Antimicrobial properties of a non-toxic glycoprotein (WSG) from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Sub-acute toxicity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in wistar rats

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) is widely used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses antioxidant, anxiolytic, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, anti-venom, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Present study evaluated the sub-acute toxicity of repeated dose administration of Ashwagandha root extract in wistar rats.

Material and methods

Sub-acute toxicity of Ashwagandha was done as per the OECD-407 guidelines and was carried out for 28 days where satellite group was observed for 43 days. Wistar rats, 30 male and 30 females, were included in the study with 10 [5 M, 5 F] animals per group. Laboratory procedures were performed in accordance with CPCSEA guidelines. Animals were housed in standard laboratory conditions and were administered drugs orally- vehicle to control group and Ashwagandha 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight/day to study group. General parameters were noted, blood collection was done for haematological and biochemical parameters. All the animals were sacrificed, dissected and observed for gross necropsy and organs of high dose groups from control and Ashwagandha groups were sent for Histopathological examination.

Result

Gradual weight gain was observed in all the animals. No signs of intoxication and no changes in blood biochemistry were observed. Histopathological changes in organs were within normal limits.

Conclusion

After repeated dose administration, Ashwagandha root powder extract did not show any major abnormality in a dose 5 times of the recommended human dose and above upto 800 mg/kg.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha’s potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.

Biodiversity, Biochemical Profiling, and Pharmaco-Commercial Applications of Withania somnifera: A Review

Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Ashwagandha), a key medicinal plant native to India, is used globally to manage various ailments. This review focuses on the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological advances of its plant-derived constituents. It has been reported that at least 62 crucial and 48 inferior primary and secondary metabolites are present in the W. somnifera leaves, and 29 among these found in its roots and leaves are chiefly steroidal compounds, steroidal lactones, alkaloids, amino acids, etc. In addition, the whole shrub parts possess various medicinal activities such as anti-leukotriene, antineoplastic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, immunostimulatory, and rejuvenating properties, mainly observed by in vitro demonstration. However, the course of its medical use remains unknown. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of W. somnifera, which will be useful for mechanism studies and potential medical applications of W. somnifera, as well as for the development of a rational quality control system for W. somnifera as a therapeutic material in the future.

Phyto-Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Their Biological Activities

Background

Nanotechnology finds broad applications in the field of nanomedicine, an emerging new field used for diagnosis, treatment, prevention of diseases, and improvement of health.

Objectives

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica and to carry out their antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic activities, a step toward the new range of nanomedicines.

Methods

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from Withania somnifera and Fagonia indica by chemical reduction method, and further biological activities of these nanoparticles were compared with crude methanolic extract, prepared through cold maceration process, at the concentration of 50 mg/ml.

Results

Among all tested bacterial pathogens, crude extract of W. somnifera showed a statistically high significant inhibition zone in millimeter against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21; p < 0.01). AgNPs showed highly significant result against Streptococcus pneumonia (14; p < 0.01). In comparison with crude extracts, AgNPs showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) results against S. pneumonia (AgNPs, 14; crude, 8.33 mm). Crude extract showed significant inhibition zone against two bacterial strains, P. aeruginosa (crude, 21; AgNPs, 11.67 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (crude, 11.33; AgNPs, 8 mm). Crude extracts of F. indica showed the significant activity against Vibrio cholera (p < 0.01; 11.33 mm). Silver nanoparticles of F. indica exhibited the highest significant activity against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum while AgNPs of W. somnifera were active only against A. flavus. Extracts of W. somnifera and F. indica showed increasing phytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations. The highest significant inhibition was obtained for crude extract (46.7) and AgNPs (45.7) of F. indica at 1000 μg/ml. Insecticidal activity of crude and AgNPs of both plants showed significant inhibition against all tested insects with increasing time intervals, and the highest significant result was obtained at 72 hours with a value of p < 0.01 except T. castaneum.

Conclusions

Both crude and AgNPs showed potent activity; however, in comparison, silver nanoparticles showed slightly enhanced activity. Crude and AgNPs of both plants showed good phytotoxic and insecticidal inhibition. Antimicrobial studies of AgNPs on diseases causing pathogens open a door for new antimicrobial agents and could be the answer to antibiotic resistance after further analysis.

The Updated Review on Plant Peptides and Their Applications in Human Health

Biologically active plant peptides, consisting of secondary metabolites, are compounds (amino acids) utilized by plants in their defense arsenal. Enzymatic processes and metabolic pathways secrete these plant peptides. They are also known for their medicinal value and have been incorporated in therapeutics of major human diseases. Nevertheless, its limitations (low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, poor absorption, low abundance, improper metabolism, etc.) have demanded a need to explore further and discover other new plant compounds that overcome these limitations. Keeping this in mind, therapeutic plant proteins can be excellent remedial substitutes for bodily affliction. A multitude of these peptides demonstrates anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-HIV, and neuro-regulating properties. This article's main aim is to list out and report the status of various therapeutic plant peptides and their prospective status as peptide-based drugs for multiple diseases (infectious and non-infectious). The feasibility of these compounds in the imminent future has also been discussed.

Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Health-Promoting Effects of Withania somnifera for Pharma-Food Industry Applications

The Withania genus comes from the Solanaceae family and includes around 23 species, spread over some areas of the Mediterranean, Asia, and East Africa. Widely used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, these plants are rich in secondary metabolites, with special emphasis on steroidal lactones, named withanolides which are used as ingredients in numerous formulations for a plethora of diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, impotence, amnesia, hypertension, anxiety, stress, cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases, and many others. Among them, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is the most widely addressed species from a pharmacological and agroindustrial point of view. In this sense, this review provides an overview of the folk uses, phytochemical composition, and biological activity, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity of W. somnifera, although more recently other species have also been increasingly investigated. In addition, their health-promoting effects, i.e., antistress, anxiolytic, adaptogenic, antirheumatoid arthritis, chemoprotective, and cardiorespiratory-enhancing abilities, along with safety and adverse effects are also discussed.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) has been used as a traditional Rasayana herb for a long time. Traditional uses of this plant indicate its ameliorative properties against a plethora of human medical conditions, viz. hypertension, stress, diabetes, asthma, cancer etc. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the geographical distribution, traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of W. somnifera and its active constituents. In addition, it presents a detailed account of its presence as an active constituent in many commercial preparations with curative properties and health benefits. Clinical studies and toxicological considerations of its extracts and constituents are also elucidated. Comparative analysis of relevant in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical investigations indicated potent bioactivity of W. somnifera extracts and phytochemicals as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, cardio-protective and spermatogenic agents. W. somnifera was found to be especially active against many neurological and psychological conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, ischemic stroke, sleep deprivation, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The probable mechanism of action that imparts the pharmacological potential has also been explored. However, in-depth studies are needed on the clinical use of W. somnifera against human diseases. Besides, detailed toxicological analysis is also to be performed for its safe and efficacious use in preclinical and clinical studies and as a health-promoting herb.

Soybean β-conglycinin and catfish cutaneous mucous p22 glycoproteins deteriorate sporangial cell walls of Pseudoperonospora cubensis and suppress cucumber downy mildew

BACKGROUND

Cucumber plants suffer from a serious threatening disease, downy mildew, throughout the growing seasons irrespective of the weather temperature. The causal agent, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, tends to evolve rapidly upon sequential applications of chemical fungicides and generate new progeny possessing tolerance to such fungicides. Glycoproteins represent an environmentally safe alternative for chemically synthetized fungicides and do not trigger fungicide resistance. We studied the antifungal activity of four glycoproteins namely soybean β-conglycinin, chickpea vicilin, duck egg ovomucin and catfish p22 against P. cubensis. Ten commercial fungicides of different chemical groups were used as positive controls of glycoprotein treatments.

RESULTS

The results revealed that soybean β-conglycinin and catfish p22 glycoproteins possess significant antifungal activity against P. cubensis. The amount of disease suppression caused by β-conglycinin and p22 was comparable to the highly efficient chemical fungicides containing copper oxychloride, cymoxanil and fosetyl Al as active ingredients. Vicilin and ovomucin were less efficient biocides as they gave moderate suppression of disease severity. However, all tested glycoproteins provided full protection for the newly emerged cucumber leaves. Microscopic examination of glycoprotein-treated leaves inferred the ability of catfish p22 and soybean β-conglycinin to disrupt the integrity of sporangial cell walls of P. cubensis rendering them non-viable compared to untreated ones. Expression levels of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were elevated upon glycoproteins application, which infers their involvement in disease suppression.

CONCLUSION

This report emphasizes the direct and indirect roles of glycoproteins in safe management of cucumber downy mildew disease. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal herb belonging to family Solanaceae. It is widely used in folkloric and Ayurvedic medicines since antiquity. Traditionally, the plant is highly practiced throughout the globe as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-parkinson, anti-alzheimer, cardio protective, neural and physical health enhancer, neurodefensive, anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, memory boosting etc. The plant is also effective in combating various types of cancer and other related problems of colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

The present review represents the critical assessment of the literature available on the anticancerous role of W. somnifera. The present study throws light on its diverse chemical compounds and the possible mechanisms of action involved. This review also suggests further research strategies to harness the therapeutic potential of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review is the outcome of a systematic search of scientific literature about 'Withania somnifera and its role in cancer prevention'. The scientific databases viz. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched from 2001 to 2019. Textbooks, magazines and newspapers were also consulted. This review summarizes all the published literature about its therapeutic potential for the treatment of different types of cancers.

RESULTS

W. somnifera has been widely used in traditional and ayurvedic medicines for treatment of numerous problems related to health and vitality. The plant is a reservoir of diverse phytoconstituents like alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, nitrogen containing compounds and trace elements. Withanolides are the major alkaloids which renders its anticancer potential due to its highly oxygenated nature. The plant is highly effective in combating various types of cancers viz. colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. Previous studies depict that this plant is more effective against breast cancer followed by colon, lung, prostate and blood cancer. Furthermore, from different clinical studies it has been observed that the active constituents of the plant like withaferin-A, withanolide-D have least toxic effects.

CONCLUSION

The present review confirms the various medicinal values of W. somnifera without any significant side effects. Withaferin-A (WA) and Withanolides are its most promising anticancer compounds that play a major role in apoptosis induction. Keeping in mind the anticancerous potential of this plant, it is suggested that this plant may further be investigated and more clinical studies can be performed.

Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plant Proteins: Present Status and Future Perspectives

Biologically active molecules obtained from plant sources, mostly including secondary metabolites, have been considered to be of immense value with respect to the treatment of various human diseases. However, some inevitable limitations associated with these secondary metabolites like high cytotoxicity, low bioavailability, poor absorption, low abundance, improper metabolism, etc., have forced the scientific community to explore medicinal plants for alternate biologically active molecules. In this context, therapeutically active proteins/peptides from medicinal plants have been promoted as a promising therapeutic intervention for various human diseases. A large number of proteins isolated from the medicinal plants have been shown to exhibit anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-HIV, anticancerous, ribosome-inactivating and neuro-modulatory activities. Moreover, with advanced technological developments in the medicinal plant research, medicinal plant proteins such as Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor and Mistletoe Lectin-I are presently under clinical trials against prostate cancer, oral carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Despite these developments and proteins being potential drug candidates, to date, not a single systematic review article has documented the therapeutical potential of the available biologically active medicinal plant proteome. The present article was therefore designed to describe the current status of the therapeutically active medicinal plant proteins/peptides vis-à-vis their potential as future protein-based drugs for various human diseases. Future insights in this direction have also been highlighted.

Withania somnifera L.: Insights into the phytochemical profile, therapeutic potential, clinical trials, and future prospective

Withania somnifera L. is a multipurpose medicinal plant of family Solanaceae occurring abundantly in sub-tropical regions of the world. The folk healers used the plant to treat several diseases such as fever, cancer, asthma, diabetes, ulcer, hepatitis, eyesores, arthritis, heart problems, and hemorrhoids. The plant is famous for the anti-cancerous activity, low back pain treatment, and muscle strengthening, which may be attributed to the withanolide alkaloids. W. somnifera is also rich in numerous valued secondary metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and glycosides. A wide range of preclinical trials such as cardioprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-depressant, and hypoglycemic have been attributed to various parts of the plant. Different parts of the plant have also been evaluated for the clinical trials such as male infertility, obsessive-compulsive disorder, antianxiety, bone and muscle strengthening potential, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic. This review focuses on folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological, and nutrapharmaceutical potential of the versatile plant.

Purification and stability analysis of antimicrobial proteins from Varuna litterata

Ten marine species, including different crabs, bivalve molluscs, and fish intestines were selected to screen the natural antimicrobial protein or peptide as they are enriched with various microorganisms. The crude extract from Varuna litterata, a marine crab which is used as a raw material in the preparation of pickled crabs in Chaoshan area of China, was proved to have a potent bacteriostatic effect against gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive bacterium(Staphylococcus aureus) compared with other marine species. The crude proteins of Varunalitterata were salted-out for preliminary purification and further purified by gel filtration (Sephadex G-150) or anion exchange (DEAE-cellulose 52) chromatographic column. An increase in the antimicrobial activity was noted with the increase in the purity level of the protein. A relatively pure protein was eventually obtained, which was determined to be belonging to the hemocyanin family based on the mass spectrometric data analysis. The purified proteins solution (1 mg/ml) from Varuna litterata exhibited similar antimicrobial activity to that of gentamycin sulfate (0.2 mg/ml), which were relatively stable in a certain pH or temperature range. A structure-activity relationship of the purified hemocyanin was determined based on the interaction of hemocyanin and different chromatographic medium, which revealed that the integrated hexamers played a remarkable role in its bacteriostatic activity. Moreover, the phenoloxidase activity of hemocyanin from Varuna litterata was found as the underlying cause of its antimicrobial potential.

Withania somnifera dietary supplementation improves lipid profile, intestinal histomorphology in healthy Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and modulates cytokines response to Streptococcus infection

Despite Withania somnifera (WS), stimulating effects have been investigated on many animal species, its role on lipid profile and intestinal histomorphology in healthy animals, and its modulating role on pro-inflammatory cytokines following infection in fish are yet scarce. In this context, lipid profile, liver, and intestinal histomorphology were measured in Nile tilapia fed with a basal diet or diets containing 2.5 and 5% of supplementary WS for 60 days. Besides, cytokines response was measured at 1, 3,7, and 14 days following Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) infection after the feeding trial. All lipid profile parameters were nominally lowered, excluding high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that exhibited a significant increase in WS 5% group compared to other groups. Improved gut health integrity was observed, especially in WS 5% group in terms of increased goblet cell numbers, villous height, the width of lamina propria in all parts of the intestine, and a decrease in the diameter of the intestinal lumen of the distal intestine only. A significant down-regulation in the mRNA transcript level of cytokine genes (interleukin 1β/IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α/TNFα, and interleukin 6/IL-6) was demonstrated in the kidney and spleen of WS-supplemented groups following S. iniae infection compared with the control infected (positive control/PC) group. Our findings give new insights for the potential roles of WS dietary inclusion not only on lipid profile and intestinal health integrity improvement in healthy fish under normal rearing but also as a prophylactic against the infection. Thus, WS can be incorporated as a promising nutraceutical in aquaculture.

Ethnobotany and Antimicrobial Peptides From Plants of the Solanaceae Family: An Update and Future Prospects

The Solanaceae is an important plant family that has been playing an essential role in traditional medicine and human nutrition. Members of the Solanaceae are rich in bioactive metabolites and have been used by different tribes around the world for ages. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plants have drawn great interest in recent years and raised new hope for developing new antimicrobial agents for meeting the challenges of antibiotic resistance. This review aims to summarize the reported AMPs from plants of the Solanaceae with possible molecular mechanisms of action as well as to correlate their traditional uses with reported antimicrobial actions of the peptides. A systematic literature study was conducted using different databases until August 2019 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to literature, a variety of AMPs including defensins, protease inhibitor, lectins, thionin-like peptides, vicilin-like peptides, and snaking were isolated from plants of the Solanaceae and were involved in their defense mechanism. These peptides exhibited significant antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity against organisms for both plant and human host. Brugmansia, Capsicum, Datura, Nicotiana, Salpichora, Solanum, Petunia, and Withania are the most commonly studied genera for AMPs. Among these genera, Capsicum and the Solanum ranked top according to the total number of studies (35%–38% studies) for different AMPs. The mechanisms of action of the reported AMPs from Solanaceae was not any new rather similar to other reported AMPs including alteration of membrane potential and permeability, membrane pore formation, and cell aggregation. Whereas, induction of cell membrane permiabilization, inhibition of germination and alteration of hyphal growth were reported as mechanisms of antifungal activity. Plants of the Solanaceae have been used traditionally as antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiinfectious agents, and as poisons. The reported AMPs from the Solanaceae are the products of chemical shields to protect plants from microorganisms and pests which unfold an obvious link with their traditional medicinal use. In summary, it is evident that AMPs from this family possess considerable antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens and can be regarded as a potential source for lead molecules to develop new antimicrobial agents.

Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects

Withania somnifera, commonly known as "Ashwagandha" or "Indian ginseng" is an essential therapeutic plant of Indian subcontinent regions. It is regularly used, alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of various illnesses in Indian Systems of Medicine over the period of 3,000 years. Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) belongs to the genus Withania and family Solanaceae. It comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals having wide range of biological effects. W. somnifera has demonstrated various biological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, anti-stress/adaptogenic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, W. somnifera has revealed the capability to decrease reactive oxygen species and inflammation, modulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation and improve endothelial function. Withaferin-A is an important phytoconstituents of W. somnifera belonging to the category of withanolides been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various disorders. In this review, we have summarized the active phytoconstituents, pharmacologic activities (preclinical and clinical), mechanisms of action, potential beneficial applications, marketed formulations and safety and toxicity profile of W. somnifera.

Studies on Ashwagandha Ghrita with reference to murcchana process and storage conditions

Background

Withania somnifera (L.) (family-Solanaceae), known as ‘Indian ginseng’ or ‘Ashwagandha’ is acclaimed as an effective adaptogen, immunomodulator, aphrodisiac and sedative. Ashwagandhaghrita is a recognized ghee based Ayurvedic formulation. Few ancient texts suggest murcchana process for preparation of Ashwagandha ghrita.

Objective

The study was undertaken to evaluate probable effects of murcchana process on ghrita preparation with reference to time and storage conditions.

Materials and Methods

Ashwagandha ghrita samples were prepared separately using plain ghee (Indian cow's ghee) and murcchana ghee. These formulations were stored separately in different glass bottles at room temperature and 400C/75%RH. Organoleptic characters (colour, odour, taste, texture and touch) and physicochemical parameters (acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, refractive index and specific gravity) were determined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Plain ghee and prepared ghrita were subjected for antioxidant evaluation by various in vitro methods.

Results

Changes were observed in organoleptic characters and physicochemical parameters of plain ghee and Ashwagandha ghrita formulations. Alterations in these parameters were more pronounced at high temperature and on long storage. Ashwagandha ghrita prepared with murcchana process exhibited better antioxidant potential in all in vitro methods.

Conclusion

The murcchana process was found to be beneficial towards quality of ghrita. Hence, Ashwagandha ghrita may be prepared along with murcchana herbs and stored in a good quality glass bottle to ensure improved shelf life of ghrita.

In Silico Elucidation of the Plausible Inhibitory Potential of Withaferin A of Withania Somnifera Medicinal Herb Against Breast Cancer Targeting Estrogen Receptor

BACKGROUND

Estrogen Receptors (ER) are members of the nuclear intracellular receptors family. ER once activated by estrogen, it binds to DNA via translocating into the nucleus and regulates the activity of various genes. Withaferin A (WA) - an active compound of a medicinal plant Withania somnifera was reported to be a very effective anti-cancer agent and some of the recent studies has demonstrated that WA is capable of arresting the development of breast cancer via targeting estrogen receptor.

OBJECTIVE

The present study is aimed at understanding the molecular level interactions of ER and Tamoxifen in comparison to Withaferin A using In-silico approaches with emphasis on Withaferin A binding capability with ER in presence of point mutations which are causing de novo drug resistance to existing drugs like Tamoxifen.

METHODS

Molecular modeling and docking studies were performed for the Tamoxifen and Withaferin A with the Estrogen receptor. Molecular docking simulations of estrogen receptor in complex with Tamoxifen and Withaferin A were also performed.

RESULTS

Amino acid residues, Glu353, Arg394 and Leu387 was observed as crucial for binding and stabilizing the protein-ligand complex in case of Tamoxifen and Withaferin-A. The potential of Withaferin A to overcome the drug resistance caused by the mutations in estrogen receptor to the existing drugs such as Tamoxifen was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

In-silico analysis has elucidated the binding mode and molecular level interactions which are expected to be of great help in further optimizing Withaferin A or design / discovery of future breast cancer inhibitors targeting estrogen receptor.

Antifungal Proteins with Antiproliferative Activity on Cancer Cells and HIV-1 Enzyme Inhibitory Activity from Medicinal Plants and Medicinal Fungi

A variety of fungi, plants, and their different tissues are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve health, and some of them are recommended for dietary therapy. Many of these plants and fungi contain antifungal proteins and peptides which suppress spore germination and hyphal growth in phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this article is to review antifungal proteins produced by medicinal plants and fungi used in Chinese medicine which also possess anticancer and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) enzyme inhibitory activities.

Ashwagandha root extract exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in HaCaT cells by inhibiting the MAPK/NF‑κB pathways and by regulating cytokines

A paste composed of the boiled leaves and roots of the Ashwagandha plant is used to cure ulcer and swelling in Ayurvedic medicine. However, the effects of the hot water extract of Ashwagandha roots (ASH‑WEX), which is also used in Ayurveda, on skin have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study investigated the anti‑inflammatory activity of ASH‑WEX on skin, by using the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. The results indicated that ASH‑WEX significantly inhibited mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‑8, IL‑6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‑α), IL‑1β and IL‑12, and promoted the mRNA expression of the anti‑inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1 in HaCaT cells. In addition, ASH‑WEX inhibited the lipopolysaccharide‑induced phosphorylation of p38 and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65. Downregulation of TNF‑α mRNA and upregulation of TGF‑β1 mRNA were also observed in vivo following ASH‑WEX treatment of mouse skin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the anti‑inflammatory effect of ASH‑WEX may be due to its ability to suppress the NF‑κB and mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathways, and to modulate cytokine expression. These results suggest that ASH‑WEX can potentially protect against skin inflammation.

Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Sangurur, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Background:

Although herbal medical products are still widely used in Kenya, many of the medicinal plants used by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) have not been documented, despite several challenges that are now threatening the sustainability of the practice.

Objective:

To document the medicinal plants and healing methods used by TMPs in a region of Kenya with several recognized herbalists for potential research.

Materials and Methods:

Semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and direct observations were used to collect ethnopharmacological information. The participant's bio-data, clinical conditions treated, methods of treatment, medicinal plants used, methods of preparation and administration, and dosage forms were recorded.

Results:

A total of 99 medicinal plants and 12 complementary preparations employed in the treatment of 64 medical conditions were identified. The most widely used plant was Rotala tenella which was used to treat nine medicinal conditions; seven each for Aloe tweediae and Dovyalis abyssinica; and six each for Basella alba and Euclea divinorum. The plants belonged to 55 families with Fabaceae family being the most frequently used (10), followed by Apocynaceae and Solanaceae, each with six species, respectively. We identified plants used to determine the sex of an unborn baby and those used to treat several conditions including anthrax and cerebral malaria and herbs used to detoxify meat from an animal that has died from anthrax. Of special interest was R. tenella which is used to prevent muscle injury.

Conclusions:

We have documented several plants with potential therapeutic effects. Further research may be conducted to determine their efficacy.

SUMMARY

The medicinal plants used by traditional healers in a community which still practices herbal medicine in Kenya were documented. A total of 99 medicinal plants and 12 complementary preparations employed in the treatment of 64 medical conditions were identified. Further research may be carried out in order to determine their therapeutic efficacies.

Abbreviations Used: F_ic: Informant consensus factor, N_ur: Number of use reports in each category, N_s: Number of reported species, TMPs: Traditional medical practitioners.

Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng

Withania somnifera, also called 'Indian ginseng', is an important medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used, singly or in combination, with other herbs against many ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine since time immemorial. Withania somnifera contains a spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, and reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, W. somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system. In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic characteristics and discuss the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of the plant and its active constituents.

Medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity: a broad review

Biodiversity contributes significantly towards human livelihood and development and thus plays a predominant role in the well being of the global population. According to WHO reports, around 80 % of the global population still relies on botanical drugs; today several medicines owe their origin to medicinal plants. Natural substances have long served as sources of therapeutic drugs, where drugs including digitalis (from foxglove), ergotamine (from contaminated rye), quinine (from cinchona), and salicylates (willow bark) can be cited as some classical examples.Drug discovery from natural sources involve a multifaceted approach combining botanical, phytochemical, biological, and molecular techniques. Accordingly, medicinal-plant-based drug discovery still remains an important area, hitherto unexplored, where a systematic search may definitely provide important leads against various pharmacological targets.Ironically, the potential benefits of plant-based medicines have led to unscientific exploitation of the natural resources, a phenomenon that is being observed globally. This decline in biodiversity is largely the result of the rise in the global population, rapid and sometimes unplanned industrialization, indiscriminate deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and finally global climate change.Therefore, it is of utmost importance that plant biodiversity be preserved, to provide future structural diversity and lead compounds for the sustainable development of human civilization at large. This becomes even more important for developing nations, where well-planned bioprospecting coupled with nondestructive commercialization could help in the conservation of biodiversity, ultimately benefiting mankind in the long run.Based on these findings, the present review is an attempt to update our knowledge about the diverse therapeutic application of different plant products against various pharmacological targets including cancer, human brain, cardiovascular function, microbial infection, inflammation, pain, and many more.

Effect of Withania somnifera Extracts on Some Selective Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Parameters in Guinea Pigs Experimental Infected with E. coli

Fifty 1-2-month-old Guinea pigs were divided into 5 equal groups, 10 each. Control (Gp1) did receive neither viable bacteria nor treatment. Each animal from the other groups (Gp2-5) was challenged with (1-2 × 10(8)) viable E. coli in 200  μ L normal saline (0.9%) through IP route. GP2 infected group was treated with 200  μ L saline IP and kept as positive control group. Gp3-4 are infected and treated with Withania somnifera (ethanol root extract) with doses 50 and 100 mg/kg. BW, respectively. Gp5 infected treated group was treated with cefoperazone antibiotic at dose 35 mg/Kg BW. The treatment by drug or the extracted medicinal plant was started 72 h after infection for 7 successive days. Serum and whole blood sample were collected from all groups 14 days after treatment to evaluate some hematological and biochemical changes as well as immunomodulatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α ). Oral treatment of the plant extract caused significant benefit results in infected Guinea pig appeared in the correction of some hematological and biochemical parameters also try to suppressed inflammatory cytokine response represent in TNF- α . It could be concluded that W. somnifera extract has potent antibacterial activity, and this appears in the correction with hematological, biochemical, and immunological results.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera and Cardiospermum halicacabum extracts against collagenolytic degradation of collagen

The irreversible destruction of extracellular matrix (ECM) such as cartilage, tendon, and bone that comprise synovial joints is the hallmark of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by over-expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-collagenases. We report herein the detailed study on the inhibitory effects of Withania somnifera extract (WSE) and Cardiospermum halicacabum extract (CHE) on Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (ChC) activity against the degradation of the ECM component of bovine Achilles tendon type I collagen by hydroxyproline assay method. Interaction of WSE and CHE with ChC exhibited 71% and 88% inhibition, respectively, to the collagenolytic activity of ChC against collagen degradation, and the inhibition was found to be concentration-dependent. The inhibition kinetics of ChC by both the extracts has been deduced from the extent of hydrolysis of N-[3-(2-furyl) acryloyl]-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ala. Both WSE and CHE are provided competitive and mixed type inhibition on ChC activity, respectively. Circular dichroism studies of ChC on treatment with WSE and CHE revealed changes in the secondary structure of collagenase. These results suggest that the WSE and CHE facilitated collagen stabilization through collagenase inhibition.

In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the immunologic effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on four types of immune cells in a human sample to determine the immunologic mechanism.

DESIGN

Five (5) participants consumed 6 mL of an Ashwagandha root extract twice daily for 96 hours. Ashwagandha was administered with anupana (whole milk). Peripheral blood samples were collected at 0, 24, and 96 hours and compared for differences in cell surface expression of CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56, and CD69 receptors by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Significant increases were observed in the expression of CD4 on CD3+ T cells after 96 hours. CD56+ NK cells were also activated after 96 hours as evidenced by expression of the CD69 receptor. At 96 hours of use, mean values of receptor expression for all measured receptor types were increased over baseline, indicating that a major change in immune cell activation occurred across the sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Effects on immune cell activation with use of Ashwagandha warrant further study.