivation performance and to compare it with open field cultivation.
Abstract: Studies on of f-season greenhouse cultivation were conducted for medicinal crops viz: Withania somnifera and Psoralea croylifolia to evaluate cultivation performance and to compare it with open field cultivation. The experimental results show that the mean plant heights of Withania somnifera and Psoralea croylifolia under greenhouse condition were 78.9 cm and 125.0 cm whereas it was 28.2 cm and 50 cm under field condition respectively. The collar diameter for Withania somnifera was 9.8 mm and 5.68 mm for greenhouse and field conditions respectively. The collar diameter for Psoralea corylifolia was 10.8 mm in the greenhouse and 5.96 mm for field conditions. Total dry matter contents for Withania somnifera and Psoralea croylifolia inside the greenhouse were 92.9 g per plant and 118.7 g per plant, whereas it was 25.8 g per plant and 40.3 g per plant under field conditions. The above experimental results show that of f-season cultivation of medicinal plants under greenhouse conditions increased the production of these high value medicinal plants and permit the production of these crops around the year.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, Amrit Pal Singh et al. reviewed the scope of studies published in favor of anticancer potential of withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) leaves.
Abstract: Author: Dr Amrit Pal Singh, MD (Alternative Medicine), Medical Executive, Ind –Swift Ltd. Address for correspondence: Dr Amrit Pal Singh House No: 2101 Phase-7 Mohali –160062. Email: amritpal2101@yahoo.com Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a plant used in medicine from the time of Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian medicine. The dried roots of the plant are used in the treatment of nervous and sexual disorders. From chemistry point of view, the drug contains group of biologically active constituents known as withanolides. The chemical structures of withanolides have been studied and they are widely distributed in family Solanacae. WithaferinA is therapeutically active withanolide reported to be present in leaves. In animal studies, withaferin-A has shown significant anticancer activity. Majority of the anticancer drugs like Vinblastine, Vincristine, and Taxol have been derived from green flora. Today there is much interest in natural products with anticancer activity. Withanolides are of under research potential as far treatment of cancer is concerned. The article reviews the scope of studies published in favor of anticancer potential of withaferin-A. (
01 Jan 2003
TL;DR: Myocardial necrosis was determined directly by staining with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and by histopatho-logical examination, which depicted clear focal myonecrosis with myophagocytosis and lymphocytic infiltration (myocarditis) and presence of marked inflammatory cells.
Abstract: Present study evaluated the cardioprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (Ws) and Ocimum sanctum (Os) against isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Rats were administered different doses viz,Ws (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and Os (25, 50, 75, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg) orally using intragastric tube for two weeks. ISO-200 was administered to produce oxidative stress reflected in significant (p < 0.05) GSH and LDH depletion from the myocardial tissue. Myocardial necrosis was determined directly by staining with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and by histopatho-logical examination, which depicted clear focal myonecrosis with myophagocytosis and lymphocytic infiltration (myocarditis) and presence of marked inflammatory cells. Further biochemical studies also confirmed the presence of myocardial necrosis.