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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Role in Safeguarding Health, Immunomodulatory
Effects, Combating Infections and Therapeutic Applications: A Review |
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Ruchi Tiwari,
Sandip Chakraborty,
Mani Saminathan,
Kuldeep Dhama and Shoor Vir Singh |
Abstract:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a well known herb
possessing several health benefits. The steroidal lactones (withanolides) obtained
from its roots have been implicated in a wide range of therapeutic activities
and maintaining general health: Immunomodulation, combating infectious agents,
anti-cancer and anti-epileptic, memory enhancer, to promote good physical and
mental health, mood elevator, diuretic, general tonic and rejuvenator, stress
reliever, cardiorespiratory endurance enhancer, anti-ageing, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic,
hypocholesterolemic and in common an effective adaptogen. Steroidal alkaloids
and lactones are the active constituents of the plant. Withanolides as per theory
occupies the receptor sites in the cell membrane thereby preventing the attachment
and subsequent exertion of the effect of actual hormone. Withanolides have got
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity due to cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition
property. Ashwagandha enhances nitric oxide synthatase activity of the macrophages,
which in turn increases the microbial killing power of these immune cells thereby
enhancing the Cell Mediated Immune (CMI) response. A glycoprotein Glycowithanolides
(WSG) commonly known as W. somnifera glycoprotein is responsible for
antimicrobial activity. Milk supplemented with Ashwagandha has been reported
to increase total proteins and body weight and the plant alone helps in inducing
tolerance and dependence. Its anti-stress and radiosensitization action; beneficial
effects on cardiovascular system and sexual behavior; curative properties against
neurodegenerative diseases and poisoning due to toxins and chemicals (including
snake venom) has made this plant a treasure of nature. Thus the plant is an
important component of many polyherbal preparations. Important for researchers
and scientists is that biotechnologically advanced techniques; novel disciplines
of bioinformatics and genomics can help in identifying and generating bioactive
principles of the plant. All these salient health applications of this herb
in biomedicine and veterinary sciences are discussed in this review focusing
its potent role in maintaining sound health, immunomodulatory effects, combating
infections, therapeutic usages and other beneficial applications.
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How to cite this article:
Ruchi Tiwari, Sandip Chakraborty, Mani Saminathan, Kuldeep Dhama and Shoor Vir Singh, 2014. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Role in Safeguarding Health, Immunomodulatory
Effects, Combating Infections and Therapeutic Applications: A Review. Journal of Biological Sciences, 14: 77-94.
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2014.77.94
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2014.77.94
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