Withania Somnifera Root Extract Research Articles

Acute and sub-chronic oral GLP toxicity of Withania somnifera root extract in Sprague Dawley rats.

Withania somnifera (WS) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used against several ailments. The medicinal properties of WS are ascribed to existence of secondary metabolites which are in great demand in herbal nutraceutical industry. Despite well-known therapeutic effects of WS, it is necessary to assess preclinical toxicity of WS plant on rats and further explore its potential application against treatment of various disorders in humans. Theexisting study assessed oral acute and sub-chronic toxicities of WS root extract in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (male and female) for 14 and 90days, respectively under OECD-423 and -408 guidelines as well as GLP compliance. In acute toxicity, rats of either sex were orally fed a dose of 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, animals were orally administered repeated doses of WS root extract at 250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg for 90days with an additional 14-day recovery period. Two more groups (n=5 animals each) receiving vehicle and 1,000 mg/kg of WS root extract for 90days were also observed. In acute toxicity, the results revealed that LD50 of WS root extract in SD rats was higher than 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, oral administration of extract for 90days showed no significant toxicological changes in rats. Haematological and serum chemistry markers were found within normal range. Terminal necropsy showed no gross or histopathological outcomes. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of WS root extract was 1,000 mg/kg body weight, and safe to use at this dose in rats.

Acute and sub-chronic oral GLP toxicity of Withania somnifera root extract in Sprague Dawley rats.

Withania somnifera (WS) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used against several ailments. The medicinal properties of WS are ascribed to existence of secondary metabolites which are in great demand in herbal nutraceutical industry. Despite well-known therapeutic effects of WS, it is necessary to assess preclinical toxicity of WS plant on rats and further explore its potential application against treatment of various disorders in humans. Theexisting study assessed oral acute and sub-chronic toxicities of WS root extract in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (male and female) for 14 and 90days, respectively under OECD-423 and -408 guidelines as well as GLP compliance. In acute toxicity, rats of either sex were orally fed a dose of 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, animals were orally administered repeated doses of WS root extract at 250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg for 90days with an additional 14-day recovery period. Two more groups (n=5 animals each) receiving vehicle and 1,000 mg/kg of WS root extract for 90days were also observed. In acute toxicity, the results revealed that LD50 of WS root extract in SD rats was higher than 2,000 mg/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity, oral administration of extract for 90days showed no significant toxicological changes in rats. Haematological and serum chemistry markers were found within normal range. Terminal necropsy showed no gross or histopathological outcomes. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of WS root extract was 1,000 mg/kg body weight, and safe to use at this dose in rats.

Fabrication of cobalt oxide nanosheets using Withania somnifera root extract for degradation of organic pollutants

In today’s scenario, material science emerges as pivotal players, as it is an emerging and fast-growing interdisciplinary field. Nanomaterials are increasingly popular among researchers due to their unique physicochemical properties and multifaceted applications. Recently, researchers are exploring more sustainable approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials due to its numerous advantages. In this context, present investigation reports an approach for the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanosheets (Co3O4 NSs). This approach leverages environmentally friendly and sustainable methods, minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals and reducing energy consumption. Hence it involved Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root extract as a greener reductant as well as stabilizing agent. The synthesized Co3O4 NSs were thoroughly analyzed using various techniques, including ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). A sharp absorption peak at 252 nm with a tail towards higher wavelength reveal the formation of Co3O4 NSs. The diffraction pattern reveals a face centered cubic structure of Co3O4 NSs. Morphological studies confirmed the substantial surface area of Co3O4 NSs which enable us to perform the catalytic degradation of azo dye, i.e., methyl orange. It provides that 10 mg of Co3O4 NSs is sufficient to degrade a 10 ppm aqueous methyl orange solution by 75.82 % in the dark and by 96.12 % under sunlight exposure. Thus, this study offers an excellent pathway for the synthesis of Co3O4 NSs and demonstrates their potential as a promising material for future catalytic applications.

Assessing the Efficacy and Biological Benefits of Withanolide-rich Withania somnifera Root Extract

The medicinal plant Withania somnifera, usually referred to as Ashwagandha, is a member of the Solanaceae family. The presence of Withanolides in the roots is responsible for a number of pharmacological effects in Ashwagandha. Withanolides have been demonstrated to be an effective neuronal, immune, anti-stress, and anti-cancer agent. However, Withanolides demonstrated limited permeability, lowering the bioavailability and efficacy of active compounds. The goal of the study was to ascertain the biological efficacy of Ashwagandha Composition, a blend of W. somnifera milk extract and water extract (1:1) with a high concentration of Withanolides (3-5%), at lower dosages with improved bioabsorption compared to pure Ashwagandha Hydro ethanolic extracts fortified with 2.5% withanolides. The W. somnifera Composition was assessed for its bioabsorption and bioefficacy by exploring its intestinal absorption capacity, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition (82%), antioxidant potential (91%), glutathione reduction potential (15.6%), anti-inflammatory activity (87.2%), and anti-cancer activity. Additionally, Ashwagandha Composition was also evaluated for its safety profile. We found W. somnifera Composition (1:1) is more bioavailable and showed higher biological activity than the Ashwagandha Hydro ethanolic extract fortified with 2.5% withanolides (Ashwagandha extract). Hence, the W. somnifera a Composition can be used as a therapeutic medication once its safety concerns are addressed by in vivo trials.

Adaptogen Technology for Skin Resilience Benefits

(1) Background: Skin undergoes constant changes, providing capabilities to repair and renovate its constituents once damaged and a fundamental shield to contrast environmental stress. Nevertheless, environmental stressors may overcome the skin’s protective potential inducing premature aging and accelerating the appearance of anaesthetic age-related skin aspects. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and pollutants (particulate matters, PAHs) contribute to skin aging and functional decline inducing harmful oxidative modifications of macromolecules and stress-related skin disorders. Innovative approaches to preserve skin are needed. (2) Methods: Skin keratinocytes were treated (or not) with a combination of ingredients (Lactobacillus plantarum extract, Withania somnifera root extract and Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract; “MIX”) in the presence or absence of stress (oxidative stress or pollution). The effects of the MIX adaptogen technology on (a) cellular resilience, (b) the regulation of cellular functions and (c) regeneration of skin were disclosed through expression proteomics and bioinformatics analyses first, and then through focused evaluations of protein carbonylation as a hallmark of oxidative stress’ deleterious impact and mitochondrial activity. (3) Results: The deleterious impact of stressors was evidenced, as well as the beneficial effects of the MIX through (a) mitochondrial activity preservation, (b) the “vigilance” of the NRF2 pathway activation, (c) NADPH production and protein homeostasis improvements, (d) preserving skin regeneration function and I the contrasting stress-induced oxidation (carbonylation) of mitochondrial and nuclear proteins. (4) Conclusions: The effects of the MIX on increasing cell adaptability and resilience under stress suggested a beneficial contribution in precision cosmetics and healthy human skin by acting as an adaptogen, an innovative approach that may be employed to improve resistance to harmful stress with a potential favourable impact on skin homeostasis.

Withania somnifera extract reduces gastric cancerous properties through inhibition of gankyrin in cellular milieu produced by Helicobacter pylori and Epstein Barr virus

Helicobacter pylori and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are group1 carcinogens and their role in Gastric cancer (GC) is well established. Previously we have shown that H. pylori and EBV appears to support aggressive gastric oncogenesis through the upregulation of oncoprotein Gankyrin. Natural plant active molecules have the potential to interrupt oncogenesis. Herein, we investigated the potential of Withania somnifera root extract (WSE) as a possible chemotherapeutic agent against host oncoprotein Gankyrin whose expression was altered by H. pylori and EBV-associated modified cellular milieu. The results show that WSE does not have any inhibitory effect on H. pylori and EBV-associated gene transcripts except for the lmps (lmp1, lmp2a, and lmp2B). Moreover, the WSE exert their anticancer activity via host cellular response and decreased the expression of cell-migratory (mmp3 and mmp7); cell-cycle regulator (pcna); antiapoptotic gene (bcl2); increased the expression of the proapoptotic gene (apaf1 and bax); and tumor suppressor (p53, prb, and pten). Knockdown of Gankyrin followed by the treatment of WSE also decreases the expression of TNF-ɑ, Akt, and elevated the expression of NFkB, PARP, Casp3, and Casp9. WSE also reduces cell migration, and genomic instability and forced the cells to commit programmed cell death. Moreover, molecular simulation studies revealed that out of eight active compounds of WSE, only four compounds such as withaferin A (WFA), withanoside IV (WA4), withanolide B (WNB), and withanolide D (WND) showed direct stable interaction with Gankyrin. This article reports for the first time that treatment of WSE decreased the cancerous properties through host cellular response modulation in gastric epithelial cells coinfected with H. pylori and EBV. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Withania somnifera inhibits photorefractoriness which triggers neuronal apoptosis in both pre-optic and paraventricular hypothalamic area of Coturnix coturnix japonica: involvement of oxidative stress induced p53 dependent Caspase-3 mediated low immunoreactivity of estrogen receptor alpha.

Light has a very important function in the regulation of the normal physiology including the neuroendocrine system, biological rhythms, cognitive behavior, etc. The variation in photoperiod acts as a stressor due to imbalance in endogenous hormones. Estrogen and its receptors ER alpha and beta play a vital role in the control of stress response in birds. The study investigates the estrogenic effects of a well-known medicinal plant Withania somnifera (WS), mediated by estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the hypothalamic pre-optic area (POA) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN). Further the study elucidates its anti-oxidants and anti-apoptotic activities in the brain of Japanese quail. To validate this hypothesis, mature male quails were exposed to long day length for 3months and then transferred to intermediate day length to become photorefractory (PR) while controls were still continued under long daylength. Supplementation of WS root extract in PR quail increases plasma estrogen and lowers corticosterone. Further, in PR quail the variation in light downregulates immunoreactivity of ERα, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities i.e. superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain. Neuronal apoptosis was observed in the POA and PVN of PR quail as indicated by the abundant expression of Caspase-3 and p53 which reduces after the administration of WS root extract. The neuronal population also found to decrease in PR although it increased in WS administered quails. Further, the study concluded that change in photoperiod from 3months exposure of 16L: 8D to 13.5L: 10.5D directly activates neuronal apoptosis via expression of Caspase3 and p53 expression in the brain and increases neuronal and gonadal oxidative stress while WS root extract reverses them via enhanced estrogen and its receptor ERα expression in the hypothalamic pre-optic and PVN area of Japanese quail.

Cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera root in combination with doxycycline in rotenone induced cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cell lines

Introduction and Aim: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that destroys dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal area of the midbrain this results in a movement difficulty characterised by tremors, bradykinesia, and postural instability The present in vitro study is designed to assess the beneficial (cytoprotectant and anti-inflammatory) and cyto-toxicological effects of ethanolic Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract (EWSR) in presence of Rotenone (ROT) and other known neuroprotectants (Doxycycline and Ellagic acid). Materials and Methods: The nine groups used in the in vitro studies were normal control, positive control (Rotenone or Rot), W. somnifera root extract (EWSR), Doxycycline (Doxy), Ellagic acid (EA), ROT with EWSR, ROT with doxy, ROT with EA, ROT with EWSR-doxy, and ROT with EWSR-doxy-EA. The EWSR, doxy and EA treatment was started on the 24th hour following the rotenone administration and continued for the next 36 hours. After the 36th hour of protective therapy, quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines (ELISA), cell viability or analyses of neuronal cell loss, cell cycle analysis and molecular analysis (RTPCR) was performed as a part of assessment. Results: Observations from the present in vitro studies clearly demonstrate the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of EWSR, and these beneficial or protective effects got enhanced when treated in combination with Doxy and EA indicating synergistic effect in the cells that were priorly treated with ROT, and later treated with EWSR, Doxy, and EA individually and in combination. Conclusion: The findings imply that EWSR reduces the in vitro effects of ROT by acting as an anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agent.

Effect of Withania Somnifera (L.) root extract\'s on PC12 induced by hydrogen peroxide, study

The L. is also used as a crude medicament that mostly effected in various neurological and immunological disorders. It is also known as Ashwagandha and “Indian ginseng” in Indian region. There is a lack of information on the possible neuroprotective properties of W. somnifera root against HO- and Ab(1-42)-induced cytotoxicity, which are now targeted for innovative treatments for dementia, particularly dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). According to this research, we prepared an aqueous extract of dried roots of W. somnifera that possess the protective effect against Ab- aggregated fibril and HO cytotoxicity through MTT assay with the help of differentiated rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell. The findings indicate that, in a concentration-dependent manner, pretreatment of differentiated PC12 cells with aqueous extracts of W. somnifera root strongly protects differentiated PC12 cells against both H2O2- and Ab(1-42)-induced cytotoxicity. The W. somnifera extract was examined using liquid chromatography-serial mass spectrometry in order to look into the substances that could be responsible for the effects that were seen. Withanolide derivatives, notably withaferin A, were found in abundance. These findings support the hypothesis that W. somnifera may be used ethnopharmacologically to treat oxidative stress-related cognitive and other neurodegenerative illnesses. They also show the neuroprotective activities of an aqueous extract of W. somnifera root.

Protective role of Withania somnifera root extract on lipid peroxidation of Erythrocytes

Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an important medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine. It is also known as Indian ginseng. It exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory activities. In the present study, we studied the free radical scavenging activity of Withania Somnifera root extract. The radical scavenging effect of the extract was studied by its effect on hydroxy radicals generated by Fe-ascorbate-H2O2 system. Our results showed that Withania Somnifera root extract (1-10,000 µg/ ml) resulted in a significant dose dependent increase in percent inhibition of hydroxylation. Further, we studied the in vitro effect of Withania Somnifera root extract on Lipid peroxidation in terms of MDA level of human erythrocytes. Our results showed a significant dose dependent decrease in lipid peroxidation at a concentration of (1-1000 µg/ ml) as evident by decrease in level of MDA. Maximum effect was observed at 100-1000 µg/ ml. Withania Somnifera root extract thus can act as a potential antioxidant containing compound and protects erythrocytes from oxidative damage by either directly scavenging the free radical, sparing it or activating other enzymatic processes. At higher concentration (10,000 µg/ ml), Withania Somnifera extract increased the oxidative stress as evident from erythrocyte MDA level which became significantly more than the maximum effect shown at 1000 µg/ ml of extract.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Withanosides and Withanolides from Withania somnifera Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).

Withania somnifera is a traditional Indian herb described under the ‘Rasayana’ class in Ayurveda, which gained immense popularity as a dietary supplement in the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Indian domestic market. Despite enormous research on the pharmacological effect of withanosides and withanolides, bioanalytical method development and pharmacokinetics remained challenging and unexplored for these constituents due to isomeric and isobaric characteristics. In current research work, molecular descriptors, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity prediction (ADMET) of these constituents were performed using Molinspiration and admetSAR tools. A rapid, selective, and reproducible bioanalytical method was developed and validated for seven withanosides and withanolides as per USFDA/EMA guidelines, further applied to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of Withania somnifera root extract (WSE) constituents in male Sprague Dawley rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Additionally, an ex vivo permeability study was carried out to explore the absorption pattern of withanosides and withanolides from the intestinal lumen. In silico, ADMET revealed oral bioavailability of withanosides and withanolides following Lipinski’s rules of five with significant absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Upon oral administration of WSE, Cmax was found to be 13.833 ± 3.727, 124.415 ± 64.932, 57.536 ± 7.523, and 7.283 ± 3.341 ng/mL for withanoside IV, withaferin A, 12-Deoxy-withastramonolide, and withanolide A, respectively, with Tmax of 0.750 ± 0.000, 0.250 ± 0.000, 0.291 ± 0.102, and 0.333 ± 0.129 h. Moreover, at a given dose, withanoside V, withanolide B, and withanone were detected in plasma; however, the concentration of these constituents was found below LLOQ. Thus, these four major withanoside and withanolides were quantified in plasma supported by ex vivo permeation data exhibiting a time-dependent absorption of withanosides and withanolides across the intestinal barrier. These composite findings provide insights to design a clinical trial of WSE as a potent nutraceutical.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rhodiola imbricata and Withania somnifera root extract and their potential catalytic, antioxidant, cytotoxic and growth-promoting activities.

This study presents the development of a sustainable production process of environmentally benign silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous root extract of Rhodiola imbricata (RI) and Withania somnifera (WS) for mitigating environmental pollution and investigating their potential applications in agriculture and biomedical industry. RIWS-AgNPs were characterized using several analytical techniques (UV-Vis, DLS, HR-TEM, SAED, EDX and FTIR). The antioxidant and anticancer activity of RIWS-AgNPs were estimated by DPPH and MTT assay, respectively. UV-Vis and DLS analysis indicated that equal ratio of RIWS-extract and silver nitrate (1:1) is optimum for green synthesis of well-dispersed AgNPs (λmax: 430nm, polydispersity index: 0.179, zeta potential: -17.9 ± 4.14). HR-TEM and SAED analysis confirmed the formation of spherical and crystalline RIWS-AgNPs (37-42nm). FTIR analysis demonstrated that the phenolic compounds are probably involved in stabilization of RIWS-AgNPs. RIWS-AgNPs showed effective catalytic degradation of hazardous environmental pollutant (4-nitrophenol). RIWS-AgNPs treatment significantly increased the growth and photosynthetic pigments of Hordeum vulgare in a size- and dose-dependent manner (germination (77%), chlorophyll a (12.62 ± 0.07μg/ml) and total carotenoids (7.05 ± 0.04μg/ml)). The DPPH assay demonstrated that RIWS-AgNPs exert concentration-dependent potent antioxidant activity (IC50: 12.30μg/ml, EC50: 0.104mg/ml, ARP: 959.45). Moreover, RIWS-AgNPs also confer strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cancer cell line in dose-dependent manner (cell viability: 9.51 ± 1.55%). Overall, the present study for the first time demonstrated a green technology for the synthesis of stable RIWS-AgNPs and their potential applications in biomedical and agriculture industry as phytostimulatory, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Moreover, RIWS-AgNPs could potentially be used as a green alternative for environmental remediation.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract counteract acute and chronic impact of γ-radiation on liver and spleen of rats.

The exposure to ionizing radiation has become inescapably because of increased dependence on radiation to execute works in different fields and also its influences on biological systems. Thus, the current study aimed at examination of the radio-protective effect of the natural ashwagandha (Ag) against acute and chronic doses of γ-radiation on liver and spleen of rats. The impact of Ag was inspected in rats exposed to acute exposure of 8Gy (single dose) or to chronic exposure of 8Gy (2Gy every other day for 4 times). The data obtained reveals significant amelioration of the redox status (MDA, GSH and ROS) in spleen and liver tissues of rats treated with Ag and exposed to the 2-different modes of γ-radiation. Besides, the changes in inflammatory responses assessed by measurements of IL-17, IL-10 and α7-nAchR are less pronounced in rats received Ag and γ-radiation compared to irradiated rats. Further, the measurements of tissues structural damage markers (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1) pointed to benefit of Ag against γ-radiation. The histopathological investigation of spleen and liver tissues confirmed this ameliorating action of Ag counter to γ-radiation hazards. It could be suggested that Ashwagandha could exerts radio-protective influences because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Antibacterial activity of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract

Biosynthesis (green synthesis) of metal nanoparticles such as Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been oneof the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method in recent years. In this research,AgNPs were synthesized using Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha roots). For the characterization ofsynthesized AgNPs different techniques were used, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet Visible(UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and atomic force microscope (AFM(. X-ray diffractionanalysis showed that the particles were crystalline, while in nature. UV-Visible absorption spectra of thereaction medium containing silver nanoparticles showed maximum in the visible region at 430 nm. FTIRanalysis confirmed the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0 ions in synthesized silver nanoparticles. The SEManalysis the size 5 nm shape and spherical in structure. The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles wasperformed on the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. A bactericidal was observedthrough the highest zone of inhibition against the bacterial strains, with higher activity for Meropenem. Theroot extract of Ashwagandha quickly reduces Ag+ to Ag0and enhances the synthesis of silver nanoparticleswith highly significant antibacterial activity.

Antitumor Potential of Green Synthesized ZnONPs Using Root Extract of Withania somnifera against Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Herein we report the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Withania somnifera root extract (WSE) as an effective chelating agent. The microscopic techniques viz., X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were employed to analyze the as-obtained ZnONPs. The crystalline planes observed from the XRD pattern agrees with the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the as-prepared ZnONPs. The aggregations and agglomerations observed in the SEM images indicated that the size of the as-prepared ZnONPs was between 30 and 43 nm. The interplanar distance between the lattice fringes observed in the HRTEM image was found to be 0.253 nm, which is in good agreement with the (100) plane obtained in the XRD pattern. Furthermore, the anti-breast cancer cytotoxic evaluation was carried out using the MCF-7 cell line, and the results showed significant cytotoxic effects in a dose-dependent manner.

Physicochemical, Thermal and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Energy of Consciousness Healing Treated Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract

Ashwagandha root extract is widely used in nutraceutical preparations due to its broad range of pharmacological activities. The objective of this study was to analyse the impact of Biofield Energy Treatment (The Trivedi Effect®) on the physicochemical, thermal and spectral properties of ashwagandha root extract by using various analytical techniques. The sample of ashwagandha root extract was divided into two parts in which one part was kept untreated and called as control sample; while the other part was provided with the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by the Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and termed as Biofield Energy Treated sample. The study reported that the particle size values at d10, d50, d90, and D (4,3) in the Biofield Energy Treated sample was significantly decreased by 9.23%, 9.04%, 11.86%, and 10.59%, respectively compared with the control sample. Thus, the surface area of the treated sample was significantly increased by 10.75% compared to the control sample. The PXRD analysis showed that the control as well as the Biofield Energy Treated samples was amorphous in nature. The DSC analysis showed that the onset evaporation temperature and latent heat of vaporization were significantly altered by 2.18% and-10.29%, respectively in the Biofield Energy Treated sample compared with the control sample. The TGA analysis indicated the four step thermal degradation of both the samples. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th steps of thermal degradation of the treated sample showed an alteration in the weight loss by -6.59%, 1.97%, -1.80%, and -8.65%, respectively along with 0.81% reduction in the total weight loss, compared with the control sample. Besides, the maximum thermal degradation temperature (Tmax) in the control sample was observed at 234.17°C and 365.12°C for the two broad peaks, which was decreased by 1.73% and 0.82%, respectively compared to the control sample. The overall analysis suggests that the Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment might enhance the solubility, absorption, and bioavailability profile of ashwagandha root extract along with altered thermal stability. Such altered properties might help in designing better pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations; thereby provide better therapeutic response against various diseases such as amnesia, arthritis, anxiety, cancer, impotence, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases.

Regulation of pro and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules in effect of Withania Somnifera root extract treated sleep deprivation induced Wistar rats.

Sleep plays an imperative role in maintaining good health. Sleep along with circadian cycle wields strong regulatory control over immunity. Sleep deprivation (SD) is a threat to health developing several immunological disorders. The medicinal plant Withania somnifera (WS) root extract is widely used for its immuno-modulatory properties. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the effect of WS root extract on pro and anti-inflammatory signalling in SD rats. 24 male Wistar rats (120-150g) were divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each. The groups were divided such that Group I - cage control, Group II - large platform control, Group III - sleep deprived & Group IV - WS treated SD rats. RT-PCR based mRNA expression analysis of pro inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10) in the cortex of control and SD rats were completed. Concurrent protein expression analysis was completed using western blot. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test in SPSS software version 20. Data showed elevation of pro-inflammatory markers and depression of IL-10. Thus, WS down regulated the pro-inflammatory and up-regulated the anti-inflammatory molecules, which can be further considered towards the treatment of sleep deprivation induced inflammatory diseases.

Photoperiod dependent expression of estrogen receptor alpha in testes of Japanese quail: Involvement of Withania somnifera in apoptosis amelioration

Light plays important function in the regulation of reproduction in vertebrates including birds. The prolonged long day length exposure causes reproductively inactive state or photorefractoriness in many avian species including Japanese quail. Withania somnifera (WS) is a medicinal plant known to have beneficial effects on stress and infertility. The study investigates the physiological effect of WS on the light-induced stress in quail mediated by estrogen receptor alpha. Quails were exposed to long day length for three months and then transferred into intermediate day length to make them photorefractory (PR) while controls under natural day length. Administration of Withania somnifera root extract (WSRE) in PR quail induces estrogen and decreases corticosterone in male Japanese quail. Immunoreactivity of ERα decreased in testis of PR quail and increased after oral administration of WSRE compared to control. Expression of ir-Caspase-3 and ir-p53 in the testis increased in PR while decreased in PR + WS. Histologically, seminiferous tubules size decreased in PR whereas increased in PR + WS quails. Scanning electron microscopic study reveals sperms in clusters with proper head and tail in control. In PR quails sperms were few and distorted while WSRE improved the sperm morphology. From the study, it is concluded that during photorefractoriness gonadal regression occurs due to testicular apoptosis which causes stress. WSRE helps to overcome stress and improve reproductive performance via increase in expression of ir-ERα during PR condition. Further, the stress ameliorating effect of WSRE in reducing apoptosis mediated by ir-Caspase-3 and ir-p53 in the testes is clearly evident in Japanese quail.

Awareness of Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Blood Sugar Levels - A Survey

Introduction: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a spice utilized in Ayurveda, the conventional medication of India. Its root has a horsey smell (in Sanskrit, ashva signifies "horse" and gandha signifies "smell") and is said to present the quality and virility of a pony. Different pieces of the plant are utilized, yet the most well-known in supplements is a concentrate of its underlying foundations.
 Aim: aim of this study is to compare and assess the awareness among people on the effects of ashwagandha on blood sugar levels.
 Materials and Methods: A well structured questionnaire containing 10 questions was circulated among Indian population. The questionnaire has covered basic demographic data such as age, gender, weight, blood pressure and about the awareness of effects of ashwagandha on blood sugar levels.
 Conclusion: From the above outcomes, it might be presumed that the Withania somnifera root extract can reduce blood sugar levels. It's mindfulness among individuals must be expanded.

Ameliorating effect of Withania somnifera root extract in Escherichia coli–infected broilers

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous Withania somnifera root (WSR) extract in broiler chicks experimentally infected with Escherichia coli O78 @ 107 CFU/0.5 ml intraperitoneally. Clinical signs and mortality due to colibacillosis observed in infected chicks were mild and lasted for short duration in WSR extract supplemented group as compared with the nonsupplemented group. A significant increase in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase activities and a decrease in total protein and albumin concentrations were observed in the infected groups, though these changes were of lower magnitude in WSR extract supplemented group. A significantly higher activity of oxidative blood parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes were noticed in WSR extract supplemented group. The WSR extract supplemented group revealed significantly higher E. coli–specific antibody titer and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation response as compared with the nonsupplemented group. The gross and histopathological lesions of colibacillosis were mild in the WSR extract–supplemented infected group as compared with the nonsupplemented infected group. Withania somnifera root extract supplementation produced 31.48 and 34.38% protection in the gross and histopathological lesions in E. coli infected chicks, respectively. It is concluded that supplementation of 20% WSR extract @ 20 ml/L of water caused a reduction in the severity, mortality, and recovery period of E. coli infection and enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses suggesting its protective effect on limiting the pathology of E. coli infection in broiler chickens.