Assessment of end products of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and their marketing channel in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal

Medicinal plants are used in home remedies and cultural health practices such as Ayurvedic medicine and Japanese Kampo medicine for the well-being of humans. In contrast, Occidental medicine confides in drug therapy with prospective adverse reactions and side effects like gastro-toxicity, nephrotoxicity, etc. Medicinal plant extracts have been preferred for fulfilling the nutritional requirements by the provision of therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammatories, anti-microbial, antioxidants, and anti-cancer properties. The merging of Western and Eastern medicine raises new probabilities in the medical field. Kidneys are essential organs liable for eliminating wastes from the body and thus are sensitive to nephrotoxic chemicals. Nephrotoxic disorders can increase the risk of chronic and acute renal failures, leading to the destruction of the main functional unit (nephrons) of kidneys. Various plants have been explored for their nephroprotective action, which is usually done by restoring serum creatinine levels and eliciting antioxidant effects. Gastric disorders such as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer, or peptic carcinoma have been recognized as significant challenges in public health for several reasons of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle aspects. Medicinal plants such as Aegle marmelos, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus and Ficus religiosa have been explored for their gastroprotective action in combating disorders like GERD, dysentery and peptic ulcers.

Plants from all over the world such as Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Raponticum carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum have been extensively evaluated for their adaptogenic potential. However, none of them has been successfully introduced as an adaptogen in the clinic. This paper discusses some of the problems in evaluation of adaptogens which have precluded their inclusion as clinically useful drugs. We further discuss our results with six rasayana plants from Ayurveda, which were studied for their adaptogenic potential. The whole, aqueous, standardized extracts of selected plants (Tinospora cordifolia, Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis, Withania somnifera, Piper longum and Terminalia chebula) were administered orally to experimental animals, in a dose extrapolated from the human dose, following which they were exposed to a variety of biological, physical and chemical stressors. These plants were found to offer protection against these stressors, as judged by using markers of stress responses and objective parameters for stress manifestations. Using a model of cisplatin induced alterations in gastrointestinal motility, the ability of these plants to exert a normalizing effect, irrespective of direction of pathological change was tested. All the plants reversed the effects of cisplatin on gastric emptying, while Tinospora cordifolia and Asparagus racemosus also normalized cisplatin induced intestinal hypermotility. Tinospora cordifolia was also tested for its ability to modulate the changes occurring in the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages after exposure of rats to either carbon tetrachloride or horse serum. It was found to normalize the phagocytic function irrespective to the direction of change, complying to the definition of an adaptogen. All the plant drugs were found to be safe in both acute and subacute toxicity studies. Studies on the mechanisms of action of the plants revealed that they all produced immunostimulation. The protection offered by Tinospora cordifolia against stress induced gastric mucosal damage was lost if macrophage activity was blocked. Emblica officinalis strengthened the defence mechanisms against free radical damage induced during stress. The effect of Emblica officinalis appeared to depend on the ability of target tissues to synthesize prostaglandins. Recent data obtained with Tinospora cordifolia suggest that it may induce genotypic adaptation, further opening the arena for more research and experimentation.

Neuroprotective effects of two medicinally important herbs Withania somnifera (WS) andAsparagus racemosus (AR) were investigated in primary hippocampal neuron cell culture. The root extracts of WS and AR were obtained by Soxhlet extraction using distilled water as solvent. The 7 to 8 days old hippocampal cells in culture were treated with100 µM Glutamate (Glu) for 10 min at room temperature in Hank's balanced saline solution (HBSS). One hour (1 h) after exposure to Glu, cells were treated with root extract of WS, AR or WS + AR [10 µg/ml dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)], respectively. Results of the study suggested that percent cell viability [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] was more significant in groups treated with Glu + WS and Glu + WS + AR, when compared to group treated with Glu + AR. More than two-fold increase in free Ca2+ was observed in culture in presence of Glu, but after treatment with WS, this increase was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). No significant change was observed in presence of AR. A significant decrease in lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed after WS, AR as well as WS + AR, when compared with Glu treated group. There was significant (P < 0.01) decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in presence of WS or AR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was significantly inhibited in both Glu + WS and Glu + AR treated group, compared to Glu and Glu + WS + AR treated group. Significant elevation of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) was also obtained after WS and AR treatment. A marked increase in nerve growth factor (NGF) and pro-brain derived growth factor (pro-BDNF) expression was observed after AR and WS + AR treatment; whereas no observable change was observed in WS treated group. It was therefore, concluded thatboth plants in combination (WS + AR) have more effective role in neuroprotection. Study also showed neurotrophic factor modulatory activity of these plants. Present study suggest that WS + AR in combination could have alternative therapeutic potency for treatment of diseases associated with neuron cell loss.   Key words: Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, hippocampus, glutamate, in vitro, neuroprotection.

Asparagus racemosus Wild (shatawari) and Withania somnifera Dunal (ashwagandha) are rasayana commonly used in Indian traditional Ayurvedic medicinal system. Shatawari roots are used as tonic especially during pregnancy, gynecological disorders like menorrhagia and to increase lactation. Withania somnifera Dunal, is primarily used in ayurvedic preparations as powder, decoction, medicated wine etc., though primarily roots but seeds and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes. Present investigation was carried out with an aim to investigate the antioxidant properties of these plants using rat brain hippocampus as model system. Results of the present study demonstrate antioxidant effects of the root extracts of both Asparagus racemosus (Shatawari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in rat hippocampus used as model system. These effects are evidenced by significant recovery of SOD and CAT enzyme level after drug treatment to the animals given 4hrs immobilization/swim daily up to 30 days, in unpredictable manner. These enzymes are part of antioxidant defense of the body against free radicals and thus the significant increase after the drug treatment is indicative of free radical scavenging properties of both the drugs used in study. A significant increase in LDH activity after stress but significant decrease after drug treatment is indicative of reduced lipid peroxidation in the brain area studied. doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2005.120401

Secondary infections are the most common cause of mortality in the immunocompromised host. A recent therapeutic approach has aimed at bolstering the host's defence mechanism to assist in eradication of infection, using naturally occurring and synthetic substances like BCG, C. parvum, muramyl dipeptide and glucans. Tinospora cordifolia (TC), Asparagus racemosus (AR) and Withania somnifera (WS) are plants prescribed in Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine, as agents to strengthen host defence mechanisms. The present article reviews the effects of TC, AR and WS in diverse experimental infections. TC, AR and WS protected rats against caecal ligation induced abdominal sepsis and mice against Escherichia coli peritonitis. This was associated with a faster bacteremia clearance. Myelosuppression induced by single and multiple doses of cyclophosphamide was reversed. Mortality due to Staphylococcus aureus sepsis in neutropenic and hemisplenectomized mice was reduced in treated animals. Candida albicans sepsis induced mortality was also reduced by the plants. The plants induced leucocytosis with predominant neutrophilia associated with stimulation of phagocytic and bactericidal capacity of neutrophils and macrophages. In view of their oral efficacy and relative lack of adverse effects, AR, TC and WS show promise as useful immunomodulators.

Background: Female infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle factors. Conventional allopathic treatments, while effective, often have limitations, prompting interest in holistic approaches that integrate diet therapy, physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and medicinal plants. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of holistic approaches in managing female infertility, focusing on diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and allopathic treatments. Methods; A systematic review of literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies exploring the role of diet, exercise, medicinal plants, and conventional therapies in improving female fertility outcomes were analyzed. Results: Holistic management strategies for female infertility encompass: (1) Diet Therapy- Nutrient-rich diets, emphasizing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low glycemic index foods, improve hormonal balance and reproductive function, (2) Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications – Regular physical activity, stress reduction, and weight management enhance fertility by regulating ovulation and reducing inflammation, (3) Medicinal Plants- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)- Adaptogenic properties reduce stress-related infertility. Manjistha/majeeith (Rubia cordifolia)- Detoxifies the body and improves uterine health. Kalonji (Nigella sativa)- Enhances ovarian function and hormonal balance. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)- Supports hormonal regulation and uterine health. Asarun (Asarum europaeum)- Improves menstrual cycle regulation. Ashoka (Saraca asoca)- Strengthens the endometrium and alleviates menstrual disorders, and (4) Allopathic Interventions-Hormonal therapies, ovulation-inducing drugs, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) remain primary treatments, but their effectiveness improves when combined with holistic strategies. Conclusion: A holistic approach integrating diet therapy, lifestyle changes, medicinal plants, and allopathic treatments provides a promising strategy for managing female infertility. Future research should focus on clinical validation of herbal remedies and the synergistic effects of integrative treatments. Keywords: Female infertility, holistic approach, medicinal plants, diet therapy, lifestyle modification, allopathic treatment

Food industries have rather high demand for the products that meet the consumer’s demand for a healthy life style. In this context functional food fortified with the plant ingredients plays an important role. Ghee is widely used as carrier for herbs for efficient absorption of their functional components in ayurvedic medicines. Herbs like Vidarikand, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Arjuna etc had been incorporated in ghee and were observed to have enhanced absorption of the active components present in them in the body increasing their therapeutic and functional benefits. Ayurvedic medicines being natural are devoid of any side effects and therefore capturing the attention of the researchers all over the world. The purpose of this review is to summarize the studies conducted so far on the ghee incorporated with herbs as the source of functional, therapeutic and antioxidant benefits. Keywords: Ghee (Butter oil), Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), Arjuna(Terminalia arjuna), antioxidant activity Cite this Article Kamal Gandhi, Darshan Lal. Potential of Herbal Nutraceuticals in Ghee: A Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology . 2015; 4(2): 1–5p.

This review presents an overview of published studies for a better understanding of the anti-mutagenic potential of medicinal plants and the precise indications for the utilization of natural compounds as chemo-preventive agents. Reports on the anti-mutagenic potential of medicinal plants published from 1997 to 2019 were searched through different scientific databases using the following keywords: medicinal plants and mutagens, carcinogens, the anti-mutagenic potential of medicinal plants. The data relevant to the anti-mutagenic potential of some common medicinal plants is summarized in this mini-review. These medicinal plants include Carum carvi, Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Mentha spicata, Curcuma zedoaria, Cassia angustifolia, Cymbopogon citrates, Ipomoea batatas, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Citrullus colocynthis, Capsicum annuum and Asparagus racemosus. An overview of the identified molecules or enzymes being targeted is also presented, with a focus on anti-carcinogenic and/or anti-mutagenic activity. The recent advancements in the research on medicinal plants pave the way for the better understanding and future prospects of the use of natural components as chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents.

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic and personalized healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent, has been gaining increasing attention as a complementary and alternative medical practice for treating various health conditions, including those related to women's reproductive well-being. This comprehensive literature review examines a wide array of experimental and clinical studies exploring the diverse facets of Ayurvedic interventions in addressing issues such as menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopausal symptoms. The paper specifically focuses on discussing the available data regarding the efficacy of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), which have traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The synthesis of literature not only highlights the potential benefits of these Ayurvedic interventions, but also critically assesses the methodological rigor of existing studies, identifying research gaps, and proposing directions for future investigations. While acknowledging the need for further rigorous research and clinical trials, the review emphasizes the benefits of collaborative and integrative healthcare. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and individuals seeking holistic and natural alternatives for female reproductive health management.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating safety and efficacy of an ayurvedic botanical formulation in reducing menopausal symptoms in otherwise healthy women

Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to a group of RNA viruses that cause diseases in vertebrates including. Newer and deadlier than SARS CoV-2 are sought to appear in future for which the scientific community must be prepared with the strategies for their control. Spike protein (S-protein) of all the CoVs require angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2), while CoVs also require hemagglutinin-acetylesterase (HE) glycoprotein receptor to simultaneously interact with O-acetylated sialic acids on host cells, both these interactions enable viral particle to enter host cell leading to its infection. Target inhibition of viral S-protein and HE glycoprotein receptor can lead to a development of therapy against the SARS CoV-2. The proposition is to recognize molecules from the bundle of phytochemicals of medicinal plants known to possess antiviral potentials as a lead that could interact and mask the active site of, HE glycoprotein which would ideally bind to O-acetylated sialic acids on human host cells. Such molecules can be addressed as ‘HE glycoprotein blockers’. A library of 110 phytochemicals from Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Zinziber officinalis, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Adhatoda vasica was constructed and was used under present study. In silico analysis was employed with plant-derived phytochemicals. The molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations over the scale of 1000 ns (1 μs) and ADMET prediction revealed that the Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) and Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) plants possessed various steroidal saponins and alkaloids which could potentially inhibit the COVID-19 virus and even other CoVs targeted HE glycoprotein receptor. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

In this chapter, the main causes of male factor infertility, specifically endocrine abnormalities and effect of endocrine disrupters, will be outlined. For many patients, conventional therapy presents considerable financial strain and moral dilemma. In this context, many patients are preferring complementary medicine (CAM). Hence, the promises offered by herbal medicine including Ayurveda, Arab, and Chinese medicine will be explored in this chapter. Many naturopathic medicaments such as Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Curculigo orchioides, Zingiber officinale, etc. are being routinely used as part of traditional medicine practice in Ayurveda and Arab medicine and gaining wider acceptance in other countries. Common herbs, targeted infertility condition, and results thereafter shall be discussed. In the concluding part of the chapter, the potential deleterious contraindications of alternate medicine such as lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medications shall be briefly discussed.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, which means "the scripture for longevity". It represents an ancient system of traditional medicine prevalent in India and in several other south Asian countries. It is based on a holistic view of treatment which is believed to cure human diseases through establishment of equilibrium in the different elements of human life, the body, the mind, the intellect and the soul [1]. Ayurveda dates back to the period of the Indus Valley civilization (about 3000 B.C) and has been passed on through generations of oral tradition, like the other four sacred texts (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvanaveda) which were composed between 12(th) and 7(th) century B.C [2, 3]. References to the herbal medicines of Ayurveda are found in all of the other four Vedas, suggesting that Ayurveda predates the other Vedas by at least several centuries. It was already in full practice at the time of Buddha (6(th) century B.C) and had produced two of the greatest physicians of ancient India, Charaka and Shushrutha who composed the basic texts of their trade, the Samhitas. By this time, ayurveda had already developed eight different subspecialties of medical treatment, named Ashtanga, which included surgery, internal medicine, ENT, pediatrics, toxicology, health and longevity, and spiritual healing [4]. Ayurvedic medicine was mainly composed of herbal preparations which were occasionally combined with different levels of other compounds, as supplements [5]. In the Ayurvedic system, the herbs used for medicinal purposes are classed as brain tonics or rejuvenators. Among the plants most often used in Ayurveda are, in the descending order of importance: (a) Ashwagandha, (b) Brahmi, (c) Jatamansi, (d) Jyotishmati, (e) Mandukparni, (f) Shankhapushpi, and (g) Vacha. The general appearance of these seven plants is shown in Fig.1. Their corresponding Latin names, as employed in current scientific literature, the botanical families that each of them belongs to, their normal habitats in different areas of the world, as well as the common synonyms by which they are known, are shown in the Table 1. The scientific investigations concerning the best known and most scientifically investigated of these herbs, Ashwagandha will be discussed in detail in this review. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, WS), also commonly known, in different parts of the world, as Indian ginseng, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi and Samm Al Ferakh, is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is also known in different linguistic areas in India by its local vernacular names [6]. It grows prolifically in dry regions of South Asia, Central Asia and Africa, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Congo and Jordon [7]. In India, it is cultivated, on a commercial scale, in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan [6]. In Sanskrit, ashwagandha, the Indian name for WS, means "odor of the horse", probably originating from the odor of its root which resembles that of a sweaty horse. The name"somnifera" in Latin means "sleep-inducer" which probably refers to its extensive use as a remedy against stress from a variety of daily chores. Some herbalists refer to ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, since it is used in India, in a way similar to how ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a large variety of human diseases [8]. Ashwagandha is a shrub whose various parts (berries, leaves and roots) have been used by Ayurvedic practitioners as folk remedies, or as aphrodisiacs and diuretics. The fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. The berries are sometimes used as a substitute to coagulate milk in cheese making. In Ayurveda, the herbal preparation is referred to as a "rasayana", an elixir that works, in a nonspecific, global fashion, to increase human health and longevity. It is also considered an adaptogen, a nontoxic medication that normalizes physiological functions, disturbed by chronic stress, through correction of imbalances in the neuroendocrine and immune systems [9, 10]. The scientific research that has been carried out on Ashwagandha and other ayurvedic herbal medicines may be classified into three major categories, taking into consideration the endogenous or exogenous phenomena that are known to cause physiological disequilibrium leading to the pathological state; (A) pharmacological and therapeutic effects of extracts, purified compounds or multi-herbal mixtures on specific non-neurological diseases; (B) pharmacological and therapeutic effects of extracts, purified compounds or multi-herbal mixtures on neurodegenerative disorders; and (C) biochemical, physiological and genetic studies on the herbal plants themselves, in order to distinguish between those originating from different habitats, or to improve the known medicinal quality of the indigenous plant. Some of the major points on its use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders are described below.

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera Dunal) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Indian Medicine for varied range of physical and p sychological ailments. It is an important medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for over 3, 000 years. Ashwagandha roots are a constituent of o ver 200 formulations in Ay u r ved a, Siddha and Unani medicine, which are used in t he treatment of various physiological disorders. Previously several workers have characterized the roots of Ashwagandha pharmacognostically but till date no work has been don e on standardization of tablets prepared with Ashwagandha root powder. The present study was planned to evaluate the Ashwagandha root powder pharmacognostically and to standardize the Ashwagandha tablets on various scientific parameters like organoleptic characters and physico - chemical parameters. Pharmacognostical evaluation of Ashwaga ndha root powder revealed Scaliform vessels, simple hair, pitted vessels, simple and compound starch grains and trichomes. Pharmaceutical analysis of Ashwagandha and placebo tablets showed, average weight of the tablet (565 mg, 593 mg), loss on drying (3 % , 5 %), hardness of the tablet (0.7 kg/cm 2 , 0.6 kg/cm 2 ), disintegration time (5 sec, 55 min), water extract (28.6 % w/w, 28.3 % w/w), alcoholic extract (4.5 % w/w, 1.72 % w/w) respectively and ash value of Ashwagandha tablet was 7.5 %. The present prelimin ary findings may useful for future studies dealing with Ashwagandha or placebo tablets.

Medicinal plants are the backbone of modern medicine. In recent times, there is a great urge to discover nootropic medicinal plants to reverse cognitive dysfunction owing to their less adverse effects. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the inevitable loss of cognitive function, memory and language impairment, and behavioral disturbances, which turn into gradually more severe. Alzheimer's has no current cure, but symptomatic treatments are available and research continues. The number of patients suffering from AD continues to rise and today, there is a worldwide effort under study to find better ways to alleviate Alzheimer's pathogenesis. In this review, the nootropic and anti-Alzheimer's potentials of 6 medicinal plants (i.e., Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea, Crocus sativus, Terminalia chebula, Withania somnifera, and Asparagus racemosus) were explored through literature review. This appraisal focused on available information about neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer's use of these plants and their respective bioactive compounds/metabolites and associated effects in animal models and consequences of its use in human as well as proposed molecular mechanisms. This review progresses our existing knowledge to reveal the promising linkage of traditional medicine to halt AD pathogenesis. This analysis also avowed a new insight to search the promising anti-Alzheimer's drugs.