Somnifera Root Powder Research Articles

Antidiabetic effect of Withania Somnifera Root in STZ induced diabetic rats

Objective: To study the antidiabetic effect of Withania Somnifera root powder (WSR) in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes in rats were induced by injecting Streptozotocin intraperitoneally (45 mg/kg of body weight) to overnight fasting rats. Withania Somnifera root was given to group C (100 mg/ kg of body weight) and Pioglitazone to group D (20 mg/kg of body weight) orally for 4 weeks respectively. Blood glucose level, glycated Hb, insulin, protein tyrosine kinase activity and serum DPP-4 levels were measured. Results: Significant Improvement in body weight, glycemic profile, dyslipidemia and tyrosine kinase activity were observed in WSR treated rats at week 4 of the study compared to diabetic control rats. Blood glucose level, glycated Hb and Serum DPP4 levels, were also found to be decreased in WSR treated rats compared to diabetic control rats at the end of study. This is possibly due to augmented serum insulin levels and increased insulin sensitivity after treatment with WSR. Conclusion: The results from above study it was concluded that Withania Somnifera root powder has antidiabetic activity. Further study required to confirm the exact mechanism of action.

Optimisation of the formulation of fibre incorporated reduced calorie herbal rasmalai

The present study was carried out to optimise the process of manufacturing of fibre incorporated reduced calorie herbal rasmalai. Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulasi) extract, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root powder and Plantago ovata (isabgol) were the variables in the rasmalai balls studied by employing the 3-factors Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). Optimisation of sucralose content in concentrated milk was carried out by Kruskal Wallis test. The formulation with tulasi extract (6.951%), ashwagandha root powder (0.423%) and isabgol (0.583%) in the rasmalai ball with 100 ppm sucralose in the sweetened concentrated milk was found highly suitable for optimisation of fibre incorporated reduced calorie herbal rasmalai. The desirability index of optimised fibre incorporated reduced calorie herbal rasmalai was 0.90.

Evaluation of UV-B Ameliorating Properties of Indigenous Plants Ashwagandha Withania somnifera (Dunal), Amla Emblica officinalis (Gaertn), and Prickly Chaff Flower Achyranthes aspera (L.) Supplemented Diets in Prior UV-B Exposed Catla catla

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is a potent environmental stressor and it severely affects the survival, growth, and physiology of aquatic organisms. The UV-B protective properties of three herbal ingredients enriched diets were evaluated in pre-exposedCatla catla. Fish (70.38 ± 1.18 g) were divided into five sets with three replicates each. Four sets were exposed to UV-B (80 µW/cm2) for an initial 10 days (20 min/day), and the fifth one remained unexposed (control). On day 11, feeding with enriched diets started. These diets were: diet 1 (D1) containingWithania somnifera(0.5%) root powder, diet 2 (D2) containingEmblica officinalis(1.25%) fruit powder, diet 3 (D3) containing seeds ofAchyranthes aspera(0.5%), and diet 4 (D4) control. There were two batches of D4 diet-fed fish, D4a, UV-B exposed, and D4b unexposed. Blood and tissue samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 of feeding. The average weight reduced 26.32% in UV-B exposed catla compared to the unexposed one on day 0. Among the exposed fish, average weight was significantly higher in D3 compared to others throughout the study period. Significantly lower nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and heat shock proteins (Hsp) 70 and 90 were observed in D4a compared to the enriched diet fed catla. The NOS level was significantly higher in D3 on day 21. The TBARS level was significantly lower in D3 on days 7 and 14 and in D2 and D3 on day 21. The carbonyl protein, SOD, and Hsp70 levels were always significantly lower in D3 compared to others, and D2 followed D3 treatment. Hsp 90 was significantly lower in D2 compared to others on day 7 and in D3 on days 14 and 21. All three enriched diets helped the fish overcome the harmful effect of UV-B radiation, and the D3 diet-fed fish showed the best performance.

Herbal Feed Additives for Gonadal Maturity and Breeding Performance of Female Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) in Captive Condition

Addressing the issue of gonadal maturity and breeding in captive condition for a commercially important indigenous Coldwater fish, snow trout, Schizothorax richardsonii, field study was conducted with dietary supplementation of the blend of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder, dried powder of garlic (Allium sativum), and hing (Ferula asafoetida). Experimental fish of 3 years age were reared in FRP tanks (n = 4) of 1200 L capacity with stocking density of n = 60 in each tank and fed with control (CD) and experimental (TD) diets in duplicate at the feeding rate of 3–5% of their body weight twice in a day. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were recorded for annual breeding cycle coupled with breeding indices in breeding season and regular monitoring of water quality parameters. In female stock, the GSI values ranges from 0.87 to 12.83 and 1.84 to 15.42 in control and treated groups, respectively. Two peaks of GSI values reflects the two breeding season of the species during the month of March and September. Similarly, HSI was lowest during the month of March and September in captive reared female fish and highest during the month of May to June and January to February, with similar trend in both, control treated and groups. In captive condition, 80% specimens were observed mature for spawning in treated group, while only 15% females were ready to spawn in control stock. The fecundity of the fish was observed in the range of 20210-23710 eggs/kg body weight with 80–94.2% fertilization rate. The egg size was observed in the range of 3.5–3.8 mm. The study revealed that 1.0% supplementation of blend of herbs in the diet is beneficial for gonadal maturity of females and better spawning of S. richardsonii in captive Coldwater condition.

Immuno-therapeutic evaluation of Withania somnifera in bovine mastitis

Mastitis is a severe problem of diary animals, and concept of non-antibiotic strategies for its prevention is gaining attention. An in vitro antibacterial evaluation of Withania somnifera against bovine mastitis pathogens, followed by its in vivo therapeutic trial was carried out in 20 HF × Sahiwal dairy cows with at least one specific subclinical mastitis quarter. W. somnifera root extract used in this study showed in vitro antibacterial activity of 78.19% and 55.67% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. The treatment group was administered orally W. somnifera root powder @ 500 mg/kg body weight daily, divided into two doses for 7 days, and was evaluated for elimination of intramammary infections, subsiding of udder inflammation and immunomodulation. The therapy could eliminate 64.28% of intramammary infections (c2 = 4.14), and resulted in a significant reduction in somatic cell count and ceruloplasmin concentration, therefore, subsiding udder inflammation and improving milk quality. Immunomodulation potential of the herb was evident from significant increase in phagocytic activity/phagocytic index along with enhanced lactoperoxidase and myeloperoxidase activities in the milk of treated cows.

Pathomorphological Changes during Amelioration of Lead Induced Toxicity in Chickens by Withania somnifera

One hundred and fifty, day-old broiler chicks were divided into five groups of 30 birds each. Group I was kept as control. Groups II and III were administered 250 and 400 ppm lead acetate in distilled water, respectively. Groups IV and V were administered 250 and 400 ppm of lead in distilled water along with Withania somnifera root powder (WSRP) in standard recommended feed at 1% concentration from 2 weeks of age till 60 days post-treatment (DPT). Pathological studies were done by sacrificing three birds from each group at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 60 DPT. No gross as well as histopathological, lesion could be recorded in Group I. Grossly, in Groups II and III, congestion was seen in liver, kidneys and lungs, whereas ecchymotic haemorrhage along with congestion were evident in intestine. Spleen and testes decreased in size with mild congestion. Pinpoint haemorrhagic lesions were observed in the thymus. There was slight decrease in the size of bursa of Fabricius. No significant gross lesions were observed in Groups IV and V. Histopathologically, liver, kidney, intestine, lungs, heart, brain and testes, initially, showed vascular lesions like congestion and haemorrhage along with degenerative changes while later on these organs evinced necrotic and inflammatory lesions comprising of mononuclear cell infiltration. Spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus revealed vascular lesions along with mild depletion of lymphoid cells initially and severe lymphoid depletion in later stages. Ultrastructurally, liver, kidney and intestine showed distorted nucleus with margination of chromatin material, swollen mitochondria with regressed cristae and increased number of lysosomes. Lesions were less severe in Groups IV and V than Groups II and III. It was concluded from this study that 1% WSRP administration significantly ameliorate the effect of lead administration at 250 and 400 ppm on tissue changes in chickens.

Nutritional enrichment of broiler breast meat through dietary supplementation of Indian ginseng Withania somnifera and synbiotic substances under semi-arid climatic conditions.

Aim:The present study was conducted to explore the effect of supplementation of Withania somnifera and synbiotics alone or in combination on the composition of broiler breast meat under heat stress conditions.Materials and Methods:A 42-day feeding trial was conducted on 360 broiler chicks randomly allotted into eight treatment groups with three replicates each under completely randomized design. The T1 group was kept as control whereas T2-T4 were supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% W. somnifera root powder; T5 and T6 were supplemented with 0.025% and 0.050% synbiotic and T7 and T8 were fed on diet containing 0.25% W. somnifera+0.025% synbiotic and 0.50% W. somnifera+0.05% synbiotic, respectively. Three broilers from each replicate were sacrificed at the end of the trial to estimate crude protein (CP), ether extract and ash content of the breast muscle on dry matter basis.Results:Significantly higher CP values and lower ether extract values were observed in 1.5% W. somnifera supplemented group (T4) or in group supplemented with 0.50% W. somnifera and 0.05% synbiotic (T8). The ash content of breast meat was observed non-significant in T1-T4 groups however the inclusion of synbiotics in T5-T8 groups significantly raised the ash contents.Conclusion:The study concluded that inclusion of 0.5% W. somnifera with 0.05% synbiotic substance enriches the total protein content and reduces the total lipids content of broiler breast meat under heat stress conditions.

Hematological and Growth Performance Studies after Withania Somnifera Supplementation in Broilers

This research was made to study the influence of addition of powdered root of Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)on general health condition (growth performance) as well as hematological profile of broiler chicks. A 100 broiler chicks at first day after hatching were obtained from Wadi Company, Egypt, and were distributed at random into four equal groups. The first group received control ration only and kept as control group (Gr 1), the 2nd (Gr 2) ,3rd (Gr 3) and 4th (Gr 4) groups received control ration + 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% Withania somnifera root powder respectively for 42 days. Body weights, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded on regular basis and hematological profile of the birds was estimated at the end of the 4th and 6th weeks of the research. Results showed that body weight and weight gain were significantly increased (P<0.05) in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group.Feed intake and feed efficiency were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group. Hematological results showed significant (P<0.05) rise in RBCs, PCV as well as Hb concentration in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group. Regarding toMCV (fl), MCH (pg) and MCHC (%)there were non-significant changes in all groups supplemented by Withania somnifera powdered root 0.5, 1 and 1.5% in comparison with control group. There were significant increase (P<0.05) in total leukocytic count and absolute numbers of lymphocytes in Gr2 and Gr3 over control group. These results indicate that addition of 0.5 and 1% Withania somnifera powdered root significantly enhanced general health condition (growth performance) as well as hematological profile of broiler chicks.

Use of Withania somnifera root powder for production of monosex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Three days old mixed sex juveniles of Nile tilapia (mean weight 0.025 ± 0.009 g; mean length 1.25 ± 0.012 cm) were fed diets containing root powder of Withania somnifera at the concentrations of 0.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 5.0, 6.5, 7.0, 8.0 and 9.5 g/kg feed for 30 days. Dietary treatment with powdered W. somnifera roots at different concentrations except 8.0 g/kg and 9.5 g/kg showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in survival percentage compared to that in control group. Dietary treatment with W. somnifera root powder caused significant increase (P<0.05) in percentage of males compared to that in untreated control. The highest percentage of males (93.73±4.2) was observed in 9.5 g/kg group, but it showed significantly lower (P<0.05) survival percentage (56.67±3.0) compared to other treatment categories. Fish fed diets containing W. somnifera root powder at the concentration of 6.5 g/kg feed showed high percentage of survival (97.50±1.4) and male (91.43±0.9), and hence might be considered the best treatment regime. The plant material is reported to show presence of phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids, which might be associated with its androgenic property. Keywords: Orochromis niloticus, Phytochemicals, Root powder, Sex reversal, Withania somnifera

Biochemical Evaluation of Withania somnifera Root Powder on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

0 0 1 229 1311 farradilaiskandar@ymail.com 10 3 1537 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the biochemical effect of Withania somnifera Linn. Solanaceae, commonly known as ashwagandha on adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Results were compared to Indomethacin, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Arthritis was induced by an intra dermal injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (0.1 ml) into the right hind paw of Wistar albino rats. Withania somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg/day) and Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 days (from 11th to 18th day) after adjuvant injection. After the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed and serum, liver and spleen samples were collected for further biochemical analysis. A significant increase in the activities of gluconeogenic enzymes, tissue marker enzymes, blood glucose level, WBC, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and acute phase proteins (hyaluronic acid, fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin) was observed in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, whereas the activities of glycolytic enzymes, body weight, levels of hemoglobin, RBC count, and packed cell volume were found to be decreased. These biochemical alterations observed in arthritic animals were ameliorated significantly after the administration of Withania somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg/b.wt) and Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/b.wt). Our results suggest that Withania somnifera root powder is capable of rectifying the above biochemical changes in adjuvant arthritis and it may prove to be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Withania somnifera shows a protective effect in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

Context: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Solanaceae), a clinically used herbal drug in Ayurveda, shows potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cardioprotective effects. However, the efficacy of W. somnifera in pulmonary hypertension (PH), a cardiopulmonary disorder, remains unexplored.Objective: The present study investigates the effect of W. somnifera root powder on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH in rats.Materials and methods: In preventive studies, W. somnifera root powder (50 and 100 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was administered from day 1 following single administration of MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.) in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. After 35 d, right ventricular pressure (RVP) was measured in anesthetized rats. Various physical markers of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were measured in isolated hearts. Markers of endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress were estimated in lung homogenate. Vasoreactivity of pulmonary arteries was also studied. In therapeutic treatment, W. somnifera (50 and 100 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was administered from day 21 to 35 post-MCT administration.Results: Preventive treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg W. somnifera significantly reduced the RVP (32.18 ± 1.273 mm Hg and 29.98 ± 1.119 mm Hg, respectively, versus 42.96 ± 1.789 mm Hg of MCT) and all markers of RVH in MCT-challenged rats. There was an improvement in inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, and attenuation of proliferative marker and apoptotic resistance in lungs. Therapeutic treatment with W. somnifera (100 mg/kg) also reduced RVP and RVH.Discussion: This study demonstrated that W. somnifera significantly protected against MCT-induced PH due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cardioprotective properties.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of Withania somnifera root on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Context: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Solanaceae) has long been used as an herb in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine and has received intense attention in recent years for its chemopreventive properties.Objective: The present study focuses on the effect of W. somnifera root powder on the behavioral and radiological changes in collagen-induced arthritic rats.Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control, arthritic control, arthritic rats treated with W. somnifera root powder (at dose levels 600 and 800 mg kg−1) and arthritic rats treated with methotrexate (at dose level 0.3 mg kg−1). The treatment with W. somnifera (daily) and methotrexate (weekly) was initiated from the 20th day post collagen immunization and continued up until the 45th day. Arthritis was assessed macroscopically by measuring paw thickness, ankle size and body weight. Arthritic pain was assessed by toe-spread and total print length of the affected paw. Functional recovery due to the oral treatment of W. somnifera and methotrexate was assessed by sciatic functional index and rota rod activity.Results: Administration of W. somnifera root powder (600 mg kg−1) to the arthritic rats significantly decreased the severity of arthritis by effectively suppressing the symptoms of arthritis and improving the functional recovery of motor activity and radiological score.Discussion and conclusion: W. somnifera root has a protective effect against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. The results suggest that W. somnifera root powder acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent in decreasing the arthritic effects in collagen-induced arthritic rats.

Effect of Withania somnifera (L. Dunal) root as a feed additive on immunological parameters and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings

The present study evaluated the efficacy of dietary doses of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root powder on immunological parameters and disease resistance against the bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila infections in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita fingerlings. Fishes were fed with dry diet containing 0 g kg −1 (control), 1 g kg −1 (T 1), 2 g kg −1 (T 2) and 3 g kg −1 (T 3) W. somnifera root powder for 42 days. Immunological (NBT level, Phagocytic activity, total immunoglobulin and lysozyme activity) parameters of fishes were examined at 0 days,14 days, 28 days and 42 days of feeding. Fishes were challenged with A. hydrophila 42 days post feeding and mortalities (%) were recorded over 14 days post-infection. The results demonstrate that fishes fed with W. somnifera root showed enhanced NBT level, Phagocytic activity, total Immunoglobulin level and lysozyme activity ( p < 0.05) compared with the control group. The survivability was higher in experimental diets than the control group. Dietary W. somnifera at the level of 2 g kg −1 showed significantly ( P < 0.05) higher protection (RPS 42.85 ± 0.65%) against A. hydrophila infection than control. The results suggest that the W. somnifera root powder have a stimulatory effect on immunological parameters and increases disease resistance in L. rohita fingerlings against A. hydrophila infection.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera root powder in relation to lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, glycoproteins and bone collagen on adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of Withania somnifera Linn. Dunal (family-Solanaceae), commonly known as Ashwagandha, on adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Results were compared with those for Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 mL) into the right hind paw of Wistar albino rats. Withania somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg/day) and Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 days (from 11th to 18th day) after adjuvant injection. The anti-arthritic effect of W. somnifera root powder was assessed by measuring changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, and glycoprotein levels in plasma and spleen of arthritic animals. In addition, cartilage degradation was also assessed by estimating bone collagen, and urinary constituents in arthritic animals. Results of the present investigation showed significant increase in the level of lipid peroxides, glycoproteins, and urinary constituents with the depletion of antioxidant status and bone collagen in arthritic animals. These biochemical alterations observed were ameliorated significantly by oral administration of W. somnifera root powder (1000 mg/kg body weight) in arthritic animals. The results of this study clearly indicate that W. somnifera root powder is capable of rectifying the above biochemical changes in adjuvant arthritis.

Suppressive effect of Withania somnifera root powder on experimental gouty arthritis: An in vivo and in vitro study

The effect of Withania somnifera L. Dunal root powder on paw volume and serum lysosomal enzyme activities was investigated in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. The levels of beta-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase were also measured in monosodium urate crystal incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL). A significant increase in the level of paw volume and serum lysosomal enzymes was observed in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. The increased beta-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase level were observed in untreated monosodium urate crystal incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes. On treatment with the W. somnifera root powder (500/1000 mg/kg body weight), the above changes were reverted back to near normal levels. W. somnifera also showed potent analgesic and antipyretic effect with the absence of gastric damage at different dose levels in experimental rats. For comparison purpose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indomethacin was used as a standard. These results provide evidence for the suppressive effect of W. somnifera root powder by retarding amplification and propagation of the inflammatory response without causing any gastric damage.

Immunomodulatory role of Withania somnifera root powder on experimental induced inflammation: An in vivo and in vitro study

The aqueous suspension of Withania somnifera root powder was investigated for their in vivo and in vitro immunomodulatory properties. W. somnifera showed potent inhibitory activity towards the complement system, mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Administration of W. somnifera root powder did not have a significant effect on humoral immune response in rats. Our results report immunosuppressive effect of W. somnifera root powder, thus it could be a candidate for developing as an immunosuppressive drug for the inflammatory diseases.

Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera Dunn. in hippocampal sub-regions of female albino rat.

The neuroprotective effects of W. somnifera were studied on stressed adult female Swiss albino rats. Experimental rats were subjected to immobilization stress for 14 h and were treated with a root powder extract of W. somnifera available as Stresscom capsules (Dabur India Ltd). Control rats were maintained in completely, non stressed conditions. Thionin stained serial coronal sections (7 microm) of brain passing through the hippocampal region of stressed rats (E(1) group) demonstrated 85% degenerating cells (dark cells and pyknotic cells) in the CA(2) and CA(3) sub-areas. Treatment with W. somnifera root powder extract significantly reduced (80%) the number of degenerating cells in both the areas. The study thus demonstrates the antistress neuroprotective effects of W. somnifera.

Effect of &lt;I&gt;Withania somnifera&lt;/I&gt; on Lysosomal Acid Hydrolases in Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in Rats

The effect of Withania somnifera Linn. Dunal (Solanaceae) on adjuvant arthritic rats was studied and compared with that of indomethacin. These results indicate that Withania somnifera has promising anti-arthritic activity as a result of its stabilizing action on lysosomal enzyme activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of Withania somnifera was assessed by measuring paw swelling and lysosomal enzyme activity in control and experimental rats. Increased paw diameter and lysosomal enzyme activity in the arthritic animals were significantly suppressed to near normal levels in rats treated with 1000 mg kg−1Withania somnifera root powder and 3 mg kg−1 indomethacin.