Phytochemical analysis of Tinospora cordifolia and Withania somnifera and their therapeutic activities with special reference to COVID-19

Various important medicines make use of secondary metabolites that are produced by plants.Medicinal plants,such as Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia,are rich sources of chemically active compounds and are reported to have numerous therapeutic applications.The therapeutic use of medicinal plants is widely mentioned in Ayurveda and has folkloric importance in different parts of the world.The aim of this review is to summarize the phytochemical profiles,folkloric importance,and primary pharmacological activity of W.somnifera and T.cordifolia with emphasis on their action against the novel coronavirus.

Effect of Withania somnifera root extract on the sexual behaviour of male rats

Aim: To determine the effect of a methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal roots on sexual competence of male rats. Methods: Male rats were orally administered 3000 mg'kg^1.day^1 of root extract for 7 days. Their sexual behaviour was evaluated 7 days prior to treatment, day 3 and 7 of treatment, and day 7, 14 and 30 posttreatment by pairing each male with a receptive female. Results: The root extract induced a marked impairment in libido, sexual performance, sexual vigour, and penile erectile dysfunction. These effects were partly reversible on cessation of treatment. These antimasculine effects are not due to changes in testosterone levels or toxicity but may be attributed to hyperprolactinemic, GABAergic, serotonergic or sedative activities of the extract. Conclusion: Use of W. somnifera roots may be detrimental to male sexual competence. (Asian J Androl 2002 Dec;4: 295-298)

Withania somnifera: a pre-clinical study on neuroregenerative therapy for stroke

Stroke management exerts insurmountable societal and economic burden on the patient as well as their caregivers. In the year 2010 alone, the direct and indirect costs of stroke care amounted to 36.5 billion dollars （Go et al., 2014）. Despite concentrated efforts to develop a safe, effective drug for stroke, we have not discovered one since the introduction of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator （rtPA）--the standalone FDA-approved therapy for stroke. While rtPA is highly effective, it needs to be given within 3-4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms （Zivin, 2009）. This is often complicated by the delay in the commencement of treatment due to preliminary inclusion parameters that are required to be ascertained before rtPA administration.

Influence of Withania somnifera on obsessive compulsive disorder in mice

Objective:To study the influence of methanolic and aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (W.somnifera) root on the marble-burying behavior of mice a well-accepted model of obsessive compulsive behavior.Methods:Mice were divided in different groups(n=6).Fluoxetine(5,10,15 mg/kg), (10,25,50,100 mg/kg) and melhanolic extract W.somnifera(MEWS)(10,25,50,100 mg/kg) were administered i.p.30 min.prior to the assessment of marble burying behavior and locomotor activity.The control group received vehicle of the extract.Results:Administration of aqueous extracts W.somnifera(AEWS) and MEWS(50 mg/kg) successively decreaesed the marble burying behavior activity without affecting motor activity.This effect of AEWS and MEWS was comparable to standard fluoxetine,ritanserin and parachlorophenylalanine.Conclusions:W.somnifera extract is effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder.

Inhibition of the emergence of multi drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Withania somnifera root extracts

Objective:To search systematically for an alternative therapy with compounds particularly from plant origin.Methods:Efficacy test of different root extracts of Withania somnifera(W. somnifera)(L) Dunal against multi drug resistant(MDR) Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) variants was performed following the agar well diffusion method.Evaluation of susceptibility pattern of the isolates was carried out by employing disk diffusion method using standard antibiotic disks. Results:In vitro study with W.somnifera root extracts was found to be effective against all the MDR S.aureus strains isolated from local and patient sources.Different root extracts of WS showed different degree of effectiveness against the isolates.Conclusions:The major active principles responsible for the antibacterial efficacy were mainly present in methanol(MeOH) extract and ethanol(EtOH) extracts as well as in butanol(BuOH) extract fraction.Amongst all the extracts the BuOH fraction was found to be most active against all the isolates but aqueous extract was the least active one.Finally it may be concluded that the antimicrobials from W.somnifera may raise an alternative therapy for MDR staphylococcal infections in near future.

Update on the preclinical and clinical assessment of Withania somnifera: from ancient Rasayana to modern perspectives

The Rasayana plant Withania somnifera(W.somnifera)Dunal,also known as“Ashwagandha”,has been mentioned in various classical Ayurvedic texts,such as Charaka Samhita,Sushruta Samhita,and Nighantus.This Ayurvedic drug has been referred to as a tonic that renews the body,provides physical and mental vigor in weakened states,and promotes endurance and longevity.W.somnifera possesses notable biological activity in many ailments,such as diabetes,conjunctivitis,insomnia,senile dementia,Parkinson’s disease,nervous system disorders,rheumatism,and arthritis.These pharmacological activities are due to the presence of diverse active components and their derivatives.Some lead compounds are found to be effective against anxiety and other central nervous system disorders.W.somnifera has been proven to be effective and safe for a wide range of ailments from ancient to modern times.Its reported properties represent the traditional use of W.somnifera as indicated in the literature;furthermore,W.somnifera is one of the most important prescribed drugs in Ayurveda for its multimodal effects.This current review highlights the bioactive present and provides an overview of the toxicological and pharmacological studies on W.somnifera,including preclinical and clinical studies.From its earliest utilization to its current application,W.somnifera has been recognized to be effective at clinical levels for human health and welfare.Greater attention to the safety and efficacy of W.somnifera would provide more scientific evidence,promoting global acceptance of the Ayurvedic plant.

Current Status of <i>Withania somnifera</i>(L.) Dunal: An Endangered Medicinal Plant from Himalaya

Withania somnifera is highly medicinal plant species of Pakistan floristically placed in the Western Himalayan Province, Himalaya Range of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and in the Soon valley (Salt Range) of Punjab Pakistan. It grows in high altitude of 5500 feet in the Himalayas. Its English name is Winter Cherry and its Urdu name is Asghand/Kutilal. It is the low lying shrub of about 1.50 m in height with erect branching. It grows in dry arid regions of Pakistan, India, China and Bangladesh. Its flowers are bisexual, small, axillary, greenish, solitary and few-flowered cymes. Chemical analysis of Ashwagandha showed that it has alkaloids and steroidal lactones (withanolides) as the main chemical constituent. W. somnifera has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List. However, in Pakistan, W. somnifera is falling under criteria A of endangered category. Asghand (W. somnifera) acquires much therapeutic potential which include sedative, narcotic, thyroid stimulation, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, anti-stress, general tonic, diuretic, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. There are number of threats responsible for the decrease of W. somnifera number in western Himalayan range and salt range of Punjab Pakistan which may include deforestation over exploitation and climatic changes. Conservation strategies need to be adopted for improving the population pool of W. somnifera. There is also the dire need to conserve this important medicinal plant species with some standard biotechnological approaches and conservation strategies in future.

Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of <i>Withania somnifera</i>(L.) Dunal

The yield parameters and cost economics of Withania somnifera were studied using Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) treatments. Withania somnifera is cultivated in around 10,780 ha with a production of 8429 tones in India. The annual demand of this herb increased from 7028 tones (2001-2002) to 9127 tones (2004-2005). The field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur during Kharif season of 2008-2009 (1st year) and 2009-2010 (2nd year), whereas the laboratory work was carried out in Quality Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture with pH 7.5, EC 0.18 dsm-1 having good drainage. Soil analysis revealed that available nitrogen was low (202.0 kg·ha-1) whereas available phosphorus (16.25 kg·ha-1) and potassium (236.0 kg·ha-1) were in the medium range. The present paper shows how to determine the economics of varying INM treatments. Cultivation of W. somnifera in India is gaining popularity among farmers;however, due to poor soil fertility, and costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides its production is not economical or profitable.

Compound’s Pre-Screening of <i>Withania somnifera</i>, <i>Bacopa monnieri</i>and <i>Centella asiatica</i>Extracts

Spectral fluorescence signature, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for identification of chemical and bioactive compounds were applied to study the plant extracts of Withania somnifera, Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri which are related to the possible treatment of mental diseases as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Depression. These plants are known for different positive phytotherapeutic effects on the human brain without negative post-, adverse or after effects to the treated individuals, and have been recommended in several medical studies. Therefore, we selected these plants for further analysis, based on the inhibition results of in vitro Amyloid Beta fibrillation tests made by previous measurements. With this study a first screening of the complex plant extract mixtures was performed, to get an initial overview about known and unknown ingredients. In all three plants, similar main compounds were identified, however in different quality and quantity. These may provide substantial information on which compound combinations might be mainly responsible for the positive effects and should be further investigated being responsible for reducing the fibrillation process of Amyloid Beta.

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory and Sedative Effects of Leaf Aqueous Extract of Withania somnifera （L.） Dunal （Solanaceae）in Rats and Mice

The use of medicinal plants in South Africa is cultural. Withania somnifera is one of the medicinal plants used to treat various ailments in the country. The plant species has been used by traditional medicine practitioners to treat inflammation and painful conditions like rheumatism. It is also known to be used as a sedative and hypnotic drug. Despite the claims, there is no information in literature to corroborate the therapeutic success of Withania somnifera in the treatment of inflammation and insomnia. The study, therefore, investigated the anti-inflammatory and central nervous system depressant activities of the leaf aqueous extract of the plant species in mice and rats. Fresh leaves of W. somnifera were collected from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, South Africa, authenticated by a taxonomist and a voucher specimen （UWC 005） deposited in the University＇s Herbarium. Leaf aqueous extract was prepared using standard extraction methods. The carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test was used to determine the anti-inflammatory effects while pentobarbitone-induced sleep and locomotor activity tests were used to evaluate the sedative effect of the plant species. Phytochemical qualitative analysis, acute toxicity and HPLC studies of the plant species were also carried out using standard methods. The phytochemical qualitative analysis carried out on the dried powdered leaves of W. somnifera showed the presence of saponins, tannins and triterpene steroids. Leaf aqueous extract of IV. somnifera （100-200 mg/kg IP） significantly prolonged pentobarbitone （40 mg/kg, i.p.）-induced sleep in mice in a dose dependant manner. Diazepam （0.5 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly prolonged pentobarbitone （40 mg/kg, i.p.）-induced sleep in mice. The doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg （i.p.） of the plant species and 0.5 mg/kg （i.p.） of diazepam significantly reduced the locomotor activity of mice. Leaf aqueous extract of the plant species （50-200 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly reduced the oedema produced by carrageenan （1%） in rats over 90 min period of testing. Indomethacin （20 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly reduced carrageenan （1%）-induced oedema in rats over 120 min period of testing. The LDs0 value obtained for the leaf aqueous extract of the plant species following inter-peritoneal injection was 1,600 mg/kg while that following oral administration was probably over 4,000 mg/kg. The HPLC finger-print of the aqueous extract showed distinct peaks at the following retention times 2.977, 3.594, 4.154, 4.406, 4.660 and 15.267 min. The results obtained show that leaf aqueous extract of W. somnifera has both sedative and anti-inflammatory effects.

A Comparative Investigation on Growth of Three Food Born Pathogenic Bacteria Inoculated with Withania somnifera:an Invitro Experimental Study

Background:Withania somnifera(WS)is proposed as one of the alternatives instead of the antibiotic.This study is aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potency of enzymatic extract of the fruits of the WS.Methods:As an invitro experimental study,the growth rate of Shigella dysenteriae,Salmonella typhimurium,and Escherichia coli inoculated in different concentrations(25%,12.5%,6.25%and 3.125%)of the extract were assessed.A microtitre plate method was conducted.ANOVA was applied to identify statistical differences with p-value<0.05.Results:Different concentrations of extract,in comparison with control,declined the growth rate of all tested bacteria.All concentrations inhibited the growth of S.typhimurium(p<0.05).Compared to the microorganism control,effective concentration of the extract inhibiting the growth of E.coli was 12.5%,and 6.25%,while it was 12.5%,and 6.25%for Sh.dysenteriae(p<0.05).A dose-dependent response of E.coli was observed.The antibacterial activity of the extract tested was found mainly against E.coli and Sh.dysenteriae.The most resistant microorganism compared to E.coli and Sh.dysenteriae was S.typhimurium(p<0.05).25%of the concentration of the extract showed the different inhibitory effect among three tested bacteria(p<0.05).Conclusions:The extract was labeled as an antibacterial agent against the representative of three foodborne bacteria,Invitro.The common effective concentrations of the extract(12.5,and 6.25%)is recommended for further research,as food additive,to remedy digestive ailments related to E.coli,S.typhimurium and Sh.dysenteriae.

Meiotic Studies in <i>Withania somnifera</i>(L.) Dunal.: A Threatened Medicinal Herb of Indian Thar Desert

Withania somnifera recently categorized as threatened plant of Rajasthan and known for its high medicinal value has been studied for existing genetic variations in four accessions collected from four different locations. From the present studies it is apparent that the gametic number of W. somnifera is n = 24 and 2n = 48. From the combined information generated by present author and earlier workers, it is tentatively believed that W. somnifera might be of allopolyploid origin with basic number of x = 12. In this case also precocious separation of rod bivalents but not structural hetrozygosity might be the reason for occurrence of univalents. From the detailed meiotic analysis, it is concluded that the species diversification is brought out by polyploidy in W. somnifera. Multidisciplinary approach for genome diagnostics with use of various marker systems might through more light on existing intra-specific genetic variation in W. somnifera.

Synergistic effect of Mucuna pruriens and Withania somnifera in a paraquat induced Parkinsonian mouse model

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of rigidity, resting tremors and postural instability. Recently, the focus of PD’s treatment has shifted towards herbal medicines. Mucuna pruriens (Mp) and Withania somnifera (Ws) are traditional herbal medicines known to have neuro-protective effects due to the L-DOPA present in Mp seed powder and withanoloides present in Ws root extract. Here, the synergistic effect of Mp and Ws in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to paraquat was evaluated. Co-treatment with Mp and Ws for 9 weeks, significantly decreased the elevated nitrite levels and lipid peroxidation found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioural tests, Mp and Ws treated mice showed a significant decrease in the time taken to cross a narrow beam, an increase in the time of stay on drum in rotarod test and an improvement in the hanging time. Furthermore, it was found that the use of Mp and Ws considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantianigra region of the brain. The results suggest that Mp and Ws may provide a platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD.

维吾尔药材“艾里云”本草考证

为进一步明确传统维吾尔药材“艾里云”名称、基原及临床用药情况,本文梳理《拜地依药书》《阿克萨拉依》《贾米依拉基》《买赫孜努里艾迪维也》等维吾尔医药古籍及相关现代文献,对其名称、基原、性质、功能主治等进行本草考证,同时,实地考察核对新疆维吾尔医医院“艾里云”药材的临床使用情况,收集药材样品并进行基原植物鉴定。经本草考证、维吾尔医临床使用药材确认和植物基原鉴定,维吾尔药材“艾里云”实为茄科植物睡茄Withania somnifera(L.)Dunal的干燥果实,药材汉语名称应为“睡茄果”,维吾尔语名称仍为“Heliyun”,即音译“艾里云”,可为维吾尔药材“艾里云”名称规范、基原确认和临床规范化应用提供依据。

金银花等6种植物提取物总黄酮含量与抗氧化性相关性研究

以金银花、核桃叶、南非醉茄、何首乌、红景天、石榴皮6种提取物为试验对象,通过硝酸铝—亚硝酸钠比色法测定了总黄酮含量;采用ABTS、DPPH与Fenton法测定了其抗氧化能力并进行比较;采用Pearson法进行相关性分析。结果表明:对DPPH自由基的清除能力顺序为金银花>核桃叶>南非醉茄>红景天>何首乌>石榴皮;对羟基自由基的清除能力顺序为金银花>核桃叶>南非醉茄>何首乌>石榴皮>红景天;对ABTS+自由基清除能力顺序为金银花>核桃叶>红景天>南非醉茄>何首乌>石榴皮。总黄酮含量对DPPH、ABTS+与羟基自由基清除能力的相关系数分别为0.819,0.848,0.791,表明总黄酮含量与清除DPPH、ABTS+自由基能力呈显著相关性,与清除羟基自由基能力相关性不显著。

催眠睡茄的离体快繁及四倍体的诱导

以催眠睡茄腋芽为外植体建立快繁体系,利用秋水仙素进行催眠睡茄四倍体诱导,并将其与二倍体进行了初步的形态学和细胞学方面的比较。结果发现:催眠睡茄二倍体(2n=2×=48)最适增殖培养基为MS+6-BA0.5mg/L+NAA0.05mg/L;生根培养基为1/2MS+IBA0.2mg/L;四倍体(2n=4×=96)诱导率因秋水仙素浓度和处理时间的不同而异,其中用0.5%的秋水仙素对丛生芽浸泡处理48h诱导率最高,诱导率可达13.79%。四倍体与二倍体相比:叶片明显变厚,颜色加深,叶片气孔及其保卫细胞大小增大,气孔密度减小,且保卫细胞内叶绿体数目增加。

催眠睡茄Withania somnifera毛状根的诱导及睡茄素A的合成

睡茄素A是存在于催眠睡茄的根和叶中的主要次生代谢产物之一。该实验以催眠睡茄的无菌苗叶片为外植体,利用发根农杆菌C58C1诱导催眠睡茄毛状根,诱导率达30%。同时,利用HPLC测定野生催眠睡茄植株的根、茎、叶和30d液体悬浮培养的毛状根中睡茄素A的含量结果表明,毛状根中睡茄素A平均质量分数为1.588 mg·g-1,是野生植株平均含量的1.96倍;其中,毛状根系M3的睡茄素A含量最高,质量分数达到1.783 mg·g-1,是野生型催眠睡茄植株根含量的1.51倍。因此,可以培养催眠睡茄毛状根来获得睡茄素A。

引种新资源——印度人参根提取物降血脂作用研究

目的:研究引种新资源印度人参根提取物的降血脂作用。方法:将50只小鼠随机分成阴性对照组(普通饲料)、阳性对照组(脂肪乳剂)和高、中、低剂量组(提取物+脂肪乳剂),分笼喂养30d,测定实验前后血清TC、TG、LDL-C和HDL-C,并处死动物观察肝脏组织病理学变化。结果:印度人参根提取物可明显降低高脂饮食所致高血脂小鼠TC、TG和LDL-C含量(p<0.05),升高HDL-C含量(p<0.05),可降低高脂小鼠肝组织中脂肪细胞数量。结论:引种新资源——印度人参根提取物有辅助降血脂作用。

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha):a Novel Source of L-asparaginase

Different parts of plant species belonging to Solanaceae and Fabaceae families were screened for L-asparaginase enzyme （E.C.3.5.1.1.）. Among 34 plant species screened for L-asparaginase enzyme. Withania somnifera L. was identified as a potential source of the enzyme on the basis of high specific activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was purified and characterized from W. somnifera, a popular medicinal plant in South East Asia and Southern Europe. Purification was carried out by a combination of protein precipitation with ammonium sulfate as well as Sephadex-gel filtration. The purified enzyme is a homodimer, with a molecular mass of 72 ± 0.5 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresisand size exclusion chromatography. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 8.5 and an optimum temperature of 37 ℃. The Km value for the enzyme is 6.1 × 10^-2 mmol/L. This is the first report for L-asparaginase from W. somnifera, a traditionally used Indian medicinal plant.

南非醉茄的功能及在食品饮料中的应用

南非醉茄是印度阿育吠陀传统草药,其产品热销印度和欧美等国家。南非醉茄含有醉茄内酯、生物碱、甾体等活性成分,有调节免疫、降血糖血脂、抗压、保护神经等多种功能。本文就这些功能及南非醉茄在食品饮料中的应用进行了介绍。