Showing papers on "Withania somnifera published in 2011"

An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.

Abstract: Withania somnifera (Ashawagandha) is very revered herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (tonic). It is used for various kinds of disease processes and specially as a nervine tonic. Considering these facts many scientific studies were carried out and its adaptogenic / anti-stress activities were studied in detail. In experimental models it increases the stamina of rats during swimming endurance test and prevented adrenal gland changes of ascorbic acid and cortisol content produce by swimming stress. Pretreatment with Withania somnifera (WS) showed significance protection against stress induced gastric ulcers. WS have anti-tumor effect on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell carcinoma. It was also found effective against urethane induced lung-adenoma in mice. In some cases of uterine fibroids, dermatosarcoma, long term treatment with WS controlled the condition. It has a Cognition Promoting Effect and was useful in children with memory deficit and in old age people loss of memory. It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzeimer’s diseases. It has GABA mimetic effect and was shown to promote formation of dendrites. It has anxiolytic effect and improves energy levels and mitochondrial health. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent and was found useful in clinical cases of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Large scale studies are needed to prove its clinical efficacy in stress related disorders, neuronal disorders and cancers.

Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility

Abstract: Stress has been reported to be a causative factor for male infertility. Withania somnifera has been documented in Ayurveda and Unani medicine system for its stress-combating properties. However, limited scientific literature is available on this aspect of W. somnifera. We undertook the present study to understand the role of stress in male infertility, and to test the ability of W. somnifera to combat stress and treat male infertility. We selected normozoospermic but infertile individuals (N = 60), further categorized in three groups: normozoospermic heavy smokers (N = 20), normozoospermics under psychological stress (N = 20) and normozoospermics with infertility of unknown etiology (N = 20). Normozoospermic fertile men (N = 60) were recruited as controls. The subjects were given root powder of W. somnifera at a rate of 5 g/day for 3 months. Measuring various biochemical and stress parameters before and after treatment, suggested a definite role of stress in male infertility and the ability of W. somnifera to treat stress-related infertility. Treatment resulted in a decrease in stress, improved the level of anti-oxidants and improved overall semen quality in a significant number of individuals. The treatment resulted in pregnancy in the partners of 14% of the patients.

High catechin concentrations detected in Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) by high performance liquid chromatography analysis

Abstract: Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of many diseases. The present study was carried out to characterize the phenolic acids, flavonoids and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activities in methanolic extracts of W. somnifera fruits, roots and leaves (WSFEt, WSREt and WSLEt). WSFEt, WSREt and WSLEt was prepared by using 80% aqueous methanol and total polyphenols, flavonoids as well as DPPH radical scavenging activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods and phenolic acid profiles were determined by HPLC methods. High concentrations of both phenolics and flavonoids were detected in all parts of the plant with the former ranging between 17.80 ± 5.80 and 32.58 ± 3.16 mg/g (dry weight) and the latter ranging between 15.49 ± 1.02 and 31.58 ± 5.07 mg/g. All of the three different plant parts showed strong DPPH radical scavenging activities (59.16 ± 1.20 to 91.84 ± 0.38%). Eight polyphenols (gallic, syringic, benzoic, p-coumaric and vanillic acids as well as catechin, kaempferol and naringenin) have been identified by HPLC in parts of the plant as well. Among all the polyphenols, catechin was detected in the highest concentration (13.01 ± 8.93 to 30.61 ± 11.41 mg/g). The results indicating that W. somnifera is a plant with strong therapeutic properties thus further supporting its traditional claims. All major parts of W. somnifera such as the roots, fruits and leaves provide potential benefits for human health because of its high content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities with the leaves containing the highest amounts of polyphenols specially catechin with strong antioxidant properties.

The effect of polyamines on the efficiency of multiplication and rooting of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and content of some withanolides in obtained plants

Abstract: An efficient mass multiplication protocol was developed for Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal from nodal explants of field-grown plants on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA) [1.5 mg L−l], indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) [0.3 mg L−l] and with the addition of polyamine, spermidine (20 mg L−l) (shoot multiplication medium). A total of 46.4 shoots were obtained from nodal explants and they were elongated in the same medium in a culture duration of 6 weeks. The elongated shoots produced roots in MS medium fortified with putrescine (20 mg L−l) after 4 weeks, and all the rooted plants were successfully hardened and acclimatized with a survival rate of 100%. An average of 276 shoots (46 × 6) was produced when at least six nodal explants obtained from each of the 46 in vitro grown shoots were cultured by microcutting method in the same shoot multiplication medium. On an average, 12,696 plants could be produced from all the shoots (276 × 46) by microcuttings in a period of 7 months. HPLC revealed a significant increase in the quantities of withanolide A, withanolide B, withaferin A and withanone in the leaves, stems, and roots of in vitro regenerated plants compared to the field-grown parent plants. Ploidy analysis using flow cytometry revealed genetic stability of in vitro regenerated plants. This protocol will be useful for scale-up production of withanolides on commercial scale.

Rectal gel application of Withania somnifera root extract expounds anti-inflammatory and muco-restorative activity in TNBS-induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is marked with chronic inflammation of intestinal epithelium driven by oxidative stress. Traditional treatments with plant extracts gained renewed interest due to their ability to ameliorate the multi factorial conditions like inflammation. We investigated the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in Trinitro Benzyl Sulfonic Acid (TNBS) induced experimental IBD through a rectally applicable formulation. The study included (i) preparation of gel formulation from aqueous Withania somnifera root extract (WSRE), (ii) biochemical assays to determine its performance potential, (iii) testing of formulation efficacy in TNBS-induced IBD rat model, and (iv) histo-patholgical studies to assess its healing and muco-regenerative effect in IBD-induced rats. For this purpose, concentration dependant antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated using biochemical assays like (a) inhibition of lipid peroxidation, (b) NO scavenging, (c) H2O2 scavenging, and (d) ferric reducing power assay. The extract, at 500 μg/ml, the highest concentration tested, showed 95.6% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, 14.8% NO scavenging, 81.79% H2O2 scavenging and a reducing capacity of 0.80. The results were comparable with standard antioxidants, ascorbic acid and curcumin. WSRE treatment positively scored on histopathological parameters like necrosis, edema, neutrophil infiltration. The post treatment intestinal features showed restoration at par with the healthy intestine. In view of these results, gel formulation containing an aqueous extract of W. somnifera, prepared for rectal application was tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in TNBS-induced rat models for IBD. Commercially available anti-inflammatory drug Mesalamine was used as the standard in this assay. Dose of the rectal gel applied at 1000 mg of WSRE per kg rat weight showed significant muco-restorative efficacy in the IBD-induced rats, validated by histo-pathological studies.

THERAPEUTIC USES OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA) WITH A NOTE ON WITHANOLIDES AND ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS Review Article

Abstract: Withania somnifera is a medicinal plant extends over a large area, from the Atlantic ocean to South East Asia and from the Mediterranean region to South Africa. The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. In traditional systems of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds, bark and even whole plant) of Withania somnifera (known as Ashwagandha in Hindi), a small herb seen throughout India, have been recommended for the treatment of aphrodisiac, liver tonic, antiinflammatory agent, astringent, and more recently to treat bronchitis, asthma, ulcers, emaciation, insomnia, and senile dementia etc. Clinical trials and animal research support the therapeutic use of ashwaganda for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson’s disease. Ashwaganda’s chemopreventive properties make it a potentially useful adjunct for the patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Ashwaganda is also used therapeutically as an adaptogen for patients with nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and debility due to stress, and as an immune stimulant in patients with low white blood cell counts in blood. The major biochemical constituents of ashwaganda root are steroidal alkaloids and steroidal lactones in a class of constituents called withanolides.

Effects of macroelements and nitrogen source on biomass accumulation and withanolide-A production from cell suspension cultures of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract: Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant that contains withanolides and withaferins, both bioactive compounds. We have tested the effects of macroelements and nitrogen source in W. somnifera cell suspension cultures with the aim of optimizing the production of biomass and withanolide A. The effects of the macroelements NH4NO3, KNO3, CaCl2, MgSO4 and KH2PO4 at concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0× strength and of the nitrogen source [NH4+/NO3− (mM/mM) ratio of: 0.00/18.80, 7.19/18.80, 14.38/18.80, 21.57/18.80, 28.75/18.80, 14.38/0.00, 14.38/9.40, 14.38/18.80, 14.38/28.20, and 14.38/37.60 (mM)] in Murashige and Skoog medium were tested for biomass and withanolide A production. The highest accumulation of biomass [147.81 g l−1 fresh weight (FW) and 14.02 g l−1 (dry weight (DW)] was recorded in the medium containing a 0.5× concentration of NH4NO3, and the highest production of withanolide A content was recorded in the medium with 2.0× KNO3 (4.36 mg g−1 DW). The NH4+/NO3− ratio also influenced cell growth and withanolide A production, with both parameters being larger when the NO3− concentration was higher than that of NH4+. Maximum biomass growth (110.45 g l−1 FW and 9.29 g l−1 DW) was achieved at an NH4+/NO3− ratio of 7.19/18.80, while withanolide A production was greatest (3.96 mg g−1 DW) when the NH4+/NO3− ratio was 14.38/37.60 mM.

Differential expression of farnesyl diphosphate synthase gene from Withania somnifera in different chemotypes and in response to elicitors

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Family, Solanaceae), commonly known as Ashwagandha is one of the most valuable medicinal plants synthesizing large number of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites known as withanolides. Though the plant has been well characterized in terms of phytochemical profiles as well as pharmaceutical activities, not much is known about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of these compounds. In this study, we have characterized a gene encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS; EC 2.5.1.10), a key enzyme in the pathway of biosynthesis of isoprenoids, from W. somnifera. The full-length cDNA of Withania somnifera FPPS (WsFPPS) of 1,253 bps encodes a polypeptide of 343 amino acids. The amino acid sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis suggest that WsFPPS has close similarity to its counterparts from tomato (SlFPPS) and capsicum (CaaFPPS). Using semi quantitative RT–PCR, the expression pattern of the WsFPPS gene was analyzed in different tissues of Withania chemotypes (NMITLI-101, NMITLI-108, NMITLI-118 and NMITLI-135) as well as in response to elicitors (salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate) and mechanical wounding. The expression analysis suggests that WsFPPS expression varies in different tissues (with maximal expression in flower and young leaf) and chemotypes (with highest level in NMITLI-101) and was significantly elevated in response to salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate and mechanical injury. This is the first report on characterization of an isoprenoid pathway gene involved in withanolide biosynthesis.

Cloning, expression and characterization of l-asparaginase from Withania somnifera L. for large scale production

Abstract: l-Asparaginase (E.C. 3.5.1.1) is used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of acute childhood lymphoblastic leukemia. It is found in a variety of organisms such as microbes, plants and mammals. In plants, l-asparaginase enzymes are required to catalyze the release of ammonia from asparagine, which is the main nitrogen-relocation molecule in these organisms. An Indian medicinal plant, Withania somnifera was reported as a novel source of l-asparaginase. l-Asparaginase from W. somnifera was cloned and overexpressed in E. coli. The enzymatic properties of the recombinant enzyme were investigated and the kinetic parameters (Km, kcat) for a number of substrates were determined. The kinetic parameters of selected substrates were determined at various pH and the pH- and temperature-dependence profiles were analyzed. WA gene successfully cloned into E. coli BL21 (DE3) showed high asparaginase activity with a specific activity of 17.3 IU/mg protein.

Drought induced changes in physiological, biochemical and phytochemical properties of Withania somnifera Dun.

Abstract: Drought (D) stress effects on growth, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic electron transport, thylakoid polypeptides and phytochemical variations of Withania (Solanaceae), a tropical medicinal herb were studied. Exposure of plants to D-stress led to noticeable decrease in leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, root and shoot lengths and photosynthetic activity. Well-watered plants maintained high content of total chlorophyll (Chl), root and shoot lengths, leaf area and photosynthesis. We analysed alterations at cellular level of the D-stress-associated proteins at different time intervals. A set of proteins in the range of 34 to 40 kDa showed variations in response to D-stress. Qualitative high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of root extract obtained from control and D-stressed plants showed quantitative and qualitative variations. Withaferin A content increased 5% under D-stress as compared to control. Key words: Carotenoids, chlorophyll, fluorescence, leaf area, pigments photosynthesis.

Application of HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy for studying chemotype variations of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae), commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most valued Indian medicinal plants with a number of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Metabolic profiling has been performed by HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy on fresh leaf and root tissue specimens from four chemotypes of W. somnifera. The HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy of lyophilized defatted leaf tissue specimens clearly distinguishes resonances of medicinally important secondary metabolites (withaferin A and withanone) and its distinctive quantitative variability among the chemotypes. A total of 41 metabolites were identified from both the leaf and root tissues of the chemotypes. The presence of methanol in leaf and root tissues of W. somnifera was detected by HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) on HR-MAS 1H NMR spectra of leaves revealed clear variations in primary metabolites among the chemotypes. The results of the present study demonstrated an efficient method, which can be utilized for metabolite profiling of primary and secondary metabolites in medicinally important plants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Withania somnifera improves semen quality by combating oxidative stress and cell death and improving essential metal concentrations.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of a 3-month treatment with Withania somnifera on apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration of spermatozoa and the metal ions copper, zinc, iron and gold in seminal plasma from infertile men (normozoospermic, n=25; oligozoospermic, n=25; and asthenozoospermic, n=25). The apoptotic and necrotic cell distribution were analysed by annexin-V binding and propidium iodide uptake using flow cytometry. ROS generation was measured by fluorescence intensity and metal ions were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results demonstrated that, prior to treatment, sperm apoptosis and intracellular ROS concentrations were significantly higher in all groups of infertile men compared with controls (P<0.01 to P<0.001). Similarly, the concentrations of the essential metal ions Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Fe(2+) and Au(2+) in seminal plasma were lower. Treatment with W. somnifera significantly reduced apoptosis in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men and ROS concentrations in oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men (all P<0.05). Treatment also significantly improved metal ion concentrations in infertile men (P<0.01). It is concluded that W. somnifera improves semen quality by reducing oxidative stress and cell death, as well as improving essential metal ion concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3-month treatment with Withania somnifera on apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration in spermatozoa from infertile men. Before and following treatment, sperm apoptosis and concentrations of intracellular ROS and the metal ions copper, zinc, iron, and gold in seminal plasma were measured. The apoptotic and necrotic cell distribution were analysed by annexin-V binding and propidium iodide uptake using flow cytometry. ROS generation was measured by fluorescence intensity and metal ions were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results demonstrated that prior, to treatment, apoptosis and intracellular ROS concentrations were significantly higher in all groups of infertile men compared with controls. Similarly, the concentrations of the essential metal ions Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Fe(2+) and Au(2+) in seminal plasma were lower. Treatment with W. somnifera significantly reduced apoptosis and ROS concentrations and improved metal ion concentrations in infertile subjects. It is concluded that W. somnifera improves semen quality by reducing oxidative stress and cell death and improving essential metal ion concentrations.

Effect of microbial consortium on plant growth and improvement of alkaloid content in Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Abstract: The effect of microbial consortium consisting Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus were tested separately and in combination on Withania somnifera for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010). The combinations of above mentioned PGPR strains significantly increased plant height, root length, and alkaloid content in Withania somnifera when compared to the uninoculated control. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms as plant growth promoters and biological control agents. Direct mechanism by PGPR, include the provision of bio-available phosphorus for plant uptake, nitrogen fixation for plant. The results of this study suggest that the PGPR applied in combination have the potential to increase the plant growth, alkaloid content of Withania somnifera .

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of flavonoids of withania somnifera L.

Abstract: In the present study antimicrobial activity of Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanaceae) has been evaluated against selected pathogens. Free and bound flavonoids of different parts (root, stem, leaf and fruit) of W. somnifera have been studied for their antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion assay against three Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli MTCC 46, Proteus mirabilis MTCC 3310 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 1934), one Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 3160) and three fungi (Candida albicans MTCC 183, Aspergillus flavus MTCC 277 and Aspergillus niger MTCC 282). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was evaluated through micro broth dilution method, while minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration was determined by sub culturing the relevant samples. C. albicans was found to be the most susceptible organism followed by S. aureus, P. mirabilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Out of the tested organisms, A flavus and A. niger were observed to be resistant as none of the tested extracts showed activity against them. Total activity (TA) of extracts (ml/g) against each sensitive pathogens was also evaluated. Bound flavonoid extract of root showed best activity against C. albicans (IZ 30, MIC 0.039, MFC 0.039, respectively). However all the microorganisms were found to be sensitive against the extracts tested. Total activity of bound flavonoid extract of root was found to be same for E.coli, P. mirabilis, S. aureus and C. albicans (153.84 ml/g). Results of the present study reveal that extracts of W. somnifera showing great antimicrobial potential against test microorganisms may be exploited for future antimicrobial drugs.

Ashwagandha Leaf Derived Withanone Protects Normal Human Cells Against the Toxicity of Methoxyacetic Acid, a Major Industrial Metabolite

Abstract: The present day lifestyle heavily depends on industrial chemicals in the form of agriculture, cosmetics, textiles and medical products Since the toxicity of the industrial chemicals has been a concern to human health, the need for alternative non-toxic natural products or adjuvants that serve as antidotes are in high demand We have investigated the effects of Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaf extract on methoxyacetic acid (MAA) induced toxicity MAA is a major metabolite of ester phthalates that are commonly used in industry as gelling, viscosity and stabilizer reagents We report that the MAA cause premature senescence of normal human cells by mechanisms that involve ROS generation, DNA and mitochondrial damage Withanone protects cells from MAA-induced toxicity by suppressing the ROS levels, DNA and mitochondrial damage, and induction of cell defense signaling pathways including Nrf2 and proteasomal degradation These findings warrant further basic and clinical studies that may promote the use of withanone as a health adjuvant in a variety of consumer products where the toxicity has been a concern because of the use of ester phthalates

Ameliorative Effects of Herbal Combinations in Hyperlipidemia

Abstract: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, and Chlorophytum borivilianum and seeds of Sesamum indicum are ayurvedic medicinal plants used in India to treat several ailments. Our previous studies indicated that these plants possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential. The present study was aimed at investigating the composite effects of these plants on hypercholesterolemic rats. Three different combinations (5 gm%, given for four weeks) used in this study effectively reduced plasma and hepatic lipid profiles and increased fecal excretion of cholesterol, neutral sterol, and bile acid along with increasing the hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid content in hypercholesterolemic rats. Further, all three combinations also improved the hepatic antioxidant status (catalase, SOD, and ascorbic acid levels) and plasma total antioxidant capacity with reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Overall, combination I had the maximum effect on hypercholesterolemic rats followed by combinations II and III due to varying concentrations of the different classes of phytocomponents.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera and Cardiospermum halicacabum extracts against collagenolytic degradation of collagen.

Abstract: The irreversible destruction of extracellular matrix (ECM) such as cartilage, tendon, and bone that comprise synovial joints is the hallmark of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by over-expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-collagenases. We report herein the detailed study on the inhibitory effects of Withania somnifera extract (WSE) and Cardiospermum halicacabum extract (CHE) on Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (ChC) activity against the degradation of the ECM component of bovine Achilles tendon type I collagen by hydroxyproline assay method. Interaction of WSE and CHE with ChC exhibited 71% and 88% inhibition, respectively, to the collagenolytic activity of ChC against collagen degradation, and the inhibition was found to be concentration-dependent. The inhibition kinetics of ChC by both the extracts has been deduced from the extent of hydrolysis of N-[3-(2-furyl) acryloyl]-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ala. Both WSE and CHE are provided competitive and mixed type inhibition on ChC activity, respectively. Circular dichroism studies of ChC on treatment with WSE and CHE revealed changes in the secondary structure of collagenase. These results suggest that the WSE and CHE facilitated collagen stabilization through collagenase inhibition.

Withania somnifera chemotypes NMITLI 101R, NMITLI 118R, NMITLI 128R and withaferin A protect Mastomys coucha from Brugia malayi infection

Abstract: Withania somnifera is an ayurvedic Indian medicinal plant whose immunomodulatory activities have been widely used as a home remedy for several ailments. We recently observed immunostimulatory properties in the root extracts of chemotypes NMITLI-101, NMITLI-118, NMITLI-128 and pure withanolide, withaferin A. In the present study, we evaluated the potential immunoprophylactic efficacies of these extracts against an infective pathogen. Our results show that administration of aqueous ethanol extracts (10 mg/kg) and withaferin A (0·3 mg/kg), 7 days before and after challenge with human filarial parasite Brugia malayi, offers differential protection in Mastomys coucha with chemotype 101R offering best protection (53·57%) as compared to other chemotypes. Our findings also demonstrate that establishment of B. malayi larvae was adversely affected by pretreatment with withaferin A as evidenced by 63·6% reduction in adult worm establishment. Moreover, a large percentage of the established female worms (66·2%) also showed defective embryogenesis. While the filaria-specific immunological response induced by withaferin A and NMITLI-101 showed a mixed Th1/Th2 phenotype, 118R stimulated production of IFN-γ and 128R increased levels of IL-4. Taken together, our findings reveal potential immunoprophylactic properties of W. somnifera, and further studies are needed to ascertain the benefits of this plant against other pathogens as well.

Water Extract of Ashwagandha Leaves Limits Proliferation and Migration, and Induces Differentiation in Glioma Cells

Abstract: Root extracts of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) are commonly used as a remedy for a variety of ailments and a general tonic for overall health and longevity in the Indian traditional medicine system, Ayurveda. We undertook a study to investigate the anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing activities in the water extract of Ashwagandha leaves (ASH-WEX) by examining in glioma cells. Preliminary detection for phytochemicals was performed by thin-layer chromatography. Cytotoxicity was determined using trypan blue and MTT assays. Expression level of an hsp70 family protein (mortalin), glial cell differentiation marker [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Anti-migratory assay was also done using wound-scratch assay. Expression levels of mortalin, GFAP and NCAM showed changes, subsequent to the treatment with ASH-WEX. The data support the existence of anti-proliferative, differentiation-inducing and anti-migratory/anti-metastasis activities in ASH-WEX that could be used as potentially safe and complimentary therapy for glioma.

Biotransformation of withanolides by cell suspension cultures of Withania somnifera (Dunal)

Abstract: The biotransformation potential of cell suspension cultures generated from Withania somnifera leaf was investigated, using withanolides, i.e. withanolide A, withaferin A, and withanone as precursor substrates. Interestingly, the cell suspension cultures showed inter-conversion of withanolides, as well converted to some unknown compounds, released to the culture media. The bio-catalyzed withanolide was detected and quantified by TLC and HPLC, respectively. There is noticeable conversion of withanolide A to withanone, and vice versa though at a lower level. The type of reaction of this biotransformation appears to be substitution of 20-OH group to 17-OH in withanolide A. In this paper, we present for the first time the possibility of biotransformation by inter-conversion of withanolides of pharmacological importance through cell suspension culture of W. somnifera. The possible role of putative cytochrome P450 hydroxylases is implicated in the conversion.

Immune enhancing effects of WB365, a novel combination of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) extracts.

Abstract: Stress has been found to significantly reduce the abilities of the immune system to fight infections. One of the ways to overcome the defects of the immune system is the strengthening of the defense reactions by nutrition. Aims: To evaluate immune enhancing effects of the following material: WB365, a novel combination of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) extracts. Results: We found that both glucan-rich maitake extract and WB365 caused a similar stimulation of phagocytic activity. Stress-induced increase of corticosterone production was blocked by feeding with Ashwagandha extract and even more by WB365. Cytokine experiments showed that feeding with WB365 helped overcome the stress-related inhibition of IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ production. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated that WB365, a combination of Maitake mushroom-derived glucan and Ashwagandha extracts, has strong pleiotropic biological effects related to immune health and stress reduction.

Comparative larvicidal potential of different plant parts of Withania somnifera against vector mosquitoes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan.

Abstract: Larvicidal potential of the extracts from different parts viz. green and red fruits, seeds, fruit without seeds, leaves and roots of Withania somnifera in different solvents was evaluated against larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus , the important disease vectors prevalent in the semi-arid region. Experiments were carried out on late 3 rd or early 4 th instar larvae of these mosquitoes using standard WHO technique. 24 and 48 hr LC 50 values along with their 95% confidence limits, regression equation, chi-square ( χ2)/ heterogeneity of the response have been determined by log probit regression analysis. The 24 hr LC 50 values as observed for whole green fruits in water, methanol and petroleum ether were 350.9, 372.4, 576.9; 115.0, 197.1, 554.6; 154.9, 312.0, 1085.0 while corresponding values for red fruits were 473.5, 406.4, 445.2; 94.7, 94.5, 1013.0; 241.8, 535.0, 893.3 mg l -1 for An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively showing that methanol extracts were more effective against anophelines as compared to culicines when whole fruits were taken. The 24 hr LC 50 values as observed for seeds in acetone, methanol and petroleum ether were 188.1, 777.5, 822.5; 245.5, 769.0, 1169.0; 140.3, 822.9, 778.4 and for fruit without seeds were 80.2, 97.6, 146.6; 88.4, 404.4, 1030.0; 30.0, 44.5, 54.2 mg l -1 for the above mosquito species respectively showing that extract of fruit without seeds were most effective in petroleum ether followed by acetone and methanol extracts. However, experiments conducted with methanol extracts of leaves and roots of this plant species did not show any appreciable larvicidal activity and a 20-40% mortality was observed up to 500 mg l -1 of the extracts. Overall larvae of anophelines were found more susceptible as compared to culicines to all the extracts tested. Petroleum ether extract of fruit without seeds was found most effective against all the mosquito species showing that active ingredient might be present in this part of the plant species. The study would be of great importance while planning vector control strategy based on alternative plant derived insecticides.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory Topical Herbal Gels Containing Withania somnifera and Boswellia serrata

Abstract: Herbal medicine has become an item of global importance both medicinal and economical. Although usage of these herbal medicines has increased, their quality, safety and efficiency are serious concerns in industrialized and developing countries. Plant play a vital role in curing various ailments of the man and herbal remedies are getting increasing patient compliance as they are devoid of typical side effects of allopathic medicines. The allopathic system of medicine includes two conventional line of the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, which come along with certain side effects. Hence, turning to safe, effective and time tested ayuvedic herbal drug formulation would be a preferable option. So there is need to investigate such drugs and their effective formulation for the better patient acceptance. Considering these facts present review aims to develop novel herbal gel containing the herbs, viz Withania somnifera and Boswellia serrata. The present study deals that herbal gels formulation of the Withania somnifera and Boswellia serrata extract using different polymers as the gelling agents and different evaluation parameters provides the effective anti-inflammatory activity to treatment of the inflammation, pain, arthritis etc patients problems. This review focus on the current status of the therapeutic potential and phytochemical profile on the herbal anti –inflammatory agents as Withania somnifera and Boswellia serrata. It can also provides the better information regarding to the formulation and evaluation parameters of the novel herbal gel for anti-inflammatory activity and to provide the better therapeutic effects to patient compliance.

Assessment of quality of withania somnifera dunal (solanaceae) ­ pharmacognostical and phyto physicochemical profile

Abstract: Pharmacognostical standardization of dried, matured roots of Withania somnifera Dunal (Solonaceae) has been carried out in the present study. The study includes macroscopical and microscopical evaluation along with estimation of its physicochemical parameters such as ash and extractive values and preliminary phytochemical screening. It also includes quantification of some of the active constituents like alkaloids. The present study reveals standardization profile for drug like Withania somnifera D unal., which would be of immense value in botanical identification and authentication of plant drug and may help us in preventing its adulteration.