Withania Somnifera Dunal Research Articles

Super Critical Fluid Extracted Fatty Acids from Withania somnifera Seeds Repair Psoriasis-Like Skin Lesions and Attenuate Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) Release.

(1) Background: Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha) is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional medicinal systems with extensive research on various plant parts. Surprisingly, seeds of W. somnifera have never been investigated for their therapeutic potential. (2) Methods: W. somnifera seeds were extracted for fatty acids (WSSO) using super critical fluid extraction, and was analyzed by gas chromatography. Its therapeutic potential in psoriasis-like skin etiologies was investigated using a 12-O tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced psoriatic mouse model. Psoriatic inflammation along with psoriatic lesions and histopathological scores were recorded. WSSO was also tested on murine macrophage (RAW264.7), human epidermoid (A431), and monocytic (THP-1) cells, stimulated with TPA or lipo poly-saccharide (LPS) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) release. NFκB promoter activity was also measured by luciferase reporter assay. (3) Results: Topical application of WSSO with concurrent oral doses significantly reduced inflammation-induced edema, and repaired psoriatic lesions and associated histopathological scores. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines release was observed in WSSO-treated A431 and THP-1 cells, along with reduced NFκB expression. WSSO also inhibited reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. (4) Conclusion: Here we show that the fatty acids from W. somnifera seeds have strong anti-inflammatory properties, along with remarkable therapeutic potential on psoriasis-like skin etiologies.

Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application.

Withania somnifera Dunal, also known as Indian ginseng, has been in use since ancient times in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy/effectiveness, safety and tolerability of W. somnifera in managing DM. Literature search (published/unpublished) was performed from inception to April 2019 in guidelines recommended databases. A total of 6 in-vitro, 13 pre-clinical and 5 clinical studies were included for systematic evaluation. W. somnifera treatment in DM significantly restored the altered levels of blood glucose (experimental data; mean difference, -196.27; 95% confidence interval [-220.96, -171.58]; p < .00001) glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, lipid profile, serum and oxidative stress markers with no safety concerns. The results suggest the potential role of W. somnifera in managing DM. However, the available clinical data are not considerably enough to provide novel and sufficiently robust evidence for the use of W. somnifera in managing DM. To further strength the anti-diabetic profile of W. somnifera, well-designed randomized-controlled trial(s) with a larger sample size and longer duration is warranted with evaluation of its effect primarily on blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin. Future research also needs to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of W. somnifera including its active principles in DM.

Effect of Mechanical, Chemical, Growth Hormone and Biofertilizer Treatments on Seed Quality Enhancement in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal)

The investigation on effect of mechanical, chemical, growth hormone and biofertilizer treatments on seed quality enhancement in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) was conducted at Department of Seed Science and Technology Laboratory, B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) with two varieties, viz., JA 134 and GAA 1. Seeds of both the varieties were treated with different scarification, growth hormones and biofertilizer treatments and their combined effect on germination and other seed quality attributes was studied. The effect of pre-sowing seed treatment with growth hormone GA3 (200 ppm), bio-fertilizer treatment Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria and varieties showed significant effect on germination per cent, seedling length and seedling vigour indices of aswagandha. The maximum germination per cent was attained by the GAA 1 compared to JA 134.

Efficacy of Brimhana Nasya and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root powder in primary insomnia in elderly male: A randomized open-label clinical study.

Background:Decreased ability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep with daytime effects of sleep deprivation is identified as primary insomnia. Elderly due to the predominant Vata Dosha in the body are easily affected by this problem. Brimhana Nasya (nourishing nasal drop) with Ksheera Bala Taila and oral administration of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root powder both are indicated in Ayurvedic classics for the management of insomnia.Aim:To determine the combined efficacy of oral administration of Ashwagandha root powder along with Brimhana Nasya with Ksheera Bala Taila in primary insomnia in geriatric.Materials and methods:This was randomized, open-label clinical study conducted at the hospital of Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College and Institute Bhopal. Randomly selected 60 elderly patients with primary insomnia were randomly divided into two groups (30 in each group). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the symptoms of primary insomnia. Relief in the subjective symptoms was assessed in percentage. Then, the statistical significance of result within the group was assessed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test and the comparative effect of therapy in both groups was assessed using Mann-Whitney test. Graph Pad InStat-3 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:On subjective sleep quality 86.66% relief with P < 0.0001, on sleep latency 60.02% improvement with P < 0.0001, improvement in sleep duration was reported in 89.15% of patients with P < 0.0001 and improvement in sleep efficiency was reported in 90.14% of patients with statistically extremely significant P < 0.0001 were observed in combined therapy group (Ksheera Bala Taila Brimhana Nasya along with oral administration of Ashwagandha root powder). While 38.66% improvement in sleep efficiency, 40.39% relief in sleep disturbances and 37.05% improvement on subjective sleep quality was reported in group B patients, i.e., Ashwagandha root powder group.Conclusion:In 30 days treatment combined therapy was found more effective in the management of primary insomnia in the elderly compared with Ashwagandha root powder alone.

Ashwagandha: A rasayana from ayurveda

The Rasayanas are rejuvenators, nutritional supplements and possess strong antioxidant activity. They also have antagonistic action on the oxidative stress which leads to the formation of different free radicals. One popular and highly valued herb in Ayurveda, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) is classified as a rasayana (rejuvenator) in various Ayurvedic classical texts. Various parts of the plant are used in the preparation of different Ayurvedic formulations and home remedy recipes to increase health and longevity. It provides defence against diseases, adverse environmental factors and helps to retard the ageing process. Ashwagandha exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties by tuning the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, central nervous system and sexual behaviour without any toxicity. The root has been used most frequently for therapeutic purposes and is a constituent of over 200 formulations in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. There are several reports to establish its immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, memory enhancing, anti-parkinsonian, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardiovascular, antioxidant, antitumor and adaptogenic properties. These properties are because of present of bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids and phytosterols in the plant. Present communication deals with traditional uses, phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Ashwagandha with special reference to its Rasayana properties.

Physiological performance, secondary metabolite profiling and photo oxidative tolerance in Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a high value medicinal plant. It synthesizes a large array of biologically active withanolides. The impact of photoperiod on morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and neuroactive constituent with anolides has been studied. In light treatments (blue light) one month old plants were exposed to different light regimes (8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h) with constant at 22 h with light intensity of 55 μmol. The light treatments significantly decreased stem length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight in all the treatments except 8 h and 12 h photoperiods, where there was marginal increase in stem length due to etiolation effect. Changes in leaf area, membrane stability and relative water content was also observed and decreased with stress. Total carbohydrates, protein, carotenoids, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and alkaloids were decreased. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) enhanced due to stress treatments. Withanolides were found to be higher in long photoperiod treated plants. W. somnifera was found to have protective defence mechanism against oxidative damage by maintaining higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

In vitro Plant Regeneration from Mature Seed Explants of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, an Important, Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plant

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal a member of the Solanaceae family, is a traditional medicinal plant commonly known in India as Ashwagandha. It is used for different diseases such as hiccup, cough, rheumatism, tuberculosis, and exhibits excellent antitumor and anti-bacterial activities as well. Direct organogenesis of plants using mature seeds provides faster response and is also a time saving approach, thus the present study was conducted to investigate the optimal concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators with MS medium for the establishment of an efficient regeneration system in W. somnifera using mature seed as an explant. Therefore, an efficient in vitro protocol for high frequency regeneration has been developed using mature seeds as explant. In the present study, the multiple shoots along with embryogenic callus induction was best seen in MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.5 mg/L) and IAA (0.5 mg/L). Furthermore, MS medium fortified with GA3 (0.3 mg/L) and IBA (3.0 mg/L) alone was suited for shoot elongation and rhizogenesis respectively. The rooted plantlets were hardened and successfully established in the soil. The establishment of a highly reproducible regeneration system would greatly influence the efforts of improvement of the hereby studied medicinal plant species through useful gene transfer technology.

Chemical Constituents of Egyptian Withania Somnifera Leaves and Fruits and their Anticholinesterase Activity

Seven compounds were isolated from the leaves and fruits of Egyptian Withania somnifera dunal, (Family: Solanaceae). The identity of the compounds based on their spectroscopic data were as follows: two withanolides; withaperuvin C (1), phyperunolideF (2) and four lipids;1,2-di-O-palmitoyl-3-O-(6´´´-sulfo-α-D-quinovopyranosyl)-glycerol (3), vaccenic acid (5), 1,3 dicaproyl,2-vaccenoyl-glycerol (6), vaccenolymonoglyceride (7) and β-sitosterol glucoside (4). All the isolated metabolites except (4) were reported for the first time from this plant. Besides, this is the first report for isolation of compounds (6, 7) in a pure form from a natural source. Different fractions of the fruits of the Egyptian plant were investigated for their anticholinesterase activities where the most potent ones found to be the aqueous, the light petroleum fraction in addition to a mixture of lipids.

Pharmacological Effects of withanolides

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Family, Solanaceae) commonly known as Ashwgandha or winter cherry is one of the top medicinal herbs used in Ayurveda-the holistic system of Indian medicine.

Withaninsams A and B: Phenylpropanoid Esters from the Roots of Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera).

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae), known as Indian ginseng or ashwagandha, has been used in Indian Ayurveda for the treatment of a variety of disorders, such as diabetes and reproductive and nervous system disorders. It is particularly used as a general health tonic, analgesic, and sedative. As part of continuing projects to discover unique bioactive natural products from medicinal plants, phytochemical investigation of the roots of W. somnifera combined with a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based analysis has led to the isolation of two novel phenylpropanoid esters, Withaninsams A (1) and B (2), as an inseparable mixture, along with three known phenolic compounds (3, 4, and 6) and a pyrazole alkaloid (5). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic methods, including one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESIMS). Withaninsams A (1) and B (2) are phenylpropanoid esters that contain a side chain, 4-methyl-1,4-pentanediol unit. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report on phenylpropanoid esters with 4-methyl-1,4-pentanediol unit. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds (1–6) was evaluated by determining their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, where compound 3 inhibited LPS-induced NO production (IC50 = 33.3 μM) and TNF-α production, a pro-inflammatory cytokine (IC50 = 40.9 μM). The anti-inflammatory mechanism through the inhibition of transcriptional iNOS protein expression was confirmed by western blotting experiments for the active compound 3, which showed decreased iNOS protein expression.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.): A review

Approaches for studying antimicrobial susceptibility and discovering new antimicrobial agents from the plants and other natural sources have been extensively utilized. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, commonly known as Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a popular medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine. The principal active compounds include several withanolide-type compounds. Various plant parts, like roots and less often leaves and fruits of Ashwagandha, have been used as plant-derived medicines. The plant possesses various pharmacological activities including antimicrobial activity. Many bacterial and fungal species have been used as a test microorganism for the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of extracts and purified compounds of various plant parts of Ashwagandha. In this article, we tried to compile and to discuss the information about the antimicrobial activity of W. somnifera. This will provide the platform for the researchers to select plants, plant parts, solvent system, test microorganisms, method of evaluation and other related factors affecting the analysis.

An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background:Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is a herb traditionally used to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate its anxiolytic effects on adults with self-reported high stress and to examine potential mechanisms associated with its therapeutic effects.Methods:In this 60-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the stress-relieving and pharmacological activity of an ashwagandha extract was investigated in stressed, healthy adults. Sixty adults were randomly allocated to take either a placebo or 240 mg of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden) once daily. Outcomes were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21), and hormonal changes in cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), and testosterone.Results:All participants completed the trial with no adverse events reported. In comparison with the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the HAM-A (P = .040) and a near-significant reduction in the DASS-21 (P = .096). Ashwagandha intake was also associated with greater reductions in morning cortisol (P < .001), and DHEA-S (P = .004) compared with the placebo. Testosterone levels increased in males (P = .038) but not females (P = .989) over time, although this change was not statistically significant compared with the placebo (P = .158).Conclusions:These findings suggest that ashwagandha's stress-relieving effects may occur via its moderating effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, further investigation utilizing larger sample sizes, diverse clinical and cultural populations, and varying treatment dosages are needed to substantiate these findings.Trial registration:Clinical Trials Registry—India (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2017/08/009449; date of registration 22/08/2017)

Characterization of Withania somnifera chloroplast genome and its comparison with other selected species of Solanaceae

Withania somnifera (L) Dunal, a wonder herb of family Solanaceae, has multiple medicinal properties. Here, we reported the chloroplast genome sequence of Withania somnifera (154,386 bp) which comprises of a large single copy region (85,688 bp), and a small single copy region (18,464 bp), separated by a pair of large inverted repeats (25,117 bp). The chloroplast genome has 132 genes including 86 protein-coding, 37 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. Comparison of chloroplast genomes of Withania somnifera with four other Solanaceae species revealed similarities in genomic features, including structure, nucleotide content, codon usage, RNA editing sites, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), oligonucleotide repeats, and tandem repeats. We identified 147 simple sequence repeats in protein-coding, and 229 in non-protein-coding regions. We observed numerous post-transcriptional substitutions of Serine to Leucine, specifically at the second nucleotide position of the codon. Maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony tree reconstructed displayed Withania somnifera a sister taxon of Physalis peruviana.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal ameliorates neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with systemic inflammation

BackgroundSystemic inflammation driven neuroinflammation is an event which correlates with pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, targeting peripheral and central inflammation simultaneously could be a promising approach for the management of these diseases. Nowadays, herbal medicines are emerging as potent therapeutics against various brain pathologies. Therefore, in this contemporary study, the neuroprotective activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) was elucidated against the inflammation associated neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments induced by systemic LPS administration using in vivo rat model system.MethodsTo achieve this aim, young adult wistar strain male albino rats were randomized into four groups: (i) Control, (ii) LPS alone, (iii) LPS + ASH-WEX, (iv) ASH-WEX alone. Post regimen, the animals were subjected to Rotarod, Narrow Beam Walking and Novel Object Recognition test to analyze their neuromuscular coordination, working memory and learning functions. The rats were then sacrificed to isolate the brain regions and expression of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity and cell survival was studied using Western blotting and Quantitative real time PCR. Further, neuroprotective potential of ASH-WEX and its active fraction (FIV) against inflammatory neurodegeneration was studied and validated using in vitro model system of microglial conditioned medium–treated neuronal cultures and microglial-neuronal co-cultures.ResultsOrally administered ASH-WEX significantly suppressed the cognitive and motor-coordination impairments in rats. On the molecular basis, ASH-WEX supplementation also regulated the expression of various proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell survival. Since microglial-neuronal crosstalk is crucial for maintaining CNS homeostasis, the current study was further extended to ascertain whether LPS–mediated microglial activation caused damage to neurons via direct cell to cell contact or through secretion of inflammatory mediators. ASH-WEX and FIV pretreatment was found to restore neurite outgrowth and protect neurons from apoptotic cell death caused by LPS-induced neuroinflammation in both activated microglial conditioned medium–treated neuronal cultures as well as microglial-neuronal co-cultures.ConclusionThis extensive study using in vivo and in vitro model systems provides first ever pre-clinical evidence that ASH-WEX can be used as a promising natural therapeutic remedial for the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments associated with peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation.

Gene Silencing and Over-Expression Studies in Concurrence With Promoter Specific Elicitations Reveal the Central Role of WsCYP85A69 in Biosynthesis of Triterpenoids in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) synthesizes a wide spectrum of triterpenoids that are produced via an intricate isoprenoid pathway whose biosynthetic and regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Their pharmacological examination position them as potent bioactive molecules, hence demanding their copious production. Previous investigations have revealed that P450 monooxygenases are pivotal enzymes involved in the biosynthetic machinery of various metabolites and assist in decorating their core skeletal structures. The present study entails the isolation and functional characterization of castasterone synthase (CYP85A69) from W. somnifera. The full length WsCYP85A69, having an open reading frame of 1413 bp, encodes 470 amino acid residues. Further, in vitro conversion of 6-deoxocastasterone into castasterone validated its oxidative functionality. Product formation was confirmed using LC-PDA-MS with a m/z value of 506 [M+ACN]+. In planta transient over-expression of WsCYP85A69 significantly enhanced castasterone, stigmasterol and withanolides (WS-I, WS-II, WS-III). Artificial micro-RNA mediated silencing of WsCYP85A69 resulted in the reduced accumulation of castasterone, stigmasterol and withanolides (WS-I, WS-II, WS-III). Altogether, these non-complementary approaches plausibly suggest a key role of WsCYP85A69 in the biosynthesis of castasterone and the accumulation of withanolides and stigmasterol. Furthermore, a promoter analysis of WsCYP85A69 resulted in the identification of several potential cis-regulatory elements. Elicitations, given on the basis of identified cis-regulatory elements, demonstrated methyl jasmonate as an effective inducer of WsCYP85A69. Overall, these empirical findings suggest that functional characterization of WsCYP85A69 may conceivably be helpful to unravel the mechanism of brassinosteroids biosynthesis and could also pave the way for targeted metabolic engineering.

Withania somnifera root powder protects againist post-traumatic stress disorder-induced memory impairment.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is precipitated by exposure to severe traumatic events such as wars, natural disasters, catastrophes, or other traumatic events. Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal (family: Solanaceae) known traditionally as "Ashwaghanda" is used widely in ayurvedic medicine, and known to have positive role in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, WS effect on impairment of memory due to PTSD was studied in animal models. Single-prolonged stress rat model, which consisted of restrain for 2h, forced swimming for 20min, rest for 15min, and diethyl ether exposure for 1-2min, was used to induce PTSD animals. The WS root powder extract was administered orally at a dose of 500mg/kg/day. The radial arm water maze (RAWM) was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Enzymatic assays were used to evaluate changes in oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus following treatments. The result showed that PTSD resulted in short- and long- term memory impairments. Administration of WS prevented this impairment of memory induced by PTSD. Furthermore, WS prevented PTSD induced changes in oxidative stress biomarker in the hippocampus. For quality assessment, the methanolic extract for WS was subjected to UHPLC analysis. A calibration curve for isowithanone as a marker compound was constructed. WS roots content of isowithanone was found to be 0.23% (w/w). In conclusion, WS administration prevented PTSD induced memory impairment probably through preserving changes in antioxidant mechanisms in the hippocampus.

Penicillium setosum, a new species from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

ABSTRACTMedicinal plants are considered as sources of novel and unexplored groups of endophytic microorganisms. A study on endophytic fungal species from the medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal resulted in the isolation of a Penicillium isolate (WSR 62) with antibiotic activity. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate belongs to section Lanata-divaricata, and it is most closely related to P. javanicum. Subsequent detailed phylogenetic analyses using partial β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (RPB2) gene sequences of a larger number of related strains revealed the distinctiveness of the isolate in the P. javanicum-clade. The isolate grows fast on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA) and malt extract agar (MEA) incubated at 25°C, 30°C and 37°C. The obverse colony colour is dominated by the conspicuous production of cleistothecia and is greyish yellow on CYA and yellowish brown on MEA. Production of cleistothecia containing prominent spinose ascospores was present on all tested agar media. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and the phenotypic characterisation, strain WSR 62 from Withania is described here as a novel species named Penicillium setosum.

Meiotic correlations and bound arm associations between the diploid and autotetraploid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, and implications on genetic stability

Artificial polyploidy could be an important means of genetic enhancement in the species where plant biomass is the source of economic product. However, success of polyploidy approach becomes limited if the seeds are the principal means of reproduction, since the seeds so produced could be genetically imbalanced owing to disturbances in meiosis. The present study provides an illustrated account of successful induction of autotetraploidy, morphometric details of the induced polyploid, and its stability over generations through seed progenies in an important medicinal plant, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (fam. Solanaceae). Meiotic analyses of the progenitor diploid and its derived autotetraploid revealed that the induced tetraploid sports high bivalent pairing in the C0 generation and its subsequent enhancement over subsequent generations (C1, C2), coupled with reduced genetic segregation. Detailed analysis of meiotic configurations show that low chiasmate association in the progenitor diploid facilitates high bivalent pairing in the autotetraploid, and thus balanced meiosis and improved seed fertility in the tetraploid. Further, the perennial breeding habit of W. somnifera and tetrasomic pattern of inheritance in the induced tetraploid offer a unique opportunity for fixation of heterozygosity by way of using C0 as a the nuclear stock to realize C1 seeds for propagation without losing polyploid heterosis.

Phytotoxicity Test to Check the Effectiveness of Mycoremediation to Support Seed Germination and Plant Growth in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Phytotoxicity Test to Check the Effectiveness of Mycoremediation to Support Seed Germination and Plant Growth in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Traditional phytomedicines for gynecological problems used by tribal communities of Mohmand Agency near the Pak-Afghan border area

Medicinal plants play a vital role in the human health care system of tribal communities and in the treatment of various gynecological problems. This study is an effort to document important medicinal flora used for the treatment of gynecological problems by indigenous people living in a tribal region near the Pak-Afghan border. The main objective of the study was to establish a clear profile of indigenous knowledge and practices from the unexplored tribal territory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. The data were analyzed through Use Value and Factor of Informant Consensus. A total of 52 medicinal plants were recorded from the area; the most widely accepted were Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (94 Use Value), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (93 Use Value), Prunus domestica L. (91 Use Value), Myrtus communis L. (91 Use Value), Cannabis sativa L. (91 Use Value) and Nigella sativa L. (90 Use Value). A high consensus factor was recorded for menses-related problems (0.95). The root was the main part used (23% plants), followed by the leaves (20% plants), whole plant (18% plants), fruit (18% plants), and seed (13% plants). A total of 21 plants were used to treat menses-related problems, followed by sexual problems (ten plants), leucorrhea (nine plants), gastric problems (seven plants) and amenorrhea (seven plants). Knowledge related to ethnogynecological treatments is restricted to midwives and traditional healers. In conclusion, the documented flora that is particularly important to medicinal plants may be researched in the future to discover new pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and other pharmacological agents against gynecological complaints.