Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides IX and X, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera

Abstract

~Two new glycowithanolides, sitoindoside IX (1) and sitoindoside X (Z), isolated from Withuniu somniferu Dun., were evaluated for their immunomodulatory and CNS effects (anti-stress, memory and learning) in laboratory animals, because the plant extract is used by practitioners of the Indian systems of medicine for similar purposes. The two compounds, in doses of 100-400 & n o u s e , produced statistically significant mobilization and activation of peritoneal macrophages, phagocytosis and increased activity of the lysosomal enzymes secreted by the activated macrophages. Both these compounds (50-200 mg/kg p.0.) also produced significant anti-stress activity in albino mice and rats and augmented learning acquisition and memory retention in both young and old rats. These findings are consistent with the use of W . somniferu, in Ayurveda, to attenuate cerebral function deficits in the geriatric population and to provide non-specific host defence.

Effect of Aqueous Extract Withania somnifera on Tolerance to Antiepileptic Effect of Phenobarbitone in Mice

“…8 The antioxidant effects of active principle of Withania somnifera demonstrated anti-stress, immunomodulatory, cognition-facilitating, antiinflammatory and anti aging effects produced by them in experimental animals. [9][10][11][12] it has a mild tranquilizing action. It modulates acetylcholinesterase activity and thus enhances cognition and improves memory.…”

“…It modulates acetylcholinesterase activity and thus enhances cognition and improves memory. 10 Therefore in this study, the effects of aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera (WS), were evaluated with co-administration of WS extracts on development of tolerance to antiepileptic effects of phenobarbitone as well as effect of cognitive improvement in phenobarbitone tolerant mice.…”

Estimation of antioxidant potential of individual components present in complex mixture ofWithania somnifera(Ashwagandha) root fraction by thin-layer chromatography-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl method

“…Pharmacological action also includes physiologic and metabolic restorations. Thus, it is effective in the treatment of arthritis, geriatric condition, behavioral, neurodegenerative disorders, and stress-related problems [16,17]. These medicinal values are mainly attributed to withanolides present in the roots of W. somnifera [18].…”

Studies on leaf spot disease of Withania somnifera and its impact on secondary metabolites

“…Besides alkaloids, W. somnifera possesses other secondary metabolites, viz. withaferin-A, withanolides, fl avonol glycosides, glycowithanolides, sterols and phenolics [5,6]. It possesses immense therapeutic value against a large number of ailments such as mental diseases, asthma, infl ammation, arthritis, rheumatism, tuberculosis and a variety of other diseases including cancer [7,8].…”