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.

Demethylation of RARβ2 gene promoter by Withania somnifera in HeLa cell line.

Abstract: An important molecular target for cancer therapy is the possible reactivation of tumor suppressor genes that have been silenced by promoter methylation. It was observed that the treatment of an adenocarcinoma cervical cancer cell line, HeLa with 20 μg/ml of the ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera for 6 days resulted in demethylation of promoter of RARβ2 gene. However, treatment with Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indica (20μg/ml) did not cause the reversal of hypermethylation after 6 days of treatment. This is the first report to show the reversal of hypermethylation of RARβ2 gene by Withania somnifera extract in a cervical cancer cell line.

Antifungal Activity of Isolated Compounds from the Leaves of Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal against Fusarium Pathogens.

Abstract: Crop diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens, among other microorganisms, threaten crop production in both commercial and smallholder farming. There are increasing concerns about the use of conventional synthetic fungicides due to fungal resistance and the associated negative effects of these chemicals on human health, livestock and the environment. This leads to the search for alternative fungicides from nature, especially from plants. The objectives of this study were to characterize isolated compounds from Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal leaf extracts, evaluate their antifungal activity against Fusarium pathogens, their phytotoxicity on maize seed germination and their cytotoxicity effect on Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. The investigation led to the isolation of antifungal compounds characterized as 5-hydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone, maslinic acid (21-hydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid) and withaferin A (4β,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxywitha-2-24-dienolide). The structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was established using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (MS) and, in comparison, with the available published data. These compounds showed good antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) less than 1.0 mg/mL against one or more of the tested Fusarium pathogens (F. oxysporum, F. verticilloides, F. subglutinans, F. proliferatum, F. solani, F. graminearum, F. chlamydosporum and F. semitectum). The findings from this study indicate that medicinal plants are a good source of natural antifungals. Furthermore, the isolated antifungal compounds did not show any phytotoxic effects on maize seed germination. The toxicity of the compounds A (5-hydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone) and AI (4β,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxywitha-2-24-dienolide) was dose-dependent, while compound B (21-hydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid) showed no toxicity effect against Raw 264.7 macrophage cells.

Ultraviolet-B (280-320 nm) enhanced radiation induced changes in secondary metabolites and photosystem-II of medicinal plant Withania somnifera Dunal.

Abstract: This study investigated supplemental UV-B radiation effects on medicinal plant Withania somnifera. Photosynthetic pigments decreased upon exposure to UV-B radiation. Non photosynthetic pigments anthocyanin was enhanced by UV-B treatment. Similar changes were also noted in the photochemical activities (PS I and PS II). Photosystem II (PS II) core complex of higher plants and cyanobacteria is composed of more than 20 polypeptide subunits. This paper reports the results obtained by application of MALDI mass spectrometry directly to isolate complexes prepared from Withania. In plants grown under ambient light conditions, PS II core complex was not affected in which D1 and D2 proteins appeared at m/z 39175±8 (r775) and m/z 39074±9 (r1994), respectively. Three unidentified peaks were observed at m/z 39214±9, 38995±6 and 177798±8. Upon exposure to UV-B enhanced radiation, the degradation of D1 protein together with the other thylakoid subunits at m/z 15214±8 CP47 (r2311), m/z 39071±7 CP43 (r1441), m/z 15636±9 PsbJ (r2516), m/z 39182±6 PsbH (r1720), m/z 31126±8 PsbK (r2631), and m/z 39129±8 PsbM (r623) were observed. In addition to this, three other peaks have been detected at m/z 38977(r2104), 39019(r649) and 24102(r2378). Ten significantly different chromatographic peaks were found by HPTLC finger print after UV-B induction. One compound identified was withaferin A and it was increased 3% by dry weight. Key words: Withania somnifera, withaferin A, UV-B, photosynthesis, HPTLC, MALDI-TOF.

Standardization of a polyherbal preparation (pol–6) for treatment of oxidative, inflammatory and immune disorders

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and standardize a polyherbal preparation (POL–6) and evaluate its use in treating oxidative, inflammatory and immune disorders. Methods: The individual hydroalcoholic extractions of Hypericum perforatum, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum and Camellia sinesis dried plant materials were done, and POL–6 was prepared by mixing them in (1:2:2:2:2:1) proportions. POL–6 has been standardized on the basis of organoleptic properties, physical characteristics, and physicochemical properties. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using free radical scavenging methods for 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl, (DPPH) and nitric oxide assays. Anti–inflammatory activity was done by albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization assays. Cell viability assay was used for immunomodulatory activity measurement by cultivating peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: The results obtained from physical and chemical parameters evaluation shows that the contents of preparation present are within permissible limits . In in–vitro antioxidant studies POL–6 showed significant antioxidant activity when tested in 1–1 Diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide assays. In in – vitro anti‐inflammatory investigation, POL–6 exhibited significant inhibition against albumin denaturation and significant protection against membrane stabilization assay. POL–6 also exhibit significant immunomodulatory activity at low doses, when tested in cell viability assay. Conclusion: The results from this study rationalize the medicinal use of POL–6 in oxidative, inflammatory and immune disorders. Keywords: Polyherbal preparation, Antioxidant, Anti‐inflammatory, Immunomodulatory

Chapter 52 – Ashwagandha: Multiple Health Benefits

Abstract: Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha (winter cherry), is an important medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for more than 3,000 years Some herbalists refer to Ashwagandha as Indian ginseng The plant extract has many bioactive compounds and thereby exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities The plant extract and its bioactive compounds are used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, such as arthritis, impotence, amnesia, anxiety, cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and others This chapter describes multiple health benefits of Ashwagandha in humans and animals