Withania somnifera

About: Withania somnifera is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2116 publications have been published within this topic receiving 43404 citations. The topic is also known as: Ashwaganda & Indian ginseng.

Phospholipid complexation of NMITLI118RT+: way to a prudent therapeutic approach for beneficial outcomes in ischemic stroke in rats

Abstract: Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae) known as Ashwagandha, a popular plant of Indian origin is known to possess tremedous medicinal potential, often used as anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and adaptogenic candidate. Some of its chemotypes developed by CSIR, India includes NMITLI-101, NMITLI-118, NMITLI-128. In this study the investigators have attempted development of a phytosomal complex of NMITLI118RT + (standardized ethanolic extract of a new chemotype of W. somnifera Dunal.), its pharmaceutical characterization and evaluation of its neuro-protective potential against experimenal stroke in rats in continuation with their previous work in this area. The phytosomal complex (NIMPLC) was prepared by following a cohesive optimization design and was characterized on the basis of solubility, dissolution profile, FT-IR, DSC-TGA analysis, zeta potential, physical stability, forced degradation and photolytic degradation. Results were suggestive of a pharma...

Computational investigation of phytochemicals from Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng/ashwagandha) as plausible inhibitors of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors.

Abstract: N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitotoxicity has been implicated in multi-neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to dearth of efficacy and adverse effects of NMDA receptor antagonists, ...

Withanolides from Withania somnifera Dunal: Development of Cellular Technology and their Production

Abstract: Withania somnifera Dunal is one of the most commonly used plants in Ayurvedic and indigenous system of medicine in India for over thousands of years. In view of its varied therapeutic potential, the plant has also been the subject of considerable scientific attention. The major chemical constituents of the Withania genus, the withanolides, are a group of naturally occurring C28-steroidal lactones built on an intact or rearranged ergostane framework, in which C22 and C26 are oxidized to form a six-member lactone ring. In recent years, numerous pharmacological investigations have been carried out utilizing W. somnifera extracts and several patents have been filed on pharmacological and medicinal importance of withanolides and extracts of W. somnifera, individually or in combination. Considering the immense importance of withanolides for medicinal purposes, the establishment of strategies to improve withanolides yield are highly desirable. Under natural conditions, W. somnifera possesses restricted levels of withanolides then, alternatives for obtaining withanolides in better yields are imperative. In vitro approaches followed by metabolic engineering could be attractive tools to achieve this goal. Therefore, we present here an overview of the development of various protocols for in vitro tissue regeneration from W. somnifera and in vitro secondary metabolite production as well. The review also gives an account of selected patents on various important activities of phytochemicals and extracts of W. somnifera.

Antiviral Activity of Ashwagandha Extract on Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Replication

Abstract: In the present study Ashwagandha plant was screened for antiviral activity against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Replication The hydro- alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera roots showed the inhibition of virus at maximum 999 % in its highest nontoxic concentration, 25μg/ml in Cytopathic Effect Reduction Assay Results indicated that the Withania somnifera root extract has antiviral property against Infectious Bursal Disease virus

Increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in hypothalamus of streptozotocin treated diabetic rat: Antioxidative effect of Withania somnifera.

Abstract: Hypothalamus, the primary brain region for glucose sensing, is severely affected by oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress in this region of brain may cause severe impairment in neuronal metabolic functions. Mitochondria are prominent targets of oxidative stress and the combination of increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions may further decline hypothalamic neuronal functions. In the present study we examined the oxidative damage response, antioxidative responses and mitochondrial membrane permeability transition in hypothalamus of streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats. Our results show that streptozotocin significantly increases hypothalamic lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content while glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione were declined. Mitochondrial impairment marked by an increase in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization was seen following streptozotocin treatment in the hypothalamus. The oral administration of Withania somnifera root extract stabilized mitochondrial functions and prevented oxidative damage in the hypothalamus of diabetic rat. These findings suggest an increase in the oxidative stress and decline in antioxidative responses in the hypothalamus of streptozotocin treated diabetic rats. Withania somnifera root extract was found useful in reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in hypothalamus of diabetic rat.