Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a well-known and important medicinal plant widely used in several indigenous systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments, viz. asthma, bronchitis, inflammatory diseases, ulcer and stomach problems. Steroidal lactones have been reported as the major phytoconstituents of this species. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have convincingly demonstrated the ability of W. somnifera to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, immunomodulation, anti- diabetic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, central nervous system depressant and hepatoprotective activities, lending support to the rationale behind several of its traditional uses. The species is also used to treat some neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The phytochemicals such as withaferin A, withanolide A and withanolide D isolated from this plant are potential bioactive molecules. Due to the remarkable biological activity of W. somnifera and its constituents, it will be appropriate to develop them as a medicine and make them more potent by chemical modifications and biotransformation. This review has covered botany, chemistry and pharmacology of the plant besides its traditional and folkloric uses.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Association of Biologicals and Computational Digest
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
