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.

First record of 28-spotted ladybird beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) infesting Withania somnifera (L.) dunal in Punjab Province of Northern India.

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is an important medicinal plant that is used to treat a large number of ailments. The present report records for the first time the presence of 28-spotted ladybird beetle on the leaves of W. somnifera plants in the Amritsar District of Punjab Province within the Northern Region of India. All stages of the insect life cycle were found on the leaves of W. somnifera. The larvae voraciously fed on the leaves, leaving behind a fibrous skeleton, reducing the commercial value of the plants. The pest was identified as Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Insecticidal effect of plant extracts on two termite species

Abstract: The insecticidal contact activity of two desert plant extracts, Withania somnifera and Solanum incanum (Tubiflora: Solanaceae) was tested against the workers of the two species, Amitermes messinae and Microtermes najdensis (Isoptera: Termitidae). The insects were exposed to the plant extracts on Petri dishes (10 cm diameter) for 30 min. Mortality was calculated after 24 h. Crude extract of S. incanum leaves was more toxic to the two species of termites than W. somnifera.

RNAi-mediated gene silencing of WsSGTL1 in W.somnifera affects growth and glycosylation pattern

Abstract: Sterol glycosyltransferases (SGTs) belong to family 1 of glycosyltransferases (GTs) and are enzymes responsible for synthesis of sterol-glucosides (SGs) in many organisms. WsSGTL1 is a SGT of Withania somnifera that has been found associated with plasma membranes. However its biological function in W.somnifera is largely unknown. In the present study, we have demonstrated through RNAi silencing of WsSGTL1 gene that it performs glycosylation of withanolides and sterols resulting in glycowithanolides and glycosylated sterols respectively, and affects the growth and development of transgenic W.somnifera. For this, RNAi construct (pFGC1008-WsSGTL1) was made and genetic transformation was done by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. HPLC analysis depicts the reduction of withanoside V (the glycowithanolide of W.somnifera) and a large increase of withanolides (majorly withaferin A) content. Also, a significant decrease in level of glycosylated sterols has been observed. Hence, the obtained data provides an insight into the biological function of WsSGTL1 gene in W.somnifera.

Synthesis, In-Vitro and In-Silico Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles with Root Extract of Withania somnifera for Antibacterial Activity via Binding of Penicillin-Binding Protein-4.

Abstract: Background Metal Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used for various applications in biomedical sciences, including in drug delivery, and as therapeutic agents, but limited owing to their toxicity towards the healthy tissue. This warrants an alternative method, which can achieve the desired activity with much reduced or no toxicity. Being a biological product, Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) is environment friendly, besides being less toxic as compared to metal-based NPs. However, the exact mechanism of action of W. somnifera for its antibacterial activities has not been studied so far. Objective To develop "silver nanoparticles with root extract of W. somnifera (AgNPs-REWS)" for antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Furthermore, the analysis of their mechanism of action will be studied. Methods Using the in-silico approach, the molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the possible antibacterial mechanism of W. somnifera phytochemicals such as Anaferine, Somniferine, Stigmasterol, Withaferin A, Withanolide- A, G, M, and Withanone by the inhibition of Penicillin- Binding Protein 4 (PBP4). Next, we utilized a bottom-up approach for the green synthesis of AgNPs- REWS, performed an in-detail phytochemical analysis, confirmed the AgNPs-REWS by SEM, UVvisible spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and HPLC. Eventually, we examined their antibacterial activity. Results The result of molecular docking suggests that WS phytochemicals (Somniferine, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolide G, Withanolide M, and Withanone) possess the higher binding affinity toward the active site of PBP4 as compared to the Ampicillin (-6.39 kcal/mol) reference molecule. These phytochemicals predicted as potent inhibitors of PBP4. Next, as a proof-of-concept, AgNPs- REWS showed significant antibacterial effect as compared to crude, and control; against Xanthomonas and Ralstonia species. Conclusion The in-silico and molecular docking analysis showed that active constituents of W. somnifera such as Somniferine, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolide G, Withanolide M, and Withanone possess inhibition potential for PBP4 and are responsible for the anti-bacterial property of W. somnifera extract. This study also establishes that AgNPs via the green synthesis with REWS showed enhanced antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria.

Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root Extract Against Gentamicin Induced Changes of Serum Urea and Creatinine Levels in Rats

Abstract: Background: Kidney is an important excretory organ. Its damage can be occurred due to prolonged use and higher doses of drugs, exposure to some chemicals, toxins, or infectious agents. Herbal plants as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may have free radical scavenging activity thereby can be used for the prevention and treatment of kidney damage. Objective: To observe the nephroprotective effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011. A total number of 35 Wistar albino rats, age ranged from 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 200 grams were included in this study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into control group (Group A) and experimental group (Group B). Control group was again subdivided into group A1 (baseline control, consisted of 10 rats) and group A2 (gentamicin treated control group, consisted of 10 rats). Again, experimental group (Group B- Ashwagandha pretreated and gentamicin treated group) consisted of 15 rats. All groups of animals received basal diet for 22 consecutive days. In addition to this, group A2 also received gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg /kg body weight/day) for the last eight (15th to 22nd day) consecutive days. Again, group B received ashwagandha root extract (500mg/kg body weight/ day; orally) for 22 consecutive days and gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg/kg body weight /day) for last eight (15th to 22nd day) days. All the animals were sacrificed on 23rd day. Then blood and kidney sample were collected. Estimation of serum urea, creatinine levels were done by using standard Laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. Results: The mean serum urea, creatinine levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in gentamicin treated control group in comparison to those of baseline control. Again, these levels were significantly (p<0.01) lower in ashwagandha pretreated and gentamicin treated group (experimental group) when compared to those of gentamicin treated group (control). Conclusion: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root may have some nephroprotective effect against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9756 JBSP 2011 6(2): 84-89