Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Withaferin A: Potential in Integrative Oncology

Withania Somnifera (ashwagandha)—an Important Medicinal Plant

Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology.

Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to increase longevity and vitality. Western research supports its polypharmaceutical use, confirming antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antistress properties in the whole plant extract and several separate constituents. This article reviews the literature pertaining to ...

Induction and identification of autotetraploidy in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.)

Seed treatment with aqueous colchicine solution was carried out for induction of autotetraploidy in ashwagandha in four accessions (Shilpa, Acc. 17, Bydyanath and MWS-327). Increased stomatal size and decrease in stomata density aided in detection of autotetraploids. Among four ashwagandha accessions tried, Acc. 17 was more responsive for the induction of autotetraploids. Colchicine at 0.5 per ...

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a novel source of L-asparaginase.

Different parts of plant species belonging to Solanaceae and Fabaceae families were screened for L-asparaginase enzyme (E.C.3.5.1.1.). Among 34 plant species screened for L-asparaginase enzyme, Withania somnifera L. was identified as a potential source of the enzyme on the basis of high specific activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was purified and characterized from W. somnifera, a popular medic...

Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): A Promising Remedy for Cardiovascular Diseases

Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwangdha), a popular medicinal herb of Ayurveda is used for health, vitality, longevity and rejuvenation properties. It is a common ingredient of polyherbal or herbomineral formulations and used for preventive or therapeutic polypharmaceutical use. Present article emphasized on the studies, which provides the pharmacological basis of its use in cardiovascular disease...