WRF may exert its hepatoprotective action by alleviating inflammatory and oxido-nitrosative stress via inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS.

It is also found that some of the unidentified components had significant antioxidant potential. This technique has several advantages; therefore, this method will be useful for rapidly validating the Ayurvedic products containing W. somnifera.

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Context: The content of withanolides in the roots of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) is important for therapeutic application. Earlier studies have shown that the deficiency of macro-and micronutrients affects the growth of W. somnifera. Therefore, we examined the effect of these deficiencies on the withanolides content of the roots. Objective: To examine the effect of molybdenum accretion in nitrogen-, phosphorus-, calciumand potassium-deficient soils on the accumulation of withanolides in the roots of W. somnifera. Different withanolides have different therapeutic applications hence major bioactive withanolides assume importance. Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of the roots were subjected to HPTLC and individual withanolides were identified by comparing their R f values with those of the authentic samples. Molybdenum was quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Free radical scavenging activity was monitored by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: Molybdenum content in roots of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, calcium-, potassium-deficient, and control plants were 7.02 ± 2.1, 13.1 ± 1.6, 17.1 ± 0.9, 33.5 ± 3.3, and 33.9 ± 1.6 ppm, respectively. Levels of withaferine A increased with the increase in the Mo content in roots from 7.79 ± 2.2 mg/g to 12.57 ± 3.4 mg/g. Antioxidant activity of nitrogen-deficient plants was the lowest (24.7 ± 2.2%) compared to other groups. Discussion and conclusion: It was observed that nitrogen metabolism-dependent molybdenum uptake influences the withanolides accumulation in the roots.