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.

In-Vitro Antimicrobial Potency and Pharmacological Study of Flower extracts in different polar solvents of Withania somnifera

Abstract: The flower of Withania somnifera were evaluated against medically important bacteria viz. Proteus merabilis, Klebsiella pnemoniae, Agerobacterium tumefaciens (plant pathogen) and one fungi Aspergillus niger. The dried and powdered flowers were successively extracted with a series of non polar to polar solvents using soxhlet assembly. The antimicrobial assay was done by both disc diffusion assay (DDA) and broath dilution methods. Glacial acetic acid extract and iso propyl extract of W. somnifera show highest activity against A. tumefaciens (plant pathogen) to varying degrees, by most of the extracts. Gentamycin, the standard antibacterial drug used was effective in inhibiting these bacteria. The effect on A. tumefaciens and K. pneumoniae were comparable to that of gentamycin. Ketoconazole the standard anti fungi used was effective against the fungi. The extract of W. somnifera also significantly (P>0.005) inhibited the bacterial and fungal growth. The inhibitory effect is very identical in magnitude and comparable with that of standard antibiotics used.

Physiological Basis of Defense Mechanisms in Withania somnifera under Water Deficit Stress

Abstract: In the present investigation, alterations in defense mechanisms in terms of antioxidant metabolism of Withania somnifera plants were studied under different water stress regimes. Plants were grown with different water regimes like 10 days interval drought (DID), 15 DID and 20 DID water stress. The plants were uprooted randomly after DID induction for determining the effect of water deficit on enzymatic antioxidant potentials. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, ascobate peroxidase and catalase were assayed from leaf and roots of both control and treated plants. It was found that all the water stress treatments have profound effects on these enzymes and altered overall metabolism in this plant. Abbreviations: DID, days interval drought; SOD, Superoxide dismutase; APX, Ascobate peroxidase;

Studies on phytochemistry and toxicity of withania somnifera

Abstract: Withania somnifera is a popular plant since its different parts are traditionally used in various diseases. Studies on W. somnifera explore out its various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antistress, cardioprotective, anticonvulsant, anticancer, antimitotic, adaptogenic, anticoagulant, antimalarial, hypoglycaemic, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, antiarthritic and antimicrobial properties. Hence, the present work was performed to study the phytochemistry and toxicity (acute and chronic), including median lethal dose (LD 50 )of the root extract of W. somnifera . Hydroalcoholic extract of W. somnifera root was prepared and its extractability was determined as 17.4%. Chemical tests revealed the presence of different active principles, viz., alkaloids, glycosides, reducing sugars, resins, saponins and fixed oils. The LD 50 of W. somnifera root extract was found to be more than 1000 mg per kg in female albino rat. During acute and chronic toxicity studies, some gross observational effects at the dose of 1000 mg per kg were recorded as the initial excitement, followed by mild depression, dullness, decreased respiration and reduced spontaneous motor activity but there was found no mortality in any group of rats.

Method of achieving normoglycemia in diabetics by administration of Withaferin A

Abstract: Method and compositions for reducing the inflammation after cytokine exposure of an islet cell transplant without affecting the viability and potency are disclosed herein. The present invention describes a composition comprising Withaferin A (WA), a steroidal lactone derived from Withania somnifera to effectively block NF-kB activation in beta cells, minimize cytokine-induced cell death and improve survival of transplanted islets. The method of the present invention involves identifying a subject having islet cells in need of treatment; and providing a effective amount of a Withaferin A composition disposed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in an amount sufficient to reduce the inflammation after cytokine exposure without affecting the viability and potency of the islet cell population.

Ultrastructure of the pollen grains of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae), A study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and theultrastructure of the pollen grains of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Light microscopic examination revealed that thepollen grain is tri- or tetrazonocoplate, approximately as long as broad measuring 29-μm. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that surface sculpture is scarbate granulate. Ultrathin sections as examined by transmission electron microscope showed that the pollen contained numerous starch grains, liped drops, endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles of dicotysomes. Two layers of pollen wall were also distinguished; the outer wall (exine divided into ektexine and enexine as well as an inner layer (intine). The nutritive values of Withania pollen were discussed. The importance of studying the ultrastructure of pollen grains as a new tool in plant taxonomy was alsodiscussed.