Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2010"
TL;DR: The data demonstrate that Withaferin A binds Hsp90, inhibits HSp90 chaperone activity through an ATP-independent mechanism, results in Hsp 90 client protein degradation, and exhibits in vivo anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer.
260 citations
TL;DR: In the present study, metabolic profiling of crude extracts of leaf and root of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), an important medicinal plant of Indian system of medicine was carried out using NMR and chromatographic techniques.
180 citations
TL;DR: The treatment with W. somnifera effectively reduced oxidative stress, as assessed by decreased levels of various oxidants and improved level of diverse antioxidants, and good indicators of semen quality, were also reversed in infertile subjects after treatment with the herbal preparation.
124 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The article reviews the scope of studies published in favor of anticancer potential of withaferin-A and discusses group of biologically active constituents known as withanolides, which are of under research potential as far treatment of cancer is concerned.
Abstract: 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. Withaferin- A 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.
119 citations
TL;DR: The optimized conditions for biomass accumulation and withanolide A production were found to be 10 g L(-1) of the inoculum on fresh weight basis, the full strength MS medium, 3% (w/v) sucrose, four weeks culture period and the initial medium pH of 5.8.
110 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the W. somnifera root powder have a stimulatory effect on immunological parameters and increases disease resistance in L. rohita fingerlings against A. hydrophila infection.
110 citations
TL;DR: Molecular modeling studies showed that withanamides A and C uniquely bind to the active motif of β‐amyloid and suggest that withAnamides have the ability to prevent the fibril formation and further understanding of the mechanism of action and in vivo efficacy may facilitate its development as a prophylaxis.
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and mood swings. The beta-amyloid peptide, with 39-42 amino acid residues (BAP), plays a significant role in the development of AD. Although there is no cure for AD, it can be managed with available drugs to some degree. Several studies have revealed that natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene, may help in scavenging free radicals generated during the initiation and progression of this disease. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in plant phytochemicals with antioxidant property as potential agents to prevent the progression of AD. Our earlier investigations of the Withania somnifera fruit afforded lipid peroxidation inhibitory withanamides that are more potent than the commercial antioxidants. In this study, we have tested two major withanamides A (WA) and C (WC) for their ability to protect the PC-12 cells, rat neuronal cells, from beta-amyloid induced cell damage. The cell death caused by beta-amyloid was negated by withanamide treatment. Molecular modeling studies showed that withanamides A and C uniquely bind to the active motif of beta-amyloid (25-35) and suggest that withanamides have the ability to prevent the fibril formation. Further understanding of the mechanism of action and in vivo efficacy of these withanamides may facilitate its development as a prophylaxis.
106 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The present work initiated to study the endophytic fungal population in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a commonly used medicinal plant in the subcontinent, and found most dominant endophyte was found to be A. alternata.
Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is known to possess medicinal properties. Medicinal plants harbour endophytic mycoflora. Only a few plants have been studied for their endophyte biodiversity and their potential to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. There is a need to understand the biodiversity of endophytic fungi and their potential of producing novel compounds of medicinal importance. A total of 643 segments (202 leaf, 391 stem, and 50 root samples) from 20 different plants were screened for their endophytic mycoflora. Thirty-three fungal strains of 24 species have been isolated, four belonged to the class Ascomycetes and 20 to class Deuteromycetes. The highest species richness as well as frequency of colonization was in stem; with the exception of Aspergillus niger, A. terreus and A. alternata, all the other fungi were found to be organ-specific. In this study most dominant endophyte was found to be A. alternata. Overall colonization frequency was measured as 14.15%. Many of the pharmaceutical compounds produced by medicinal plants are reportedly produced by their endophytic fungi. Hence, it is important to study medicinal plants for their endophytic mycoflora for biodiversity and then to determine their medicinal properties. The present work was therefore initiated to study the endophytic fungal population in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal., a commonly used medicinal plant in the subcontinent.
72 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that pretreatments of differentiated PC 12 cells with aqueous extracts of W. somnifera root significantly protect differentiated PC12 cells against both H2O2‐ and Aβ(1–42)‐induced cytotoxicity, in a concentration dependent manner.
Abstract: Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanaceae), also known as 'ashwagandha' in Sanskrit and as 'Indian ginseng', is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer, with antiaging, antistress, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. There is a paucity of data on the potential neuroprotective effects of W. somnifera root, as traditionally used, against H(2)O(2)- and Aβ((1-42))-induced cytotoxicity which are current targets for novel approaches to treat dementia, especially dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). In this study, an aqueous extract prepared from the dried roots of W. somnifera was assessed for potential protective effects against H(2)O(2)- and Aβ((1-42))-aggregated fibril cytotoxicity by an MTT assay using a differentiated rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line. The results suggest that pretreatments of differentiated PC12 cells with aqueous extracts of W. somnifera root significantly protect differentiated PC12 cells against both H(2)O(2)- and Aβ((1-42))-induced cytotoxicity, in a concentration dependent manner. To investigate the compounds that could explain the observed effects, the W. somnifera extract was analysed by liquid chromatography-serial mass spectrometry and numerous withanolide derivatives, including withaferin A, were detected. These results demonstrate the neuroprotective properties of an aqueous extract of W. somnifera root and may provide some explanation for the putative ethnopharmacological uses of W. somnifera for cognitive and other neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with oxidative stress.
68 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the presence of phenolic compounds including flavonoids in W. somnifera root and leaf extracts and their antioxidant activity may play a vital role in reduction of blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Abstract: The phenolic compounds and flavonoids were determined from the extracts of Withania somnifera root (WSREt) and leaf (WSLEt). The WSREt has 28.26 mg/g total phenolic compounds and 17.32 mg/g flavonoids, whereas WSLEt has 5.4 mg/g total phenolic compounds and 5.1 mg/g flavonoids. The WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide were orally administered daily to diabetic rats for 8 weeks. After the treatment, the levels of urine sugar, blood glucose, liver glycogen, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver, kidney and heart were determined. Diabetic rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in glucose and TBARS and a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glycogen, vitamin C and E, SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH levels when compared to normal control rats. Administration of WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide to diabetic rats restored the levels to normal. In the light of aforesaid facts, it is suggested that the presence of phenolic compounds including flavonoids in W. somnifera root and leaf extracts and their antioxidant activity may play a vital role in reduction of blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
68 citations
TL;DR: Withania somnifera may therefore be useful for generalized weakness and to improve speed and lower limb muscular strength and neuro-muscular co-ordination and both drugs appear to be safe for young adults when given for mentioned dosage and duration.
Abstract: Introduction Several medicinal plants have been described to be beneficial for cardiac ailments in Ayurveda like Ashwagandha and Arjuna. Ashwagandha-categorised as Rasayanas, and described to promote health and longevity and Arjuna primarily for heart ailments. coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, anginal pain and can be considered as a useful drug for coronary artery disease, hypertension and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Objective There are no scientific clinical studies showing effect of both these drugs on exercise performance after regular administration when given as supplements The present study was therefore designed and performed to assess the effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) individually and as a combination on maximum velocity, average absolute and relative Power, balance, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and blood pressure in humans. Materials and methods Forty normal healthy. Subjects (either sex, mean age 20.6 ± 2.5yrs and mean Body Mass Index 21.9 ± 2.2) were recruited after written informed consent was obtained. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was also obtained. Thirty participants were assigned to experimental group of which 10 received standardized root extracts of Withania somnifera, 10 received standardized bark extract of Terminalia arjuna and the rest of the 10 received standardized root extract of Withania somnifera in addition to bark extract of Terminalia arjuna both. Both the drugs were given in the form of capsules (dosage 500mg/day for both the drugs). Ten participants received placebo (capsules filled with flour). All the subjects continued the regimen for 8 weeks. All variables were assessed before and after the course of drug administration Observations Our study showed that Withania somnifera increased velocity, power and VO2 max whereas Terminalia arjuna increased VO2 max and lowered resting systolic blood pressure. When given in combination, the improvement was seen in all parameters except balance and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion Withania somnifera may therefore be useful for generalized weakness and to improve speed and lower limb muscular strength and neuro-muscular co-ordination. Terminalia arjuna may prove useful to improve cardio-vascular endurance and lowering systolic blood pressure. Both drugs appear to be safe for young adults when given for mentioned dosage and duration.
TL;DR: This investigation is the first report of the anticancer activity in various parts of Withania Somnifera cultivated in fly ash amended soil.
Abstract: Withania somnifera Dunal know as Ashwagandha belong Solanaceae family. It is extensively used in most of the Indian herbal pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. The current study, evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity in 50% ethanol extract of root, stem and leaves of Withania somnifera against five human cancer cell lines of four different tissues i.e. PC-3, DU-145 (prostrate), HCT-15 (colon), A-549 (lung) and IMR-32 (neuroblastoma). Root, stem and leaves extracts showed cytotoxicity activity ranging 0-98% depending on the cell lines but maximum activity was found in 50% ethanol extract of leaves of Withania somnifera. Ethanol extract of leaves obtained from treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 showed strong activity against PC-3 and HCT-15 with 80-98% growth inhibition, while the 50% ethanol extract of leaves from T1 treatment showed a minimum of 39% and T3 treatment showed a maximum of 98% growth inhibition against HCT-15. This investigation is the first report of the anticancer activity in various parts of Withania somnifera cultivated in fly ash amended soil.
TL;DR: The current results showed great potentiality of adventitious roots cultures for the production of withanolide-A, which is having pharmacological activities.
Abstract: Withanolides are biologically active secondary metabolites present in roots and leaves of Withania somnifera. In the present study, we have induced adventitious roots from leaf explants of W. somnifera for the production of withanolide-A, which is having pharmacological activities. Adventitious roots were induced directly from leaf segments of W. somnifera on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) semisolid medium (0.8% agar) with 0.5 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 30 g l−1 sucrose. Adventitious roots cultured in flasks using half strength MS liquid medium with 0.5 mg l−1 IBA and 30 g l−1 showed higher accumulation of biomass (108.48 g l−1FW and 10.76 g l−1 DW) and withanolide-A content (8.8 ± 0.20 mg g−1 DW) within five weeks. Nearly 11-fold increment of fresh biomass was evident in suspension cultures and adventitious root biomass produced in suspension cultures possessed 21-fold higher withanolide-A content when compared with the leaves of natural plants. An inoculum size of 10 g l−1 FW favoured the biomass accumulation and withanolide-A production in the tested range of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 g l−1 FW. Among different media tested [Murashige and Skoog (MS), Gamborg’s (B5), Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) and Chu’s (N6)], MS medium favoured both biomass accumulation and withanolide-A production. Half strength MS medium favoured the biomass accumulation and withanolide-A production among the different strength MS medium tested (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0). The current results showed great potentiality of adventitious roots cultures for the production of withanolide-A.
TL;DR: The leaf segments from two-and-a-half-month-old green house-grown seedlings were more efficient in transformation, as compared to those from the in vitro-grown shoots, and second expanded leaf from the shoot tip gave the highest transient transformation efficiency.
Abstract: This report describes Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Withania somnifera—an important Indian medicinal plant. A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404, containing the binary vector pIG121Hm was used for transformation, along with the gusA reporter gene with intron under the transcriptional control of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. The leaf segments from two-and-a-half-month-old green house-grown seedlings were more efficient in transformation, as compared to those from the in vitro-grown shoots. Second expanded leaf from the shoot tip gave the highest transient transformation efficiency. Selection of transgenic shoots was done in the presence of 50 mg l−1 kanamycin. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of T0 transgenic plants showed the presence of gusA and nptII genes. The expression of these transgenes in T1 progeny was confirmed by RT-PCR. The integration of gusA gene was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. The transformation efficiency was found to be 1.67%.
TL;DR: Withania somnifera (family Solanaceae) has been studied to determine major and trace elements and their possible correlation with therapeutic value of the plant as discussed by the authors, and nine trace elements were determined in Withania ssnifera.
TL;DR: This is the first report of the plant containing l-asparaginase with antitumor activity and it shows a lot of similarity with bacterial l- asparaginases EC-2.
Abstract: Withania somnifera L. has been traditionally used as a sedative and hypnotic. The present study was carried out for the purification, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity of l-asparaginase from W. somnifera L. l-Asparaginase was purified from the fruits of W. somnifera L. up to 95% through chromatography. The purified l-asparaginase was characterized by size exclusion chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and 2D PAGE. The antitumor and growth inhibition effect of the l-asparaginase was assessed using [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) colorimetric dye reduction method. The purified enzyme is a homodimer, with a molecular mass of 72 ± 0.5 kDa, and the pI value of the enzyme was around 5.1. This is the first report of the plant containing l-asparaginase with antitumor activity. Data obtained from the MTT assay showed a LD50 value of 1.45 ± 0.05 IU/ml. W. somnifera L. proved to be an effective and a novel source of l-asparaginase. Furthermore, it shows a lot of similarity with bacterial l-asparaginases EC-2.
TL;DR: These studies outline several functionally important classes of genes, which are associated with immune response, signal transduction, cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulation and provide insight into the molecular signaling mechanisms that are modulated by Ashwagandha, thereby highlighting the use of this bioflavanoid as effective chemopreventive agent relevant to prostate cancer progression.
Abstract: Phytochemicals are dietary phytoestrogens that may play a role in prostate cancer prevention. Forty percent of Americans use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for disease prevention and therapy. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains flavonoids and active ingredients like alkaloids and steroidal lactones which are called ‘Withanolides’. We hypothesize that the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha might contribute to its overall effectiveness as an anti-carcinogenic agent. The goal of our study was gain insight into the general biological and molecular functions and immunomodulatory processes that are altered as a result of Ashwagandha treatment in prostate cancer cells, and to identify the key signaling mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of these physiological effects using genomic microarray analysis in conjunction with quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Ashwagandha treatment significantly downregulated the gene and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, chemokine IL-8, Hsp70 and STAT-2, while a reciprocal upregulation was observed in gene and protein expression of p38 MAPK, PI3K, caspase 6, Cyclin D and c-myc. Furthermore, Ashwagandha treatment significantly modulated the JAK-STAT pathway which regulates both the apoptosis process as well as the MAP kinase signaling. These studies outline several functionally important classes of genes, which are associated with immune response, signal transduction, cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulation and provide insight into the molecular signaling mechanisms that are modulated by Ashwagandha, thereby highlighting the use of this bioflavanoid as effective chemopreventive agent relevant to prostate cancer progression.
TL;DR: Three chlorinated steroidal lactone compounds isolated from Withania somnifera L. Dunal exhibited a growth inhibition and cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460), with withaferin A being the most potent among three compounds tested.
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TL;DR: Medicinal plants namely A. officinalis and R. mucronata showed anti-HIV potential by inhibiting the virus by 2 different mechanisms and interference with the gp120/CD4 interaction and inhibition of viral Reverse Transcriptase contributed to the overall anti-viral activity in vitro.
Abstract: Medicinal plants namely Ocimum sanctum Linn., Withania somnifera Dunal, Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. ex Hook.f. & Thoms., Avicennia officinalis Linn. and Rhizophora mucronata Lam. were screened for anti-HIV activity in the present study. O. sanctum , T. cordifolia , A. officinalis and R. mucronata showed anti-HIV potential by inhibiting the virus by 2 different mechanisms. Interference with the gp120/CD4 interaction and inhibition of viral Reverse Transcriptase (RT) contributed to the overall anti-viral activity in vitro . Among these plants A. officinalis and R. mucronata are mangrove plants and their medicinal properties are rarely reported.
TL;DR: The immunomodulatory effects of W. somnifera could be useful in the treatment of colon cancer, as suggested by results suggested in experimental azoxymethane induced colon cancer in mice.
Abstract: The efficacy of Withania somnifera on immunomodulation was tested in experimental azoxymethane induced colon cancer in mice. Azoxymethane is a potential carcinogen to induce the colon cancer in Swiss albino mice. Azoxymethane 15 mg/kg body weight was injected intraperitoneally once a week for 28 days. The colon cancer was confirmed by the appearance of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colons of the experimental mice. The progression in colon tumor development was correlated with the appearance of the histological biomarker and ACF. Azoxymethane induced colon cancer animals were treated with 400 mg/kg body weight of W. somnifera extract once a week for four weeks orally. After the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and analyzed for immunocompetent cells, immune complexes and immunoglobulins. W. somnifera significantly altered the level of leucocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, immune complexes and immunoglobulins (Ig) A, G and M. The azoxymethane induced colon cancer and immune dysfunction was better controlled by W. somnifera. These results suggested that the immunomodulatory effects of W. somnifera could be useful in the treatment of colon cancer.
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TL;DR: Oral treatment of W. somnifera exerts protective effect and attenuates AChE inhibition and cognitive impairment caused by sub-chronic exposure to propoxur, a widely used herbal drug possessing anti-stress and immunomodulatory properties.
Abstract: Propoxur (2-isopropoxyphenyl N-methylcarbamate) is widely used as an acaricide in agriculture and public health programs Studies have shown that sub-chronic exposure to propoxur can cause oxidative stress and immuno-suppression in rats Carbamates are also known to exhibit inhibitory effect on cholinesterase activity, which is directly related to their cholinergic effects In the present study, the effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a widely used herbal drug possessing anti-stress and immunomodulatory properties was studied on propoxur-induced acetylcholine esterase inhibition and impairment of cognitive function in rats Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups Group I was treated with olive oil and served as control Group II was administered orally with propoxur (10 mg/kg bwt) in olive oil, group III received a combination of propoxur (10 mg/kg bwt) and W somnifera (100 mg/kg bwt) suspension and group IV W somnifera (100 mg/kg bwt) only All animals were treated for 30 days Cognitive behaviour was assessed by transfer latency using elevated plus maze Blood and brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was also assessed Oral administration of propoxur (10 mg/kg bwt) resulted in a significant reduction of brain and blood AChE activity A significant prolongation of the acquisition as well as retention transfer latency was observed in propoxur-treated rats Oral treatment of W somnifera exerts protective effect and attenuates AChE inhibition and cognitive impairment caused by sub-chronic exposure to propoxur
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TL;DR: Both M. vulgare and W. somnifera protect the rats’ liver against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and exhibited significant effects by increasing the GPx, GR and GST activities with increased GSH tissue contents and decreased production of MDA level.
Abstract: Marrubium vulgare and Withania somnifera are used in folk medicine of several countries. Many researches showed that they are used for the treatment of variety of diseases due to their antioxidant effects. The present aim of this study was to evaluate the antihepatotoxic and antioxidant activities of the both extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in rats. Both extracts were given orally in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks along with CCl4 started at the 7th week of induction of hepatotoxicity. The antihepatotoxic activity was assessed by measur-ing aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reduct-ase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), tissue content and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as histopathological examination. Both extracts showed a significant antihepatotoxic effect by reducing significantly the levels of AST, ALT and LDH. However, ALP levels were decreased non-significantly. Regarding the antioxidant activity, they exhibited significant effects by increasing the GPx, GR and GST activities with increased GSH tissue contents and decreased production of MDA level. Furthermore, both extracts alleviated histopathological changes in rats' liver treated with CCl4. M. vulgare and W. somnifera protect the rats' liver against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. This effect may be attributed, at least in part, to the antioxidant activities of these extracts.
TL;DR: Withaferin A is the best studied withanolide as far as pharmacological investigations are concerned and the present review summarises the investigative work carried out on bioactive withanolides.
Abstract: Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring oxygenated ergostane type steroids, having lactone in side chain and 2-en-1-one system in the ring. Withanolides are present in medicinal plants of Solanaceae family. Formulations based on these medicinal plants are widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Withanolides have shown a wide range of pharmacological activities including hypno¬sedative, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, angiogenesis inhibitor, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, antibacterial and above all, antitumour. Withaferin A is the best studied withanolide as far as pharmacological investigations are concerned. The present review summarises the investigative work carried out on bioactive withanolides. Key words: Bioactivity, withaferin A, withania somnifera, withanolide, withanone
TL;DR: The first transcriptomes, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in a leaf and root from Withania somnifera plant referenced in this report are the first of its kind and provide a framework for future research in proteomics and evolutionary genomics in the withanolide biosynthesis.
Abstract: The first transcriptomes, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in a leaf and root from Withania somnifera plant referenced in this report are the first of its kind. A cDNA library was constructed from samples of the 2-months-old, in vitro cultured leaves and roots, which generated 1,047 leaf cDNA and 1,034 root cDNA clones representing 48.5% and 61.5% unique sequences. The ESTs from leaf and root grouped into 239 and 230 clusters representing 22.8% and 22.2% of total sequences. Of these, about 70% encoded proteins found similar (E-value ≥10−14) to characterized or annotated proteins from the NCBI non-redundant database and diverse molecular functions and biological processes based on gene ontology (GO) classification. We identified genes with potential role in photosynthesis (cytochrome p-450), pathogenesis (arginine decarboxylase, chitinase) and withanolide biosynthesis (squalene epoxidase, CDP-ME kinase). Highly expressed transcripts, with a particularly high abundance of cytochrome p-450 (0.85% in leaf) were noticed. Pfam analysis revealed the presence of functional domains in selected sequences. W. somnifera is a source of multifarious and beneficial alkaloids referred as withanolides. High levels of withanolides accumulate in mature leaves and roots. Since, the knowledge for synthesis and presence of some of these important biochemical constituent is limited, identification of the genes involved in two different pathways of secondary metabolite synthesis (MVA and MEP), in different tissue will be requisite for articulation of withanolide biosynthesis. This investigation aimed at elucidating the differential gene expression in two vital sites where withanolides essentially found and leaf and root transcriptomes were comparatively analyzed. The comparative analysis of the sequences provides a framework for future research in proteomics and evolutionary genomics in the withanolide biosynthesis.
TL;DR: An efficient protocol for indirect shoot organogenesis and plantlets regeneration of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is reported and leaves contained higher contents of withanolides and phenolics than roots or stems, whereas roots contained the highest contents of flavonoids and polysacharides.
Abstract: The present study reports an efficient protocol for indirect shoot organogenesis and plantlets regeneration of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The highest callus induction rate (89.5 %) and shoot regeneration rate (92 %) were obtained when 2 mg dm−3 BAP was combined with 0.5 mg dm−3 IAA. Three major withanolides (withaferine A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide and withanolide A) were investigated in different plant organs from in vitro and greenhouse grown plants. Leaves contained higher contents of withanolides and phenolics than roots or stems, whereas roots contained the highest contents of flavonoids and polysacharides. In vitro grown plants contained greater contents of phenolics, flavonoids and polysaccharides while lower contents of withanolides than greenhouse grown plants.
TL;DR: Oral administration of Withania somnifera root and Ocimum sanctum leaf powder prevented cadmium-induced peroxidation of tissues, and reversed the antioxidant enzyme of RBC.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the herbal adaptogens Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum on cadmium-induced oxidative toxicity in broiler chicken. Cadmium administration at the rate of 100 ppm orally along with feed up to 28 days produced peroxidative damage, as indicated by increase in TBARS, reduction in glutathione (GSH) concentration in liver and kidney, and increase in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of erythrocytes. Herbal adaptogens Withania somnifera roots and Ocimum sanctum leaf powder administration at the rate of 0.1% through feed reversed the antioxidant enzyme of RBC, i.e., CAT and SOD, nonenzymatic antioxidants GSH and lipid peroxidation marker TBARS of liver and kidney. Liver and kidney tissue repair and normal function was assessed by alanine aminotransaminase for liver and creatinine and blood urea nitrogen for kidney. In conclusion, oral administration of Withania somnifera root and Ocimum sanctum leaf powder prevented cadmium-induced peroxidation of tissues.
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TL;DR: Ethanol extract of C. inerme and W. somnifera can be used for the protection of stored wheat from infestations of S. oryzae and the progeny production was complete by suppressed even in lowest dose.
Abstract: In the present study, ethanol extract of Clerodendrum inerme L. (Verbenaceae), Withania somnifera L. (Solanaceae), Gliricidia sepia L. (Fabaceae), Cassia tora L. (Caesalpiniaceae) and Eupatorium odoratum L. (Asteraceae) were evaluated for their efficacy on mortality and progeny production of rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Adult insects were exposed to the 2.5 and 5% extracts treated wheat and mortality was assessed after 1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 days. Subsequently, all adults were removed and the treated grains remained at the same conditions for an additional 45 days. After this interval, the commodity was checked for progeny production. All extracts, the beetles mortality was increased in dose dependent manner. Results indicated that C. inerme and W. somnifera extracts were more effective than G. sepia, C. tora and E. odoratum against adult insects. Interestingly, the progeny production (Fl) was complete by suppressed even in lowest dose. It was concluded that both C. inerme and W. somnifera can be used for the protection of stored wheat from infestations of S. oryzae.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the composite extract of above three plant parts has a therapeutic protective effect on forced swimming-induced oxidative stress in vital organs.
Abstract: Composite methanolic extract of roots of Withania somnifera, leaves of Ocimum sanctum, and rhizomes of Zingiber officinalis was administered by gavage at the dose of 40 mg 100 g−1 body weight day−1 to rat orally for 15 days prior to experimentation followed by co-administration of above extract at the same dose for 28 days of swimming to find out the remedial effect of this extract on exhaustive physical exercise-induced oxidative damage. Swimming resulted significant diminution (p<0.05) in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase along with elevation (p<0.05) in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated dienes in cardiac, skeletal, hepatic tissues, cerebrum and cerebellum in respect to control. The levels of all these parameters were resettled significantly (p<0.05) towards the extract pretreated cum co-treated swimming group. The antioxidative potency of this composite extract was compared with standard non-enzymatic antioxidant (vitamin-E) in forced swimming state. The above extract has no general toxic effect as reflected here from the study of transaminase activities in liver and kidney. Results lead to conclude that the composite extract of above three plant parts has a therapeutic protective effect on forced swimming-induced oxidative stress in vital organs.
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TL;DR: The result of acute oral toxicity reveals that product is safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg and effects of study related to reproductive capability of drug on both sex reveals increase in reproduction rate up to two generations i.e. F(0 and F(1).
Abstract: The drug under investigation is a herbal combination of Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna Pruriens and Argyreia speciosa which has been used for several years of its bio-stimulating, revitalizing and fertility enhancing effects. Present preclinical study is specifically designed to access the safety and efficacy of the product. The result of acute oral toxicity reveals that product is safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg. The effects of study related to reproductive capability of drug on both sex reveals increase in reproduction rate up to two generations i.e. F(0) and F(1).
TL;DR: Regeneration from leaf explants of Withania somnifera (L.) for mass propagation was studied on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with Kinetin (Kn) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone or in combination.
Abstract: Regeneration from leaf explants of Withania somnifera (L.) for mass propagation was studied on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with Kinetin (Kn) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone or in combination. Shoot buds were induced from the midrib on the abaxial side in presence of Kn and BAP (4 µM). These shoot buds developed into shoots on the same medium. Rooting of these shoots was achieved in 0.5 µM of IBA.