Organic cultivation of Ashwagandha with improved biomass and high content of active Withanolides: Use of Vermicompost

Estimating the production of withaferin A and withanolide A in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal using aquaponics for sustainable development in hill agriculture

Introduction

Humanity is suffering from huge and severe difficulties, including changes in climate, soil degradation, scarcity of water and the security of food and medicines, among others. The aquaponics system acts as a closed loop consisting of aquaculture elements and hydroponics, which may contribute to addressing these problems. The aquaponics method is quickly expanding as the requirement to increase the production of sustainable herbal products, including medicinal compounds and foods, in freshwater systems and replenish phosphorous reserves shrinks.

Methods

The current work is designed to increase the production of the antioxidants withaferin A and withanolide A in two varieties (Jawahar-20 and Poshita) of W. somnifera using the aquaponics technique. Total 100 seedlings (one month old) grown in soil initially were taken to be grown in aquaponics for a time period of 6 months.And 100 seedlings were placed in pots containing soil as control for study after six months.

Results

It was observed that the higher content of withaferin A was analyzed in the root and stem samples of Jawahar-20 and Poshita from the six-month-old plant of W. somnifera. The maximum content of withanolide A was examined in the root samples of the six month-old plants of Poshita (1.879 mg/g) and Jawahar-20 (1.221 mg/g). While the 6 month old Poshita seedling grown in soil recorded less withaferin A (0.115 ± 0.009b) and withanolide A (0.138 ± 0.008d).

Discussion

It is concluded that Poshita was found to be more promising for the enhanced production of withaferin A and withanolide A in the aquaponics system. Moreover, the root was observed as the best source for the production of withaferin A and withanolide A and the best age of the plant is 2 years for the production compounds in medicinal plants with futuristic perspective to hill agriculture integrated farming. compounds. Thus aquaponics can be an effective approach with enhanced yield of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants with futuristic perspective to hill agriculture and integrated farming.

Therapeutic Implications of Some Natural Products for Neuroimmune Diseases: A Narrative of Clinical Studies Review

Neuroimmune diseases are a group of disorders that occur due to the dysregulation of both the nervous and immune systems, and these illnesses impact tens of millions of people worldwide. However, patients who suffer from these debilitating conditions have very few FDA-approved treatment options. Neuroimmune crosstalk is important for controlling the immune system both centrally and peripherally to maintain tissue homeostasis. This review aims to provide readers with information on how natural products modulate neuroimmune crosstalk and the therapeutic implications of natural products, including curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), ginkgo special extract, ashwagandha, Centella asiatica, Bacopa monnieri, ginseng, and cannabis to mitigate the progression of neuroimmune diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, depression, and anxiety disorders. The majority of the natural products based clinical studies mentioned in this study have yielded positive results. To achieve the expected results from natural products based clinical studies, researchers should focus on enhancing bioavailability and determining the synergistic mechanisms of herbal compounds and extracts, which will lead to the discovery of more effective phytomedicines while averting the probable negative effects of natural product extracts. Therefore, future studies developing nutraceuticals to mitigate neuroimmune diseases that incorporate phytochemicals to produce synergistic effects must analyse efficacy, bioavailability, gut-brain axis function safety, chemical modifications, and encapsulation with nanoparticles.

Combined effects of vermicompost and vermicompost leachate on the early growth of Meloidogyne incognita stressed Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Roots of Withania somnifera, an important medicinal herb, are prone to the infection of Meloidogyne incognita (a root parasitic nematode). The infection lowers the quality and quantity of plant material and poses a challenge in crop cultivation and obtaining desirable yield. In the present study, in vitro inhibitory activity of vermicompost leachate (Vcom-L) was assessed against % hatch and survival of M. incognita in a 96 h assay. Then, Vcom-L was used as soil supplement in combination with vermicompost (Vcom) to evaluate their nematode inhibitory and stress alleviating effect in W. somnifera, in a pot experiment. Root galling intensity and growth performance of nematode-stressed W. somnifera raised from seeds pre-soaked in distilled water (DW), Vcom-L, vermicompost tea (Vcom-T) and different dilutions of Vcom-L were assessed. We observed 79% suppression of egg hatching and 89% juvenile (J2) mortality after 96 h compared to control, at 100% concentration of Vcom-L. Significant reduction in gall formation with increase in growth parameters of seedlings was observed after combined application of Vcom (60% or 100%) + Vcom-L and was evident as enhancement in seedling biomass and contents of chlorophyll and protein. However, proline, total phenolics and malondialdehyde (MDA) content declined significantly in these combinations compared to the control (0% Vcom). Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidise (APX), guaiacol peroxidise (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) declined with Vcom as well as Vcom + Vcom-L and corresponded with decline in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in leaves. Further, 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions of Vcom-L in combination with Vcom (60%) proved beneficial in mitigating the nematode-induced stress in W. somnifera. Present results showed the potential of Vcom and Vcom-L in standardised combination as an effective strategy in controlling the pathogenicity of M. incognita in medicinal plants such as W. somnifera.

Withanone and Withaferin-A are predicted to interact with transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and block entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initiated in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and became pandemic causing high fatality and disrupted normal life calling world almost to a halt. Causative agent is a novel coronavirus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV). While new line of drug/vaccine development has been initiated world-wide, in the current scenario of high infected numbers, severity of the disease and high morbidity, repurposing of the existing drugs is heavily explored. Here, we used a homology-based structural model of transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a cell surface receptor, required for entry of virus to the target host cell. Using the strengths of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we examined the binding potential of Withaferin-A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester to TPMRSS2 in comparison to its known inhibitor, Camostat mesylate. We found that both Wi-A and Wi-N could bind and stably interact at the catalytic site of TMPRSS2. Wi-N showed stronger interactions with TMPRSS2 catalytic residues than Wi-A and was also able to induce changes in its allosteric site. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Wi-N on TMPRSS2 expression in MCF7 cells and found remarkable downregulation of TMPRSS2 mRNA in treated cells predicting dual action of Wi-N to block SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells. Since the natural compounds are easily available/affordable, they may even offer a timely therapeutic/preventive value for the management of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We also report that Wi-A/Wi-N content varies in different parts of Ashwagandha and warrants careful attention for their use.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular mechanism of anti-SARS-CoV2 activity of Ashwagandha-derived withanolides

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 corona virus has become a global pandemic. In the absence of drugs and vaccine, and premises of time, efforts and cost required for their development, natural resources such as herbs are anticipated to provide some help and may also offer a promising resource for drug development. Here, we have investigated the therapeutic prospective of Ashwagandha for the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine withanolides were tested in silico for their potential to target and inhibit (i) cell surface receptor protein (TMPRSS2) that is required for entry of virus to host cells and (ii) viral protein (the main protease M^pro) that is essential for virus replication. We report that the withanolides possess capacity to inhibit the activity of TMPRSS2 and M^pro. Furthermore, withanolide-treated cells showed downregulation of TMPRSS2 expression and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro, suggesting that Ashwagandha may provide a useful resource for COVID-19 treatment.

Ashwagandha: Advances in plant biotechnological approaches for propagation and production of bioactive compounds

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Withania somnifera is one of the most extensively delved Ayurvedic medicine. Apart from rejuvenation and increasing longevity, it has several other properties such as immunomodulation, anti-cancer, anti-stress and neuroprotection. Because of its prevailing use and increasing demand, it becomes prudent to scientifically evaluate and document both its propagation and production of desired phytoconstituents.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to highlight the research progress achieved on various biotechnological and tissue culture aspects of Withania somnifera and to cover up-to-date information regarding in-vitro propagation and production of withanolides.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Significant published studies were identified for the years 2000-2018 using Elsevier-Science Direct, Pubmed and Google scholar and several research studies in our laboratory. Following keywords such as "plant extracts", "in vitro cultures", "callus and suspension culture", "micropropagation", "hairy root cultures" were used. Further, "Withania somnifera", "secondary metabolites specially withanolides", "molecular techniques" and "in vitro conservation" were used to cross-reference the keywords.

RESULTS

Ashwagandha comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals with a wide range of pharmacological properties. W. somnifera seeds have reduced viability and germination rates; thus, its regular cultivation method fails to achieve commercial demands mainly for the production of desired phytoconstituents. Cultivation of plant cells/tissues under in vitro conditions and development of various biotechnological strategies will help to build an attractive alternative to provide adequate quality and quantity raw materials. Recently, a large number of in vitro protocols has developed for W. somnifera not only for its propagation but for the production of secondary metabolites as well. Present work highlights a variety of biotechnological strategies both for prompt propagation and production of different bioactive secondary metabolites.

CONCLUSION

The present review focuses on the development and opportunities in various biotechnological approaches to accomplish the global demand of W. somnifera and its secondary metabolites. This review underlines the advances in plant biotechnological approaches for the propagation of W. somnifera and production of its bioactive compounds.

COVID19-inhibitory activity of withanolides involves targeting of the host cell surface receptor ACE2: insights from computational and biochemical assays

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in China in December 2019 and its spread as worldwide pandemic has been a major global health crisis. Extremely high infection and mortality rate has severely affected all sectors of life and derailed the global economy. While drug and vaccine development have been prioritized and have made significant progression, use of phytochemicals and herbal constituents is deemed as a low-cost, safer and readily available alternative. We investigated therapeutic efficacy of eight withanolides (derived from Ashwagandha) against the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins, a target cell surface receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and report results on the (i) computational analyses including binding affinity and stable interactions with ACE2, occupancy of ACE2 residues in making polar and nonpolar interactions with different withanolides/ligands and (2) in vitro mRNA and protein analyses using human cancer (A549, MCF7 and HSC3) cells. We found that among all withanolides, Withaferin-A, Withanone, Withanoside-IV and Withanoside-V significantly inhibited the ACE2 expression. Analysis of withanolides-rich aqueous extracts derived from Ashwagandha leaves and stem showed a higher ACE2 inhibitory potency of stem-derived extracts. Taken together, we demonstrated the inhibitory potency of Ashwagandha withanolides and its aqueous extracts against ACE2.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Fractionation of Biomolecules in Withania coagulans Extract for Bioreductive Nanoparticle Synthesis, Antifungal and Biofilm Activity

Withania coagulans contains a complex mixture of various bioactive compounds. In order to reduce the complexity of the plant extract to purify its phytochemical biomolecules, a novel fractionation strategy using different solvent combination ratios was applied to isolate twelve bioactive fractions. These fractions were tested for activity in the biogenic synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, biofilm and antifungal activities. The results revealed that plant extract with bioactive fractions in 30% ratio for all solvent combinations showed more potent bioreducing power, according to the observed color changes and the appearance of representative absorption peaks at 500-510 nm in the UV-visible spectra which confirm the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs). XRD diffraction was used to define the crystal structure, size and phase composition of the products. The fractions obtained using 90% methanol/hexane and 30% methanol/hexane showed more effectiveness against biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus so these fractions could potentially be used to treat bacterial infections. The 90% hexane/H2O fraction showed excellent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, while the 70% methanol/hexane fraction showed good antifungal activity for C. albicans, so these fractions are potentially useful for the treatment of various fungal infections. On the whole it was concluded that fractionation based on effective combinations of methanol/hexane was useful to investigate and study bioactive compounds, and the active compounds from these fractions may be further purified and tested in various clinical trials.

Effect of Vermicompost Application on Bioactive Properties and Antioxidant Potential of MD2 Pineapple Fruits

Vermicompost is an organic waste produced from earthworms that can enhance the soil condition and is rich with essential plant nutrients, thus increasing produce quality and shelf life. In this study, a one-year field trial was conducted to elucidate the effects of vermicompost supplementation on the composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. MD2) fruits, compared to control and application of chemical fertilizer. Based on the results, pineapple fruits produced from plants supplemented with chemical fertilizer showed the strongest radical scavenging properties against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), followed by vermicompost and control plants. Application of chemical fertilizer and vermicompost also produced fruits with a very high content of chlorophylls and β-carotene compared to control plants. However, the amounts of bioactive compounds present in fruits produced with chemical fertilizer are higher than in fruits produced with vermicompost. Total phenolics content and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) reducing power were lowest in fruit extracts produced from pineapple plants supplemented with vermicompost. These results suggested that vermicompost cannot completely replace chemical fertilizer for the production of fruits with a high content of phytoconstituents but could be used as an additional supplement to reduce environmental pollution and ensure agricultural sustainability.