Enrichment of aglycone fractions with immunomodulatory potential: Stability and pharmacokinetic of Withania bioactives

Abstract

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), globally known as Indian Ginseng, is an Ayurvedic “Rasayana” herb which possesses medicinal and pharmacodynamic properties. It is used as one of the ingredients in the Indian herbal tea. Its use as functional food with immunostimulating and rejuvenating properties is very popular and available over the counter in the Asian market. Here we report its enrichment to achieve glycone and aglycone fractions with respect to its three key withanolides and immune-stimulant potential. Modulations of two cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were also estimated. Pharmacokinetic experiments using LC–MS were performed in mice after a single oral administration of crude extract and enriched aglycone fraction. The proposed scheme is most effective for the enrichment of 12-deoxy-withastramonolide as compared to other two withanolides i.e. withaferin-A and withanolide-A. Acid and base treatment not only degrades the key marker compounds but also alters their respective HPTLC finger print. The slow bioavailability and elimination of withaferin A from the crude methanol extract administration were evidenced higher T1/2 (h) and AUC(0–t) (hμg/L) as compared to WSAg. This study established the immune enhancing properties of the enriched fractions of W. somnifera and also confirming that the effect is cell mediated and humoral. The enriched aglycone fraction could find use as an immune-stimulatory agent in humans.