Phytochemistry of Withania Somnifera

Withania is a genus of the nightshade family of flowering plants distributed in the subtropical regions from Mediterranean to South East Asia. Only two species W. somnifera and W. coagulans are found in India. The most common species is W. somnifera (WS) occurring naturally in the subtropical regions from Mediterranean through Africa to the Middle East, Indian continent, Srilanka, South East Asia, subtropical America and Australia. It is a perennial shrub that grows to 75 cm (1.25 m) tall with tomentose branches, oval yellowish green leaves, orange red berries and a papery calyx and it survives harsher climatic conditions. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the plants which survive harsh conditions have strong healing and tonification properties. The main bioactive phytoconstituents of WS are withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, phenolics, and others. Among the various withanolides, withanolide A, withaferin A, withanone and withanolide D are the most abundant having various activities. WS is a wonder herb with a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antiulcerogenic, antivenom, antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anticancerous, antidiabetic, antitumor, hemopoetic neuroregenerative, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, radio-sensitizing, rejuvenating, anti-stress, sedative, hypoglycemic, thyroprotective, adaptogenic, antispasmodic, immunomodulatory, immunostimulant and anti-aging properties.

The simultaneous quantitative analysis of six major bioactive withanolides in five varieties of WS and in different plant parts (root, stem and leaf) of WS was accomplished. This method is also applicable to control the quality of commercial formulated products, which contain WS bioactive compounds. Results indicated that WS variety NMITLI-135 showed the maximum abundance of withanolides at pH 8.5, EC-0.5 dS m-1, ESP-13 in sodic soil. Our results showed that this readily available, rapid and reliable method is suitable for routine analysis and effective quality control of raw materials and finished products.

Features

• Presents collection of Ayurvedic features and scientific analytical and pharmacological evidence of important medicinal plants of Withania somnifera
• Useful for all natural product researchers, faculty, students and herbal product manufacturers
• Uses advanced hyphenated techniques for assessing phytoconstituents