Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng

Abstract

Withania somnifera, also called 'Indian ginseng', is an important medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used, singly or in combination, with other herbs against many ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine since time immemorial. Withania somnifera contains a spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, and reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, W. somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system. In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic characteristics and discuss the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of the plant and its active constituents.

Withania somnifera acts as a potential insect growth regulator in the polyphagous pest, Pericallia ricini

“…Furthermore, acaricidal activity by the leaves of this medicinal plant against the larvae of deltamethrin resistant Hyalomma anatolicum (Singh et al 2014a) and fully engorged females of synthetic pyrethroid resistant Rhipicephalus microplus (Singh et al 2014b) have been shown. Moreover, antifeedant properties of the Ashwagandha have also been observed against the larvae of Epilachna varivestis (Ascher et al 1981) and it has been suggested that the effect might be due to the presence of withanolide E (Isman 2002 of W. somnifera could be due to the presence of certain chemically active compounds like withanolides, withaferins, saponins and alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine) in the roots and seeds (Pratibha et al 2013;Dar et al 2015). Withanolides and withaferins are steroids and their action can be compared with another phytoecdysteroid, azadirachtin, derived from Azadirachta indica which acts as an antifeedant and moult inhibitor.…”

“…In clinical studies this medicinal plant has been shown to possess anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic (Dar et al 2015), analgesic and chondroprotective properties (Ramakanth et al 2016). This medicinal plant is used in the treatment of various diseases like epilepsy, stress, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, rheumatism and to improve health and longevity (Pratibha et al 2013).…”

Assessment of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treated <i>Withania Somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) Root Extract Using LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR Spectroscopy

“…The GC-MS ( Figure 4) and NMR data ( Figure 5) also supported the presence of any of these compounds 9-15. These compounds had lots of pharmacological activity and used for various disease [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]43]. The peak area% was increased significantly by 62.26% in the Biofield Energy Treated sample as compared to the treated sample ( Figure 2e).…”

“…Ashwagandha is mostly used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as nervous system and sexual disorders, infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer, immunological disorders, stress, ulcer, arthritis, etc. It is also useful to arrest the aging process, rejuvenate the body and boost the body defense system against infectious disorders as well as to promote the longevity of life [2][3][4][5][6]. Ashwagandha root extract contains majorly oxygenated withanolides along with numerous sitoindosides, alkaloids, withanamides, reducing sugars, peroxidases, glycosides, starch, withanicil, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethanol, dilcitol, 3, 4, 5-trihydroxy cinnamic acid, benzoic acid phenyl acetic acid, etc.…”

Effect of the Energy of Consciousness (The Trivedi Effect<sup>®</sup>) on <i>Withania somnifera</i> Root Extract Using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

“…W. somnifera is mostly used in the herbal drugs and nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as nervous and sexual disorders, immunological disorders, infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer, ulcer, stress, arthritis, etc. As a tonic, it is useful to arrest the aging process, rejuvenate the body and boost the defense system against infectious disorders as well as promote the overall quality of life (QOL) [2][3][4][5][6]. The major active phytoconstituents of W. somnifera root extract contains highly oxygenated withanolides, alkaloids, numerous sitoindosides, withanamides, starch, reducing sugars, peroxidases, glycosides, dilcitol, withanicil, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethanol, benzoic acid phenyl acetic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy cinnamic acid, etc.…”