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.

Assessment of cytomorphological parameters and chemical contents in in vitro and seed propagated plants of elite genotypes of withania somnifera (l. ) dunal

Abstract: Morphological parameters (plant height, total branche s/plant, leaf and seed yield/plant, total plant weight, root length, root weight, and total branches/root) and chemical (from root) contents (amount of total alkaloids and withanolides; withaferin A - in root and also in leaf and withanolide A content estima ted by HPLC) a re assessed in tissue culture developed hardened matured (shoot tip regenerated plantlets, age is 280 days old from the day of inoculation) plants as well as field grown seed propagated plants of two high performing recommended varieties (Pos hita and Jawahar 22) of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Family: Solanaceae) following cultiva tion in experimental field plot of University of Kalyani ( West Bengal plains - 22° 99’ N, 88° 45’ E, elevation - 48 feet above mean sea level, sandy loamy soil, organi c carbon 0.76%, soil pH 6.85) during the months of September to February at a spacing of 4.5 cm between lines and 30 cm between plants. Chromosome number (2n=48) is also b eing studied from root tip mitosis and PMC squash preparation s in both genotypes ( in vitro and ex vitro raised plants ). Result obtained suggested fidelity of in vitro raised plants and also ensures the significance of biotechnological approaches in production of bioactive chemicals and planting materials of W. somnifera .

In Silico Study on the Interactions, Molecular Docking, Dynamics and Simulation of Potential Compounds from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Root against Cancer by Targeting KAT6A

Abstract: Cancer is characterized by the abnormal development of cells that divide in an uncontrolled manner and further take over the body and destroy the normal cells of the body. Although several therapies are practiced, the demand and need for new therapeutic agents are ever-increasing because of issues with the safety, efficacy and efficiency of old drugs. Several plant-based therapeutics are being used for treatment, either as conjugates with existing drugs or as standalone formulations. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a highly studied medicinal plant which is known to possess immunomodulatory activity as well as anticancer properties. The pivotal role of KAT6A in major cellular pathways and its oncogenic nature make it an important target in cancer treatment. Based on the literature and curated datasets, twenty-six compounds from the root of W. somnifera and a standard inhibitor were docked with the target KAT6A using Autodock vina. The compounds and the inhibitor complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation (50 ns) using Desmond to understand the stability and interactions. The top compounds (based on the docking score of less than −8.5 kcal/mol) were evaluated in comparison to the inhibitor. Based on interactions at ARG655, LEU686, GLN760, ARG660, LEU689 and LYS763 amino acids with the inhibitor WM-8014, the compounds from W. somnifera were evaluated. Withanolide D, Withasomniferol C, Withanolide E, 27-Hydroxywithanone, Withanolide G, Withasomniferol B and Sitoindoside IX showed high stability with the residues of interest. The cell viability of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells was evaluated by treating them with W. Somnifera root extract using an MTT assay, which showed inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 45 µg/mL. The data from the study support the traditional practice of W. somnifera as an anticancer herb.

Assessment of bio-activities of the crude extract and components of Withania somnifera leaves by bioinformatics

Abstract: Traditional herbal medicines are now increasingly being appreciated with Western models of integrative health sciences and evidence-based approach both in the basic research and clinic scenario. Ashwagandha is a commonly used plant in Ayurvedic, Indian traditional medicine. Medicinal value of Ashwagandha ( Withaniasomnifera Dunal) extends from anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, rejuvenation and anti-cancer. Based on the belief that holistic multi-site mechanism of action offers greater chance of success, the traditional Ayurvedicmedicine practices the use of whole herb or its crude extract. It opposes with the mainstream of pharmaceutical industry that uses single and purified molecules. In the present study, we used bioinformatics approach to reveal the mechanism of action of (i) crude extract of Ashwagandha leaf extract and its purified components, (ii) Withanone and (iii) Withaferin A. Whereas p53-p21 was identified as a common signaling pathway for the three kinds of reagents, specific signaling pathways for Withaferin-A and Withanone were identified. Whereas the crude extract and Withanone were selectively toxic to human cancer cells, Withaferin A showed cytotoxicity to the normal cells too. The study suggested that the crude extract or a combinational formulamay be a superior and safenatural reagent for cancer treatment.