Withania Frutescens Research Articles

The first report describes features of the chloroplast genome of Withania frutescens

Genomic studies not only help researcher not only to identify genomic features in organisms, but also facilitate understanding of evolutionary relationships. Species in the Withania genus have medicinal benefits, and one of them is Withania frutescens, which is used to treat various diseases. This report investigates the nucleotides and genic features of chloroplast genome of Withania frutescens and trying to clarify the evolutionary relationship with Withania sp and family Solanaceae. We found that the total size of Withania frutescens chloroplast genome was 153.771 kb (the smallest chloroplast genome in genus Withania). A large single-copy region (91.285 kb), a small single-copy region (18.373 kb) form the genomic region, and are distinct from each other by a large inverted repeat (22.056 kb). 137 chloroplast genes are found including 4 rRNAs, 38 tRNAs and 83 protein-coding genes. The Withania frutescens chloroplast genome as well as four closest relatives was compared for features such as structure, nucleotide composition, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and codon bias. Compared to other Withania species, Withania frutescens has unique characteristics. It has the smallest chloroplast genome of any Withania species, isoleucine is the major amino acid, and tryptophan is the minor, In addition, there are no ycf3 and ycf4 genes, fourth, there are only fifteen replicative genes, while in most other species there are more. Using fast minimum evolution and neighbor joining, we have reconstructed the trees to confirm the relationship with other Solanacaea species. The Withania frutescens chloroplast genome is submitted under accession no. ON153173.

Effectiveness of Withania frutescens root extract on testicular damage induced by lead acetate in adult albino rats

Withania frutescens was used previously in traditherapy against poisoning, gastric ulceration, and dysentery treatments. Because no previous studies reporting on its therapeutic effects on male reproductive system and fertility disorders, this study aims to examine its effect on lead induced testicular damages as well as sperm count and hormonal status in rats. The present study is performed to determine their phytochemical compositions using GC-MS analysis, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in-vitro using spectrophotometry and then to estimate testosterone levels, sperm count, histopathological features, as well as spermatogenesis (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices. The experiment is conducted for three months using four groups (Group A: control rats; Group B: exposed rats to lead-acetate; Group C: exposed rats to lead-acetate and 200 mg/kg of W. frutescens extract; Group D: treated rats with 200 mg/kg of W. frutescens extract). The obtained results show a total of 10 identified components from GC-MS analysis. Whereas a total phenolic content of 63.23 ± 3.82 GAE/g of extract, 25.16 ± 1.21 µg/mL of anti-free radical activity, and reducing power of 163.19 ± 6.01 µg/mL. A high anti-inflammatory activity is determined by hemolysis inhibition (IC50 =12.71 ± 1.06 µg/mL) and protein denaturation inhibition (IC50 =6.8 ± 1.23 µg/mL). Besides, lead exposure causes histological alterations in testis and decreases serum testosterone level, sperm count, and TDI and SPI indices. W. frutescens treated and co-treated animals showed no toxic effects throughout the experiment. However, it is found to improve testosterone level, increase sperm count, attenuate the testicular histopathological effect of lead, and increase TDI and SPI. These findings . these findings suggest that W. frutescens is a better source of bioactive compounds, which play an effective role against lead testicular damages. Furthermore, this natural extract can be utilized potentially in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.

Insecticidal and Antifungal Activities of Chemically-Characterized Essential Oils from the Leaves of Withania frutescens L.

The current study was conducted to investigate antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oil extracted from the Moroccan Withania frutescens L. (EOW), and their chemical composition was profiled. To achieve this goal, EOW was extracted by the hydro-distillation method and their phytochemical constituents were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS). Insecticidal activity was evaluated by use of four tests: contact toxicity, inhalation toxicity, and repellent tests. Antifungal activity was evaluated on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Ciceris (F. oxysporum) using different concentrations of EOW. GC/MS analysis revealed that EOW was rich in carvacrol (31.87%), thymol (30.08%), and camphor (9.13%). At a 1-µL/L dose, EOW exhibited mortality rates of 23.13 ± 1.07% and 24.41 ± 1.21% against Callosobruchus maculatus (C.maculatus) by inhalation and contact, respectively. Notably, EOW dose of 20 μL/L caused significant mortality rates of 95.1 ± 3.5% and 76.69 ± 1.71% by inhalation and contact, respectively. EOW exhibited an inhibitory effect on mycelial growth against the tested fungi F. oxysporum of 100% and 93.5 ± 1.1% for the 9 and 4.5 mg/mL doses, respectively. The reduced mycelial growth rate for F. oxysporum was recorded to be 0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 0.1 mm/h for the EOW doses of 2.25 and 4.5 mg/mL, respectively. The outcome of the present work showed that EOW has a promising antifungal and insecticidal activity, and it can therefore be employed as a natural alternative insecticidal and mycocidal agent to replace the chemically-synthesized ones.

Glycemic Control Potential of Chemically Characterized Extract from Withania frutescens L. Roots in Severe Diabetes-Induced Mice

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome that causes impairment, mortality, and many other complications. Insulin and several synthetic medications are currently used in the treatment of diabetes. However, these pharmaceutical drugs are costly, and therefore medicines place priority on alternatives to fight this lethal disease. This modest study aims to investigate the chemical composition, antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic potentials along with subacute toxicity (bodyweight change and biochemical parameters) of hydroethanol extract from Withania frutescens L. roots (WFRE). The chemical analysis was carried out using GC–MS after extract silylation. The chemical analysis identified many potentially active compounds that may determine the antidiabetic results of WFRE. The antidiabetic effect of WFRE was evaluated in mice with severe diabetes using oral administration of doses up to 400 mg/kg for 28 days. The results of the antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic tests indicate that WFRE possesses promising glucose-lowering effects and, as a result, it may serve as an antidiabetic alternative for long-term use. The 4-week treatments with different doses of plant extract did not alter the bodyweight appearance of the diabetic mice nor their biochemical parameters (AST and ALT). The findings obtained indicate that the studied plant extract controlled severe diabetes in mice. Therefore, Withania frutescens L. can serve society as it provides natural agents to control diabetes.

Phytochemical Identification, Acute, and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicity Studies of the Foliar Extract of Withania frutescens.

Withania frutescens (W. frutescens) is a medicinal plant widely used to treat several diseases. This work aims to study phytochemical composition as well as acute and subacute toxicity of W. frutescens hydroethanolic extract in mice. The phytochemical composition of W. frutescens extract was performed using gas chromatographic analysis. Acute toxicity was studied in vivo with oral administration of single doses 400 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. Subacute toxicity was studied with the administration of repeated doses of 400 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Phytochemical analysis of W. frutescens hydro-ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of interesting chemical compounds. Acute toxicity results showed no toxic symptoms in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg. Alongside acute toxicity, subacute data showed no clinical symptoms nor biochemical or histological alteration in mice treated with an increasing dose up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This study shows no toxic effects in animals treated with W. frutescens extract, and, therefore, this plant can be considered safe in animals up to 2000 mg/kg under both acute and subacute toxicity conditions.

Withania frutescens. L Extract: Phytochemical Characterization and Acute and Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Studies in Mice.

Background Withania frutescens. L (W. frutescens) is a perennial woody medicinal plant belonging to family Solanaceae largely used by the indigenous population to Morocco for the treatment of disease. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, acute, and subacute toxicity of W. frutescens extract in mice. Materials and Methods The phytochemical composition of W. frutescens extract was determined using a gas chromatograph (GC/MS). Acute toxicity study was carried out in mice through oral administration of single doses 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. Subacute toxicity was performed with oral administration of repeated doses 500 and 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine), as well as histopathological changes potentially occurred in organs, (liver, kidney, and spleen) were evaluated. Results The results of chromatographic analysis showed the richness of W. frutescens extract in interesting phytochemical compounds majorly constituted of bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene-(C10H16). Regarding acute toxicity study, the results showed no clinical symptoms occurred in treated mice compared to the control group and no histological changes detected in analyzed organs of treated mice with dose put to 2000 mg/kg nor adverse effect on biochemical parameters. Conclusion The outcome of this work showed no toxic effect of W. frutescens in mice up to dose 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. Therefore, this study could scientifically validate further traditional use with safety in the range of tested doses.

Withania frutescens: Chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities

AbstractWithania frutescens (W. frutescens) is a medicinal plant that is largely used in the Morrocan pharmacopeia for disease treatment. This work was conducted to investigate the chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities of W. frutescens. The chemical characterization of W. frutescens extract was done using HPLC; the anti-inflammatory test was performed with doses 300, 400 and 450 mg/kg, and the healing activity was assessed using two creams (extract 5% and extract 10%). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The results of the anti-inflammatory test were more pronounced when compared with the reference drug with a maximum inhibition percentage of 82.20% ± 8.69 obtained at the dose of 450 mg/kg. Local application of 10% plant cream induced 80.17% ± 7.89 of inflammation inhibition when compared with the indomethacin drug 92.33% ± 11.27. The studied plant extract showed a promising healing activity with the following percentage: 99.03% ± 0.76 (extract 10%), 98.61% ± 1.91 (extract 5%), and 57.43% ± 2.97 (control); meanwhile, the value reached to 100% ± 0.02 for the drug that was used as a reference within the first 2 weeks. The plant studied in this work would be a promising source for conceptualizing effective drugs against inflammatory diseases.

Valorization of the Pharmacological Potential of Phytochemical Compounds Contained in the Crude Extract of the Root of a Plant ofWithania frutescensL

Our present study focuses on the evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing activity ofWithania frutescensL. The anti-inflammatory result has an inhibition percentage of 78.87% ± 7.08 at 450 mg/kg and 75.14% ± 6.39 at 400 mg/kg and 89.75% ± 3.44 for diclofenac (1%). When applied locally, the 10% cream has an inflammation inhibition of 96.87% ± 5.85 and 76.14% ± 7.88 for the 5% cream with 89.87 ± 6.20 of reference (Indomethacin). The abdominal contractions of rats treated with the root extract are significantly lower than those of the control group that received only physiological NaCl solution, with 41.20 ± 2.30 for the extract and 82.20 ± 5.04 for NaCl and 53.40 ± 4.94 for the reference. The healing activity of the studied extract records a percentage of contraction of about 93.20% ± 3.36 (Extract 10%), 84.50% ± 3.84 (Extract 5%), 48.47% ± 2.15 (control) and 81.88 ± 2.24 for the reference.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of some Medicinal Plants Extracts Commonly Used in Algerian Traditional Medicine against some Pathogenic Bacteria

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of hydromethanolic extracts of Berberis vulgaris, Cassia angustifolia, Cinnamomum cassia, Cistus monspeliensis, Nigella sativa, Punica granatum, Rhus tripartata, Withania frutescens and Zingiber officinale against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative reference bacterial strains. Methods: The evaluation of antibacterial activity for different extracts of each plant was carried out using the disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: The plant extracts showed zone of inhibition ranging from 06.0 to 23.0 mm against one or more tested bacteria, and their efficacy in terms of MICs where ranged from 0.1 to 12.8 mg/mL. The Refluxed and Macerated extracts of these plants have shown relatively similar results in terms of diameters of inhibition and MICs. The extracts of B. vulgaris, C. monspeliensis and P. granatum demonstrated relatively high activity as compared to the other plant extracts mainly against S. aureus, E. faecalis and E. cloacae. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that hydromethanolic extracts of these plants have antibacterial activity against the different tested bacterial strains. This activity supports their use in treatment of infections caused by such resistant bacteria.

Evaluation of the Riverine Vegetation of Wadi Tafna in the Tlemcen Region (Western Algeria)

The vegetal landscape of riverine forest bordering streams of course, has a character linked to the high volatility of the intermittence of the latter. The watercourse temporary (wadis) are characterized by a vegetation and flora of Mediterranean type, (Tamarix, Nerium, Vitex, Phoenix...) in contrast to the permanent water courses at the level of the vegetation of leafy bed major European type, based mainly, poplar, ash or alder. In Western Algeria, the riverine forest vegetation is complex and fragile environments to several utilities. Latter by its diversity and these developed root systems will thus limit erosion of the banks and provide a stable structure to the formation. To identify and quantify the riverine forest on the Mediterranean coast in the South, especially in Western Algeria, we conducted surveys on land with an area of 100 m2 for each record, and then each species was conducted of two indices (abundance – dominance and sociability. The factorial analysis of correspondences has carried out us to classify these plant species according to the degree of salinity of the Wadi, the substrate and the slope. The riverine vegetation of wadi Tafna has been classified as follows: The so-called purely riverine forest vegetation is which are directly linked to the Wadi (in contact with the water and who are): Tamarix africana; Nerium oleander; Fragmites communis; Chenopodium album; Rumex bucephalophorus; etc. Vegetation low riverine forest is usually trained pre-forestieres species on siliceous substrate and are: Crateagus monogyna; Halimium halimifolium; Withania frutescens; Atriplex halimus; Acacia sp; Zygophyllum sp; Bryonia dioica; Calycotome intermedia; Suaeda sp. In conclusion, the inadequacy of our knowledge of the biology and ecology of vegetation riverine forest of our region requires multiscale study and multidisciplinary in order to better understand the structure and operation of all hydro-system. These phyto-sociological and phyto-dynamic data lead to classify these plants according to ecological factors of their site and understand its evolution and diversity through the study area.

Development of an optimized processing method for Withania frutescens

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal originates mainly from Northern and Southern India. Primarily the roots are used in the Ayurvedic medicine as tonic, sedative hypnotic, adstringent, diuretic, emetic, and aphrodisiac. In Europe, it is widely used in food supplements. Due to the many effects and uses of this plant, the analysis of the Withania somnifera and optimization of industrial processing is nowadays an important issue. In Europe W. frutescens is native, and may be interesting for industrial preparation due to its similar phytochemical profile to W. somnifera. The point of our research was to develop an effective extraction and hydrolysis method of the Withania frutescens leaves to optimize the industrial processing.

Cytotoxic withanolides from the leaves of Moroccan Withania frutescens

Context: Withania species are a rich source of interesting phytochemical substances (withanolides) which have shown several biological properties.Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic potential of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy (Solanaceae) leaf extracts and isolated active compounds against cultured tumor cell lines.Materials and methods: The crude methanol extract of W. frutescens leaves was partitioned with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. MeOH extract and its fractions were tested for their cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HT29) using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed for the active CH2Cl2 fraction employing column chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Structural elucidation of the isolated active compounds was carried out mainly by 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. The compounds were then tested for their cytotoxic activity.Results: The CH2Cl2 fraction was the most active against HT29 cell line. The fractionation procedure resulted in the isolation of 4β,17α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-22-R-witha-2,5,24-trienolide (1), 5β,6β-epoxy-4β,17α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (2) and 2,3-dihydroxywithaferin A-3β-O-sulfate (3). The latter exhibited the strongest cytotoxic activity against HT29 cancer cell lines (IC50 of 1.78 ± 0.09 µM) which was comparable to that of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used as the positive antimitotic control.Discussion and conclusion: Compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from W. frutescens for the first time. Data obtained suggest that the sulfated steroidal lactone (3) can be considered as a compound with potential application in the new anticancer drugs development field.

Anthropozoic impact on the floristic biodiversity in the area of Beni Saf (Algeria)

The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pressure which does not make it possible to keep balance between the exploitation of the natural resources and their regenerations in time and space. Following the example results obtained through a floristic study by the factorial analysis of correspondences (F A C), concerning the identification of anthropozoogenes species such as: Chamaerops humilis, Asphodelus microcarpus, Withania frutescens, Calycotome spinosa, Asparagus albus; furthermore, the calculation of the disturbance index which marks the rate of therophytisation which is about 68%, that one finds it very high. These indices show a disturbance and an imbalance of the plant formation of the zone of study, caused by the high anthropozoogene pressure. Vis-a-vis this threat, it is essential to propose a possibility of intervention for a durable management of these spaces.

Wastewater treatment by batch adsorption method onto micro-particles of dried Withania frutescens plant as a new adsorbent

A new adsorbent for removing metallic elements, nitrate and phosphate ions from municipal and industrial wastewaters has been investigated. This new adsorbent consists of micro-particles of dried Withania frutescens plant (<500 μm). Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal of metallic elements and anions from raw wastewaters by W. frutescens particles. The results show that the micro-particles of W. frutescens plant presented a good adsorption of metallic elements, nitrate and phosphate ions from both real wastewaters. This adsorption increased with increasing of contact time. The percentage of metallic elements removal from industrial wastewater by W. frutescens plant was 98 ≈ 99% for Pb(II), 92 ≈ 93% for Cd(II), 91 ≈ 92% for Cu(II) and 92 ≈ 93% for Zn(II). The maximum adsorption capacity was dependent on the type of ions. The results also indicate that the values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) decrease after the contact with W. frutescens particles. Based on the results it can be concluded that the dried W. frutescens plant appears to be an economical and environmentally friendly material for wastewater treatment.

Description of a new species of Dicyphus Fieber (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae) from Portugal based on morphological and molecular data

AbstractA new species of the plantbug genus Dicyphus (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae), D. umbertae Sanchez &amp; Cassis sp. n., from Portugal is described and the closely related species, Dicyphus cerastii Wagner is redescribed. Several body measurements were taken. Male and female genitalia of both species are illustrated. D. umbertae was found in several localities in Central and South of Portugal on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and Hyosciamus albus L. D. cerastii was found in southeast Spain on squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne), L. esculentum, Ononis natrix L., Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy and H. albus. The external morphology of the two species is very alike and measurements overlap. In the two species the aedeagus has a similar pair of prominent slightly arcuate sclerites, but the shape and setae on the left paramere are different. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using 381 bp fragments of Cytochrome b. Other dicyphine species were used as outgroups in the analyses: Dicyphus tamaninii Wagner, D. rubicundus Blöte, D. escalerae Lindberg, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter), Cyrtopeltis geniculata Fieber and Macrolophus sp. Several evolutionary models were explored under a maximum likelihood framework. The molecular analyses provided strong support for the species identity of the two sister species D. umbertae and D. cerastii.

Calystegine distribution in some solanaceous species

The distribution of eight calystegines (A 3, A 5, B 1, B 2, B 3, B 4, C 1 and N 1) and their content was investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in Datura metel, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus albus, Mandragora autumnalis, Solanum sodomaeum, Withania somnifera, Withania frutescens and Brunfelsia nitida. The most frequently encountered calystegines were A 3, B 1, B 2 and B 3, while distribution of N 1 and C 1 was more limited. In all the investigated samples, calystegines A 5 and B 4 were never detected. This report focuses for the first time on calystegines in Withania and Brunfelsia genera and in Mandragora autumnalis and Solanum sodomaeum species.

Does passage time through the lizard Podarcis lilfordi’s guts affect germination performance in the plant Withania frutescens?

I tested predictions of the hypothesis that a longer seed passage time through the gut of the lizard Podarcis lilfordi enhances germination performance in the plant Withania frutescens. I compared germination success and germination time between seeds that were ingested by lizards and control seeds that were not. I also explored relationships between natural variation in seed passage time and germination performance. Germination success did not differ between ingested (63 %) and non-ingested seeds (56 %); there was no significant relationship between germinability and retention time. Germination time did not differ between ingested and non-ingested seeds, and was unrelated to retention time. Hence, I found no support for the hypothesis that prolonged retention times should improve germination performance. In addition, this is a pilot study stressing the importance of reptiles as seed dispersers, at least in certain habitats. © 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS

Podarcis lilfordi from the Balearic islands as a potential disperser of the rare Mediterranean plant Withania frutescens

This study examines whether the lizard Podarcis lilfordi is a legitimate disperser of the rare Mediterranean plant Withania frutescens by using the biochemical test of triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride for testing seed viability. This lizard eats the fresh fruits of the plants and defecates intact seeds which have been retained 1 to 3 d in their gut. Viability of seeds recovered from faeces was very high and comparable to the viability of fresh seeds. Seed dispersal by this lizard in the Balearic islands may facilitate population expansion of this rare plant in the Balearics.

The protective and curative action of Withania frutescens leaf extract against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity

AbstractWe studied the protective and curative action of an ethanol extract of Withania frutescens leaves against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in terms of the LD50 of CCl4, the modification of Nembutal‐induced sleep, the action on bile flow, serum transaminase and hepatic fatty acids levels and a histopathological study of liver tissue. Curative action was assessed by measuring the duration of Nembutal‐induced sleep and with a histopathological study of liver tisue. The findings indicate that the leaf extract has both preventative and curative activity against CCL4‐induced liver damage.

Immunochemical Comparison of Glutamine Synthetases from Some Solanaceae Plants

The presence of different glutamine synthetase isoenzymes in different Solanaceae plants and their relative antigenicities against antiglutamine synthetase from tomato leaf serum were studied. All the plants tested showed one glutamine synthetase isoenzyme except for Mandragora autumnalis, which showed two, after discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and specific in situ assay. Antigenicities were compared by the double immunodiffusion technique. The Nicotiana glauca enzyme showed equal reactivity to that of Lycopersicon esculentum, but its antigenicity was higher than Withania frutescens, Datura stramonium, and Hyoscyamus niger. The study of relative antigenicities permitted differentiation of the glutamine synthetase enzymes from uncultivated species of Solanaceae.