Abstract
Free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of in vitro cultured and field grown Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) roots were investigated. Withanolides analysis and comprehensive metabolic profiling between 100% methanol extracts of in vitro and field grown root tissues was performed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Significantly higher levels of FRSA, TPC, and TFC were observed in in-vitro cultured roots compared with field grown samples. In addition, 30 day-cultured in vitro root samples (1MIR) exhibited a significantly higher FRSA (IC50 81.01 μg/mL), TPC (118.91 mg GAE/g), and TFC (32.68 mg CE/g) compared with those in 45 day-cultured samples (1.5MIR). Total of 29 metabolites were identified in in vitro cultured and field grown roots by GC-MS analysis. The metabolites included alcohols, organic acids, purine, pyrimidine, sugars, and putrescine. Vanillic acid was only observed in the in vitro cultured root samples, and higher level of the vanillic acid was observed in 1MIR when compared to 1.5MIR. Therefore, it is suggested that 1MIR might serve as an alternative to field grown roots for the development of medicinal and functional food products.
Highlights
IntroductionCommonly known as Ashwagandha, is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times
Withanolides, signature metabolite of W. somnifera appear to be present in varying concentration at different period of growth
Summary
Commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times. Various bioactive constituents of this plant have been reported to possess adaptogenic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and neurological effects [6]. The major biochemical constituents of this plant include steroidal alkaloids and steroidal lactones, which constitute a class of compounds known as withanolides, naturally occurring C28- steroidal lactones built on an intact or rearranged ergostane framework, in which C-22 and C-26 are appropriately oxidized to form a six-membered lactone ring [7,8]. An in vitro culture system could serve as an alternative to field grown plants for the production of medically valuable compounds. In vitro cultures have a tendency to produce secondary metabolites faster than field-grown plants, owing to their active growth [13]
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