Effect of macronutrient deficiency on withanolides content in the roots ofWithania somniferaand its correlationship with molybdenum content

Abstract

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.

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Volatiles Profile Characterization of Two Edible Undervalued Plants: Portulaca oleracea L. and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass

“…In P. ruderale, highly significant negative relationships prevailed, while in P. oleracea, the significant relationships were mostly positive. The absence of strong relationships between Zn ( P. oleracea ), K, and Na ( P. ruderale ) may be due to species-specific biosynthesis/transport processes that are influenced by geoclimatic conditions during growth depending on the harvest period, as suggested by [ 58 , 66 ]. The complete relationship between Na and P ( P. oleracea ) can be explained by the fact that the studied species are halophyte plants [ 67 ].…”

A WRKY transcription factor from Withania somnifera regulates triterpenoid withanolide accumulation and biotic stress tolerance through modulation of phytosterol and defense pathways

“…It was reported that nitrogen starvation leads to drastic reduction of withanolides in W. somnifera (Devkar et al ., ). In our recent study, nitrogen treatment of W. somnifera enhanced the accumulation of phytosterols and withaferin A which correlated with higher expression of sterol pathway genes.…”

Organic manures and biostimulants fostered soil health and increased the harvest quality of the medicinal herb ashwagandha

“…In the present investigation, the improvement in withaferin‐A, 12‐deoxy withastramanolide, withanolide‐A, and total withanolide content (0.5–0.7%) with vermicompost and Jivamrut might be due its beneficial effects on soil health and quality and nutrient bioavailability. It has been reported that increased nutrient availability increased bioactive compounds in many medicinal plants, such as Centella asiactica (Jat & Gajbhiye, 2016, 2017), Kalmegh (Jat & Gajbhiye, 2019), and ashwagandha (Devkar, Suryapujary, Jagtap, Katyare, & Hegde, 2015). Similar results were reported with castor cake in Kalmegh (Chauhan & Tiwari, 2003) and biofertilizers consortium in ashwagandha (Rajasekar & Elango, 2011).…”