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Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2005"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study demonstrates that the extract of W. somnifera may be helpful in protecting the neuronal injury in Parkinson's disease and reverse all the parameters significantly in a dose-dependent manner.
Abstract: 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is one of the most widely used rat models for Parkinson's disease. There is ample evidence in the literature that 6-OHDA elicits its toxic manifestations through oxidant stress. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-parkinsonian effects of Withania somnifera extract, which has been reported to have potent anti-oxidant, anti-peroxidative and free radical quenching properties in various diseased conditions. Rats were pretreated with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w. of the W. somnifera extract orally for 3 weeks. On day 21, 2 microL of 6-OHDA (10 microg in 0.1% in ascorbic acid-saline) was infused into the right striatum while sham operated group received 2 microL of the vehicle. Three weeks after 6-OHDA injections, rats were tested for neurobehavioral activity and were killed 5 weeks after lesioning for the estimation of lipidperoxidation, reduced glutathione content, activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, catecholamine content, dopaminergic D2 receptor binding and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. W. somnifera extract was found to reverse all the parameters significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the study demonstrates that the extract of W. somnifera may be helpful in protecting the neuronal injury in Parkinson's disease.

203 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Oral administration of the aqueous extracts successfully obliterated salmonella infection in Balb/C mice as revealed by increased survival rate as well as less bacterial load in various vital organs of the treated animals.

189 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Comparative study of the antiulcer and antisecretory activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal root extract with a standard drug, ranitidine, in various models of gastric ulcer in rats is presented.
Abstract: Comparative study of the antiulcer and antisecretory activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatawari) and Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha) root extract with a standard drug, ranitidine, in various models of gastric ulcer in rats is presented. Ulcer was induced by the indomethacin (NSAID) and swim (restraint) stress treatment. Results demonstrated that A. racemosus as well as W. somnifera methanolic extract (100 mg/kg BW/day p.o.) given orally for 15 days significantly reduced the ulcer index, volume of gastric secretion, free acidity, and total acidity. A significant increase in the total carbohydrate and total carbohydrate/protein ratio was also observed. Study also indicated an increase in antioxidant defense, that is, enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbic acid, increased significantly, whereas a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed. A. racemosus was more effective in reducing gastric ulcer in indomethacin-treated gastric ulcerative rats, whereas W. somnifera was effective in stress-induced gastric ulcer. Results obtained for both herbal drugs were comparable to those of the standard drug ranitidine.

138 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that W.somnifera root has chemopreventive efficacy against forestomach and skin carcinogenesis and warrants the identification and isolation of active compounds responsible for its anticancer effects, which may provide the lead for the development of antitumor agents.
Abstract: We evaluated the cancer chemopreventive efficacy of the Withania somnifera root, which has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system for many centuries for the treatment of various ailments. Since, studies showing its mechanism-based cancer chemopreventive efficacy are limited, this was investigated in the present study. We studied the effect of dietary administration of Withania root on hepatic phase I, phase II and antioxidant enzymes by estimation of its level/activity, as well as in attenuating carcinogen-induced forestomach and skin tumorigenesis in the Swiss albino mouse model. Our findings showed that roots of W.somnifera inhibit phase I, and activates phase II and antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Further, in a long-term tumorigenesis study, Withania inhibited benzo(a)pyrene-induced forestomach papillomagenesis, showing up to 60 and 92% inhibition in tumor incidence and multiplicity, respectively. Similarly, Withania inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene-induced skin papillomagenesis, showing up to 45 and 71% inhibition in tumor incidence and multiplicity. In both studies, Withania showed no apparent toxic effects in mice as monitored by the body weight gain profile. Together, these findings suggest that W.somnifera root has chemopreventive efficacy against forestomach and skin carcinogenesis and warrants the identification and isolation of active compounds responsible for its anticancer effects, which may provide the lead for the development of antitumor agents.

88 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Four (1, 8-10) and six known withanolides were isolated from the leaves of Withania somnifera and among the new compounds, 10 possessed the rare 3-O-sulfate group with the saturation in A ring and 9 contained unusual 1,4-dien-3-one group.

83 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Twenty-five extracts obtained from 14 plant species used in the traditional medicine in Yemen have been screened for cytotoxic activity against human ECV-304 cells and Dracaena cinnabari, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Euclea divinorum, Euphorbia cactus, Pulicaria crispa, and Withania somnifera displayed a remarkable activity.

73 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of the study clearly indicate that there is enhancement of secondary metabolites in hairy roots, which is indicated through significant enhancement of the antioxidant activity, since these are the major constituents responsible for the activity.
Abstract: Transgenic hairy roots were induced from Withania somnifera Dunal, by infecting leaf explants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes Polymerase chain reaction for rol A gene and Southern blot confirmed the integration of T-DNA in the genome Cultures were grown in Murashige and Skoog solid as well as in liquid medium The antioxidant activity was assayed in roots grown in solid media and liquid media Hairy roots grown in liquid media found to possess highly significant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-pecryl-hydrazyl radical, beta-carotene linoleic acid model system The activity was 5734%, 7564%, and 9341% in case DPPH model and 553%, 763%, and 905% in case of b-CLAMS in 25, 50, and 100 mg L(-1) concentration, respectively In case of hydroxyl radical trapping and brain lipid peroxidation assay, the activity was more significant in hairy roots grown on solid medium in comparison with commercial formulation prepared using normal roots and standard withanaloids Root extract grown in solid medium has shown 932% hydroxyl radical trapping activity at 100 mg L(-1) concentration, and 500 mg L(-1) has shown 836% in case of brain lipid peroxidation assay High-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated the presence of withanaloids in the hairy root extracts The results of the study clearly indicate that there is enhancement of secondary metabolites in hairy roots, which is indicated through significant enhancement of the antioxidant activity, since these are the major constituents responsible for the activity This is the first report on the presence of antioxidant principles in genetically modified roots of W somnifera These results of the present study may aid in utilization of the W somnifera hairy roots for its rejuvenating principles

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Anti-stress activity was carried out on glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten and demonstrated against a battery of tests in rats and mice and the extract of Withania somnifera root was used to compare the results.

42 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most significant inhibition activities (≥50%) were found in extracts derived from Aloe vera, Alpinia galanga, Curcuma longa, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum americanum, and Withania somnifera.

27 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cytomixis was exhibited only in few groups of cells in a microsporophyll and those cells in clusters were either anucleated or with deficient and with extra chromosomes than normal; while, most of the cells inmicrosporangium were not involved in cytomixis.
Abstract: Persistent occurrence of cytomixis was recorded during microsporogenesis in control and mutagen treated M1 plants/progenies of Ocimum basilicum L. (2n=72; family: Lamiaceae) and Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. (2n=48; family: Solanaceae). The phenomenon was observed in prophase I and metaphase I cells. Nature of cytomixis has been observed to be similar in both plant species and in all plant types of the species. Cytomixis was exhibited only in few groups of cells in a microsporophyll (4 to 8 clusters) and those cells in clusters (number of cells in clusters: 2 to 8 in O. basilicum and 2 to 4 in W. somnifera) were either anucleated or with deficient and with extra chromosomes than normal; while, most of the cells in microsporangium were not involved in cytomixis. Results obtained have been discussed.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The results suggest that swimming-induced oxidative stress on male sex organs may be protected by using above mentioned medicinal plants extract.
Abstract: The present study has been designed to find out the effects of forced swimming-induced oxidative stress imposition on primary and secondary sex organs and its protection by plant extract in male Wistar strain rats. This work has been designed to find out the scientific basis of the local use of the composite extract of root of Withania somnifera, leaf of Ocimum sanctum and rhizome of Zingiber officinale by village Ayurvedic doctors to protect the health disorders in connection to strenuous physical exercise, and also to search out the potentiality of above mentioned plant products on swimming-induced oxidative damage. Forced intermittent swimming for 8 hours /day for 28 days resulted a significant elevation in the level of products of free radical i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated dienes along with significant diminution in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione–S–transferase in testis, prostate and seminal vesicle which were protected significantly after co-administration of methanolic extract of said plant parts in composite manner. Testicular steroidogenesis was assessed in this condition by measuring plasma levels of testosterone, which was diminished significantly in swimming group and was protected significantly by the composite extract of the plants parts. The antioxidative potency of this composite extract was compared with potent and standard antioxidant i.e., vitamin-E in forced swimming state. This herbal extract has no toxic effect on metabolic organs that has denoted here by the measurement of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase activities in liver and kidney. The results suggest that swimming-induced oxidative stress on male sex organs may be protected by using above mentioned medicinal plants extract.

Patent
28 Nov 2005
TL;DR: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Bacopa monniera, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Nardostachys jatamansi, Valerian wallichi, Myristica fragrans, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Acorus calamus, Boerhavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia is described in this article.
Abstract: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Bacopa monniera, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Nardostachys jatamansi, Valerian wallichi, Myristica fragrans, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Acorus calamus, Boerhavia diffusa and Tinospora cordifolia or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from such herbs for treatment of conditions involving hormone imbalances, circulatory conditions, musculo-skeletal problems, gastrointestinal problems, psychological conditions, sleep disorders, and problems in the nervous system among others

01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: The present study suggests that Withania somnifera have not only inhibitory effects on release of gastric hydrochloric acid but it also increase various defensive factors including antioxidant defense to protect gastric mucosal damage.
Abstract: Anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and its action against stress plus pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer in rats has been reported. Treatment with Withania somnifera extract (100 mg/Kg/day p.o.) for 15 days significantly reduced ulcer index as compared to control group. Extract also significantly reduced volume of gastric secretion, free acidity and total acidity. Significant increase in total carbohydrate (TC) and TC / total protein (TP) ratio of gastric juice was also observed. No significant change in the total protein was noted. A significant increase in antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) but decrease in malondialdihyde (MDA) was observed. Withania somnifera extract was found to be an effective antiulcerogenic agent, whose activity can well be compared with that of ranitidine hydrochloride. The present study suggests that Withania somnifera have not only inhibitory effects on release of gastric hydrochloric acid but it also increase various defensive factors including antioxidant defense to protect gastric mucosal damage.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Findings suggest that W. somnifera extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of active oxygen radicals generated in reactions initiated by lead nitrate.
Abstract: Protective effect of Withania somnifera against formation of micronuclei induced by lead nitrate in bone marrow cells of mice was studied. Administration of lead nitrate (40 mg/kg b.w) induced significant micronuclei in mouse bone marrow. The frequency of occurrence of micronucleated cells in bone marrow was reduced significantly when methanolic extract of W. somnifera (250 mg/kg b.w) was administered orally to mice for 7 days before intraperitoneal injection of lead nitrate. The level of SOD, catalase and GSH in liver was significantly depressed by lead nitrate treatment and the extract treatment enhanced level of these enzymes significantly. These findings suggest that W. somnifera extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of active oxygen radicals generated in reactions initiated by lead nitrate.

Patent
28 Nov 2005
TL;DR: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Glycine max, Coleus forskohlii, Camellia sinensis, Allium sativum, Withania somnifera, Boerhavia diffusa, and Curcuma longa, or mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs is used for the treatment of hormone dependent conditions and circulatory conditions in the human body.
Abstract: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Glycine max, Coleus forskohlii, Camellia sinensis, Allium sativum, Withania somnifera, Boerhavia diffusa, and Curcuma longa, or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs. The herbal formulations of the present invention are effective for the treatment of hormone dependent conditions and circulatory conditions in the human body, and to stimulate the immune system.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that Ashwagandha extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of active oxygen radicals generated in reactions initiated by the mutagens.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Mitomycin C induced damage in mouse bone marrow and antioxidant enzymes in liver. Materials and Methods: Protective effect of methanolic extract of Ashwagandha (250 mg/kg b.w. p.o, for 7 days) was assessed against formation of micronuclei (MN) in polychromatic cells (PCEs) and normochromatic cells (NCEs) induced by Mitomycin C (4 mg/kg b.w., i.p) using mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. The effect of Mitomycin C and Ashwagandha extract on liver enzymes, superoxide desmutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) was also evaluated. Results: The frequency of occurrence of micronucleated cells in bone marrow was reduced significantly when methanolic extract of Ashwagandha was administered before Mitomycin C. There was a reversal of decrease in P/N ratio. The level of SOD and GSH in liver was significantly depressed by Mitomycin C treatment and the Ashwagandha treatment enhanced level of these enzymes significantly. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Ashwagandha extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of active oxygen radicals generated in reactions initiated by the mutagens.

Patent
28 Nov 2005
TL;DR: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Glycine max, Asparagus racemosa, Boerhavia diffusa, Withania somnifera, Saraca indica, and Coleus forskohlii is a medicine for the treatment of hormone dependent conditions and circulatory conditions in the human body as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation comprising a mixture of herbs including Glycine max, Asparagus racemosa, Boerhavia diffusa, Withania somnifera, Saraca indica , and Coleus forskohlii , or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs. The herbal formulations of the present invention are effective for the treatment of hormone dependent conditions and circulatory conditions in the human body, and to stimulate the immune system.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results of the present study demonstrate antioxidant effects of the root extracts of both Asparagus racemosus (Shatawari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in rat hippocampus used as model system.
Abstract: Asparagus racemosus Wild (shatawari) and Withania somnifera Dunal (ashwagandha) are rasayana commonly used in Indian traditional Ayurvedic medicinal system. Shatawari roots are used as tonic especially during pregnancy, gynecological disorders like menorrhagia and to increase lactation. Withania somnifera Dunal, is primarily used in ayurvedic preparations as powder, decoction, medicated wine etc., though primarily roots but seeds and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes. Present investigation was carried out with an aim to investigate the antioxidant properties of these plants using rat brain hippocampus as model system. Results of the present study demonstrate antioxidant effects of the root extracts of both Asparagus racemosus (Shatawari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in rat hippocampus used as model system. These effects are evidenced by significant recovery of SOD and CAT enzyme level after drug treatment to the animals given 4hrs immobilization/swim daily up to 30 days, in unpredictable manner. These enzymes are part of antioxidant defense of the body against free radicals and thus the significant increase after the drug treatment is indicative of free radical scavenging properties of both the drugs used in study. A significant increase in LDH activity after stress but significant decrease after drug treatment is indicative of reduced lipid peroxidation in the brain area studied. doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2005.120401




Journal Article
TL;DR: The paper examines in detail various issues and factors influencing the marketing of the important cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants, viz Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ), Isabgol ( Plantago ovata ), Kalmegh ( Andrographis paniculata ), Lemon grass ), Mentha ( Mentha arvensis ).
Abstract: The paper examines in detail various issues and factors influencing the marketing of the important cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants, viz Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ), Isabgol ( Plantago ovata ), Kalmegh ( Andrographis paniculata ), Lemon grass ( Cymbopogon nardlls ), Mentha ( Mentha arvensis ). Saf'ed Musli ( Chlorophytum tllberosllm ), Satawar ( Asparaglls racemoslls ), Senna ( Cassia angllstifolia ) in Madhya Pradesh. The paper also highlights the existing and potential marketing channels and the feasibility of effective marketing for these species inside and outside Madhya Pradesh.