Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal: a review of chemical and pharmacological diversity

  • Published:
Phytochemistry Reviews Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Withania somnifera Dunal, is a commonly used herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine system. Due to its pharmacological value and an inexhaustible source of novel biologically active compounds, it has been a great interest for researchers. The plant is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and hemopoetic properties. Various withanolides, steroidal lactones, have been isolated from W. somnifera and were known to have high therapeutic value. Based on the differences in the substitution patterns of withanolides the species has been classified into various chemotypes. So far, three different chemotypes have been identified, which have been further classified into ecotypes based on the contents of withanolides. Present review summarizes the phytochemical variability and pharmacological advances reported in literature.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

WS:

Withania somnifera

NMR:

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

RP-HPLC:

Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography

LDH:

Lactate dehydrogenase

CPK:

Creatine phosphokinase

LPO:

Lipid peroxidation

C-H-R:

Cold, hypoxia and restraint

CS:

Chronic stress

GABA:

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid

NF-κB:

Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells

PCNA:

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen

TNF:

Tumor necrosis factor

IL-1β, IL-6:

Interleukin

RNS:

Reactive nitrogen species

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

AP-1:

Activator protein 1

HUVECs:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cell

Sp1:

Specificity protein 1

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor

NCI-H460:

Lung tumor cell lines

HCT-116:

Colon tumor cell lines

SF-268:

Central Nervous System tumor cell lines

MCF-7:

Breast tumor cell lines

BHA:

Butylated hydroxyanisole

BHT:

Butylated hydroxytoluene

TBHQ:

Tert-butylhydroquinone

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

CAT:

Catalase

GPX:

Glutathione peroxidase

CNS:

Central nervous system

WBC:

White blood cells

PFC:

Plaque forming cell

SRBS:

Sheep red blood cells

NADPH-d:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase

SH-SY5Y:

Human neuroblastoma tumor cell lines

nNOS:

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase

WSG:

W. somnifera glycowithanolides

EPM:

Elevated plus maze

ECS:

Electroconvulsive shock

IA:

Ibotenic acid

MnPCEs:

Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes

DMBA:

Dimethylbenz (a) anthracene

FeSO4 :

Ferrous sulfate

TBARS:

Thiobarbituric acid and reactive substances

HP:

Hydroperoxides

AST:

Aspartate transaminase

ALT:

Alanine transaminase

ALP:

Alkaline phosphatase

PD:

Parkinson’s disease

IR injury:

Ischemia and reperfusion

TUNEL:

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling

PTZ:

Pentylenetetrazol

T:

Testosterone

LH:

Luteinizing hormone

FSH:

Follicle-stimulating hormone

PRL:

Prolactin

References

  • Abou-Douh AM (2002) New withanolides and other constituents from the fruit of Withania somnifera. Arch Pharm 335(6):267–276

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abraham A, Kirson I, Glotter E et al (1968) A chemotaxonomic study of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Phytochemistry 7:957–962

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abraham A, Kirson I, Lavie D et al (1975) The withanolides of Withania somnifera chemotypes I and II. Phytochemistry 14:189–194

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad M, Saleem S, Ahmad AS et al (2005) Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera on 6-hydroxydopamine induced parkinsonism in rats. Hum Exper Toxicol 24:137–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al (2010) Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fert Ster 94(3):989–996

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Hindawi MK, Al-Khafaji SH, Abdul-Nabi MH (1992) Anti-granuloma activity of Iraqi Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol 37(2):113–116

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ali M, Shuaib M, Ansari SH (1997) Withanolides from the stem bark of Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 44(6):1163–1168

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anjaneyulu ASR, Rao SD (1997) New withanolides from the roots of Withania somnifera. Indian J Chem 36(5):424–433

    Google Scholar 

  • Anju (2011) Adaptogenic and anti-stress activity of Withania somnifera in stress induced mice. Res J Pharm Biol Chem Sci 2(4):676–684

    Google Scholar 

  • Atal CK, Gupta OP, Raghunathan K et al (1975) Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Ashwagandha). Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandhoria P, Gupta VK, Amina M et al (2006) 6α,7α-epoxy-5α,17α, dihydroxy-1-oxo-22R-witha-2, 24-dienolide in leaves of Withania somnifera: isolation and its crystal structure. J Chem Crystal 36(2):153–159

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bessalle R, Lavie D (1992) Withanolide C, a chlorinated withanolide from Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 31(10):3648–3651

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Besselle R, Lavie D (1987) Semiquantitative reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the ecotypes of Withania somnifera chemotype III. J Chromatogr A 389(1):195–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhatnagar M, Sharma D, Salvi M (2009) Neuroprotective effects of withania somnifera dunal: a possible mechanism. Neurochem Res 34(11):1975–1983

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya SK, Muruganandam AV (2003) Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 75(3):547–555

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya SK, Goel RK, Kaur R et al (1987) Anti-stress activity of sitoindosides VII and VIII, New acylsterylglycosides from W. somnifera. Phytother Res 1:32–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S (1995) Effects of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and perturbed central cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytotherapy Res 9(2):110–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya SK, Satyan KS, Ghosal S (1997) Antioxidant activity of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 35(3):236–239

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya A, Ramanathan M, Ghosal S et al (2000a) Effect of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides on iron-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytother Res 14(7):568–570

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Sairam K et al (2000b) Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine 6:463–469

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Candelario M, Cuellar E, Reyes-Ruiz JM et al (2015) Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABA A and GABAρ receptors. J Ethnopharmacol 171:264–272

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra S, Chatterjee P, Dey P et al (2012) Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of ashwagandha: a preliminary study in vitro. Pharmacog J 4(29):47–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandran U, Patwardhan B (2017) Network ethnopharmacological evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol. 197:250–256

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chang HC, Chang FR, Wang YC et al (2007) A bioactive withanolide Tubocapsanolide A inhibits proliferation of human lung cancer cells via repressing Skp2 expression. Mol Cancer Ther 6(5):1572–1578

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL et al (eds) (1958) Withania somnifera Dunal. Indigenous drugs of India. U N Dhar and Sons, Calcutta, pp. 436

  • Choudhary MI, Abbas S, Jamal SA et al (1996) Withania somnifera: a source of exotic withanolides. Heterocycles 42(2):555–563

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhary MI, Yousuf S, Nawaz SA et al (2004) Cholinesterase inhibiting withanolides from Withania somnifera. Chem Pharm Bull 52(11):1358–1361

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhary MI, Hussain S, Yousuf S et al (2010) Chlorinated and diepoxy withanolides from Withania somnifera and their cytotoxic effects against human lung cancer cell line. Phytochemistry 71(17–18):2205–2209

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Datta S, Pal NKK, Nandy AK (2011) Inhibition of the emergence of multi drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Withania somnifera root extracts. Asian Pac J Trop Med 4(11):917–920

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis L, Kuttan G (2000) Immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol 71(1–2):193–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dhuley JN (2001) Nootropic-like effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) in mice. Phytother Res 15(6):524–528

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eastwood FW, Kirson I, Lavie D et al (1980) Analysis of hybrids of Withania somnifera part 2. New withanolides from a cross of South African chemotype by chemotype II (Israel) in Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 19(7):1503–1507

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ganzera M, Choudhary MI, Khan IA (2003) Quantitative HPLC analysis of withanolides in Withania somnifera. Fitoterapia 74:68–76

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gaur R, Kumar K (2010) Insect growth-regulating effects of Withania somnifera in a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura. Phytoparasitica 38(3):237–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosal S, Lal J, Srivastava R et al (1989) Immunomodulatory and CNS effects of sitoindosides IX and X, two new glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera. Phytother Res 3(5):201–206

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Girish KS, Shashidharamurthy R, Nagaraju S et al (2004) Isolation and characterization of hyaluronidase a “spreading factor” from Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom. Biochimie 86(3):193–202

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Girish KS, Machiah KD, Ushanandini S et al (2006) Antimicrobial properties of a non-toxic glycoprotein (WSG) from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). J Basic Microbiol 46(5):365–374

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glotter E, Waitman R, Lavie D (1966) Constitutents of Withania somnifera VIII a new steroidal lactone. 37–deoxy-14 a-hydroxy withaferin A. J Chem Soc 19:1765–1767

    Google Scholar 

  • Glotter E, Kirson I, Abraham A et al (1973) Constituents of Withania somnifera (Dunal) XIII—the withanolides of chemotype III. Tetrahedron 29:1353–1364

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glotter E, Abraham A, Guenzberg IK (1977) Naturally occurring steroidal lactones with 17 α-oriented side chain. Structure of Withanolide E & related compounds. J Chem Soc Perkins Trans 1:341–343

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta M, Kaur G (2016) Aqueous extract from the Withania somnifera leaves as a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent: a mechanistic study. J Neuroinflammation 13(1):193

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta GL, Rana AC (2007) Protective effect of Withania somnifera dunal root extract against protracted social isolation induced behavior in rats. Ind J Phys Pharmacol 51(4):345–353

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta VK, Lal MM, Satti NK et al (2011) Isolation and crystal structure of 6α,7α-epoxy-5α, 17α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-22R-witha-2,24-dienolide monohydrate-A withasteroid from withania somnifera leaves. J Chem Crystall 41(7):1064–1070

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harikrishnan B, Subramanian P, Subash S (2008) Effect of Withania somnifera root powder on the levels of circulatory lipid peroxidation and liver marker enzymes in chronic hyperammonemia. E J Chem 5(4):872–877

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heyninck K, Lahtela-Kakkonen M, Van der Veken P et al (2014) Withaferin A inhibits NF-kappaB activation by targeting cysteine 179 in IKKβ. Biochem Pharmacol 91(4):501–509

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hooker JD (1885) Flora of British India, vol 4. Reeve and Co, London, p 228

    Google Scholar 

  • Ichikawa H, Takada Y, Shishodia S et al (2006) Withanolides potentiate apoptosis, inhibit invasion, and abolish osteoclastogenesis through suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and NF-κB-regulated gene expression. Mol Cancer Ther 5(6):1434–1445

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Javaid A, Shafique S, Shafique S (2011) Management of Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) by Withania somnifera (Solanaceae). Nat Prod Res 25(4):407–416

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jayaprakasam B, Nair MG (2003) Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibitory withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves. Tetrahedron 59(6):841–849

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jayaprakasam B, Zhang Y, Seeram NP et al (2003) Growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines by withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves. Life Sci 74(1):125–132

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jayaprakasam B, Strasburg GA, Nair MG (2004) Potent lipid peroxidation inhibitors from Withania somnifera fruits. Tetrahedron 60(13):3109–3121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • John J (2014) Therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera: a report on phyto-pharmacological properties. IJPSR 5(6):2131

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaileh M, Vanden Berghe W, Heyerick A et al (2007) Withaferin A strongly elicits IκB kinase β hyperphosphorylation concomitant with potent inhibition of its kinase activity. J Biol Chem 282(7):4253–4264

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur P, Sharma M, Mathur S et al (2003) Effect of 1-Oxo-5β, 6β-epoxy-witha-2-ene-27-ethoxy-olide isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera on stress indices in Wistar rats. J Alter Complem Med 9(6):897–907

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaurav BPS, Wanjari MM, Chandekar A et al (2012) Influence of Withania somnifera on obsessive compulsive disorder in mice. Asian Pac J Trop Med 5(5):380–384

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khan H, Tariq SA, Khan MA et al (2011) Cholinesterase and lipoxygenase inhibition of whole plant Withania somnifera. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol 5(20):2272–2275

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Glotter E (1980) 14 α-hydroxy steroids from W. somnifera (L) Dunal. J Chem Res Synop 10:338–339

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Glotter E, Abraham A et al (1970) Constituents of Withania somnifera. Dunal XI. The structure of three new withnolides. Tetrahedron 26:2209–2215

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Glotter E, Lavis D et al (1971) Constituents of Withania somnifera Dunal XII. The withanolides of an Indian Chemotype. J Chem Soc (org) 52:2032–2044

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Cohen A, Abraham A (1975) Withanolides Q and R, two new 23-hydroxy-steroidal lactones. J Chem Soc Perkins Trans 21:2136–2138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Abraham A, Sethi PD et al (1976) 4β-Hydroxywithanolide E, a new natural steroid with a 17α-oriented side-chain. Phytochemistry 15:340–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirson I, Abraham A, Lavie D (1977) Chemical analysis of hybrids of Withania somnifera (L) Dun Chemotype III (Israel) by Indian I (Delhi). Isr J Chem 16:20–24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuboyama T, Tohda C, Komatsu K (2005) Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A. Br J Pharmacol 144:961–971

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kulkarni SK, Akula KK, Dhir A (2008) Effect of withania somnifera dunal root extract against pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold in mice: possible involvement of GABAergic system. Ind J Experim Biol 46(6):465–469

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Ali M, Mir SR (2004) A new withanolide from the roots of Withania somnifera. Ind J Chem Sec B Org Med Chem 43(9):2001–2003

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Ali M, Rahman MS et al (2015a) Antidote effect of plants of Himalayan sub-origin against arsenic induced toxicity. J Bio Chem Res 2:99–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Kumar R, Rahman MS et al (2015b) Phytoremedial effect of Withania somnifera against arsenic-induced testicular toxicity in Charles Foster rats. Avicenna J Phytomed 5(4):355

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kuroyanagi M, Shibata K, Umehara K (1999) Cell differentiation inducing steroids from Withania somnifera L. (Dun.). Chem Pharm Bull 47(11):1646–1649

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lal P, Misra L, Sangwan RS et al (2006) New withanolides from fresh berries of Withania somnifera. Z Naturforsch B J Chem Sci 61(9):1143–1147

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lavie D, Glotter E, Shvo Y (1965) Constituents of Withania somnifera-III—the side chain of Withaferin A. J Org Chem 30:1774–1778

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lavie D, Green Field S, Glotter E (1966) Constituents of Withania somnifera Dun. Part VI. The stereochemistry of withaferin A. J Chem Soc C 19:1753–1756

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavie D, Kirson I, Glotter E (1968) Constituents of W. somnifera part X. The structure of withanolide D. Isr J Chem 5(6):671–678

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavie D, Kirson I, Glotter E et al (1972) Crystal and molecular structure of withanolide E, a new natural steroidal lactone with a 17α-side-chain. J Chem Soc Chem Commun 15:877–878

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavie D, Kirson I, Abraham A (1975) Chemical approach to genetics. Isr J Chem 14:60–68

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leyon PV, Kuttan G (2004) Effect of Withania somnifera on B16F-10 Melanoma induced Metastasis in Mice. Phytother Res 18(2):118–122

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Machiah DK, Girish KS, Gowda TV (2006) A glycoprotein from a folk medicinal plant, Withania somnifera, inhibits hyaluronidase activity of snake venoms. Comp Biochem Physiol 143(2):158–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK et al (2011) Withania somnifera improves semen quality in stress-related male fertility. J Evid Based Complement Altern Med, Med art. no, p 576962

    Google Scholar 

  • Majumdar DN (1952) Alkaloid constituents of W. somnifera. Curr Sci 21:46–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Majumdar DN (1955) Withania somnifera Dunal. II Alkaloid constituents and their chemical characterisation. Indian J Pharmacol 17:158–161

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malik F, Singh J, Khajuria A et al (2007) A standardized root extract of Withania somnifera and its major constituent withanolide-A elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by up regulation of Th1-dominant polarization in BALB/c mice. Life Sci 80(16):1525–1538

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mathur S, Kaur P, Sharma M et al (2004) The treatment of skin carcinoma, induced by UV B radiation, using 1-oxo-5β, 6β-epoxy-witha-2-enolide, isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera, in a rat model. Phytomedicine 11(5):452–460

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matsuda H, Murakami T, Kishi A et al (2001) Structures of withanosides I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII, new withanolide glycosides, from the roots of Indian Withania somnifera DUNAL and inhibitory activity for tachyphylaxis to clonidine in isolated guinea-pig ileum. Bioorg Med Chem 9(6):1499–1507

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Menssen HG, Stapel G (1973) Uber ein c28–steroidlacton aus der wurzel von Withania somnifera. Planta Med 24(05):8–12

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mikolai J, Erlandsen A, Murison A et al (2009) In vivo effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes. J Altern Complement Med 15(4):423–430

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Misra L, Lal P, Sangwan RS et al (2005) Unusually sulfated and oxygenated steroids from Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 66(23):2702–2707

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Misra L, Mishra P, Pandey A et al (2008) Withanolides from Withania somnifera roots. Phytochemistry 69(4):1000–1004

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Misra L, Mishra P, Pandey A et al (2012) 1,4-Dioxane and ergosterol derivatives from Withania somnifera roots. J Asian Nat Prod Res 14(1):39–45

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mohan R, Hammers H, Bargagna-Mohan P et al (2004) Withaferin A is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis 7(2):115–122

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mohanty IR, Arya DS, Gupt SK (2008) Withania somnifera provides cardioprotection and attenuates ischemia-reperfusion induced apoptosis. Clin Nutr 27(4):635–642

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mondal S, Roy S, Maity R et al (2012) Withanolide D, carrying the baton of Indian Rasayana herb as a lead candidate of antileukemic agent in modern medicine. Adv Exp Med Biol 749:295–312

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nittala SS, Lavie D (1981) Chemistry and genetics of withanolides in Withania somnifera hybrids. Phytochemistry 20(12):2741–2748

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nittala SS, Lavie D (1982) Studies on the 5β,6β-epoxide opening in withanolides. J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 1:2835–2839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nittala SS, Velde VV, Frolow F et al (1981) Chlorinated withanolides from Withania somnifera and Acnistus breviflorus. Phytochemistry 20(11):2547–2552

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panjamurthy K, Manoharan S, Menon VP et al (2008) Protective role of withaferin-A on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced genotoxicity in bone marrow of Syrian golden hamsters. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22(4):251–258

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pant M, Ambwani T, Umapathi V (2012) Antiviral activity of Ashwagandha extract on infectious bursal disease virus replication. Ind J Sci Technol 5(5):2750–2751

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Power FB, Salway AH (1911) The constituents of W. somnifera. J Chem Soc 99:490–507

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prasanna KS, Shilpa P, Salimath BP (2009) Withaferin A suppresses the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells via Sp1 transcription factor. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 3(2):138–148

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman AU, Jamal SA, Choudhary MI, Asif E (1991) Two withanolides from Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 30(11):3824–3826

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman AU, Jamal SA, Choudhary MI (1992) Two new withanolides from Withania somnifera. Heterocycles 34(4):689–698

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman AU, Abbas S, Shahwar DE, Jamal SA, Choudhary MI (1993) New withanolides from Withania spp. J Nat Prod 56(7):1000–1006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman AU, Shabbir M, Yousaf M, Qureshi S, Shahwar DE, Naz A, Choudhary MI (1999) Three withanolides from Withania coagulans. Phytochemistry 52(7):1361–1364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RajaSankar S, Manivasagam T, Surendran S (2009) Ashwagandha leaf extract: a potential agent in treating oxidative damage and physiological abnormalities seen in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Neurosci Lett 454(1):11–15

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ray S, Jha S (2001) Production of withaferin A in shoot cultures of Withania somnifera. Planta Med 67(5):432–436

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sabina EP, Rasool M, Vedi M et al (2013) Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Withania somnifera against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 5(2):648–651

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmelze GH, Gurib-Fakim A, Arroo R et al (2008) Plant resources of tropical Africa 11(1)—medicinal plants 1. Backhuys Publishers, Wageningen, p 630. ISBN 978-90-5782-204-9

    Google Scholar 

  • Schröter H-B, Neumann D, Katritzky AR et al (1966) Withasomnine. A pyrazole alkaloid from Withania somnifera Dun. Tetrahedron 22:2895–2897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwarting AE, Bobbit JM, Rother A et al (1963) The alkaloids of W. somnifera. Llyoida 26:258–273

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seth C, Mas C, Conod A et al (2016) Long-lasting WNT-TCF response blocking and epigenetic modifying activities of Withanolide F in human cancer cells. PLOS ONE 11(12):e0168170

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sethi PD, Subramanian SS (1976) Steroidal constituents of Withania coagulans roots. Indian J Pharm 38:22–23

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sethi PD, Subramanian SS (2006) Steroidal constituents of Withania coagulans roots. Indian J Pharm 38(1):22–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Shohat B, Kirson I, Lavie D (1978) Immunodepressive properties of withaferin and withanolide D. Biomedicine 28:18–23

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Mishra V et al (2011) Withania somnifera improves semen quality by combating oxidative stress and cell death and improving essential metal concentrations. Reprod BioMed Online 22(5):421–427

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siddique AA, Joshi P, Misra L et al (2014) 5, 6-De-epoxy-5-en-7-one-17-hydroxy withaferin A, a new cytotoxic steroid from Withania somnifera L. Dunal leaves. Nat Prod Res 28(6):392–398

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singariya P, Mourya KK, Kumar P (2011) Comparative microcidal activity of Withania somnifera and Cenchrus setigerus against the pathogenic micro-organisms. Int J Pharm Pharmaceutical Sci 3(5):511–515

    Google Scholar 

  • Singariya P, Kumar P, Mourya K (2012a) Antibacterial and antifungal potential of some polar solvent extracts of Ashwagandha (Solanaceae) against the nosocomial pathogens. Int J Green Pharm 6(1):17–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singariya P, Kumar P, Mourya KK (2012b) Screening for antimicrobial potency of methanolic extract of Indian Ginseng. Int J Pharm Pharmaceutical Sci 4(3):553–557

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Kumar S (1998) Withania somnifera: The Indian Ginseng Ashwagandha. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants, Lucknow, p 2

    Google Scholar 

  • Subbaraju GV, Vanisree M, Rao CV et al (2006) Ashwagandhanolide, a bioactive dimeric thiowithanolide isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera. J Nat Prod 69(12):1790–1792

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • TERI (2006) Report on chemoprofiling of medicinal plants for their sustainable utilization. The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, p 46

    Google Scholar 

  • Tohda C, Joyashiki E (2009) Sominone enhances neurite outgrowth and spatial memory mediated by the neurotrophic factor receptor, RET. Br J Pharmacol 157(8):1427–1440

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tong X, Zhang H, Timmermann BN (2011) Chlorinated withanolides from Withania somnifera. Phytochem Lett 4(4):411–414

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Velde VV, Lavie D (1981) New withanolides of biogenetic interest from Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 20:1359–1364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Velde VV, Lavie D (1982) A Δ16-withanolide in Withania somnifera as a possible precursor for α-side-chains. Phytochemistry 21(3):731–733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Visavadiya NP, Narasimhacharya AVRL (2007) Ameliorative effects of herbal combinations in hyperlipidemia. Phytomed 14(2–3):136–142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vitali G, Conte L, Nicoletti M (1996) Withanolide composition and in vitro culture of Italian Withania somnifera. Planta Med 62(3):287–288

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xu Y-M, Marron MT, Seddon E et al (2009) 2,3-Dihydrowithaferin A-3β-O-sulfate, a new potential prodrug of withaferin A from aeroponically grown Withania somnifera. Bioorg Med Chem 17(6):2210–2214

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xu Y-M, Gao S, Bunting DP et al (2011) Unusual withanolides from aeroponically grown Withania somnifera. Phytochemistry 72(6):518–522

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshida M, Hoshi A, Kuretani K et al (1979) Relationship between chemical structure and antitumor activity of withaferin A analogues. J Pharmacobiodyn 2:92–97

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang H, Samadi AK, Cohen MS et al (2012) Antiproliferative withanolides from the solanaceae: a structure-activity study. Pure Appl Chem 84(6):1353–1367

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Nakamura N, Hattori M et al (2002) Withanolide derivatives from the roots of Withania somnifera and their neurite outgrowth activities. Chem Pharm Bull 50(6):760–765

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ziauddin M, Phansalkar N, Patki P et al (1996) Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha. J Ethnopharmacol 50(2):69–76

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

Financial support from Department of Biotechnology, Governmnet of India is gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110 003, India

    Rishu Kalra & Nutan Kaushik

Authors
  1. Rishu Kalra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nutan Kaushik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nutan Kaushik.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kalra, R., Kaushik, N. Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal: a review of chemical and pharmacological diversity. Phytochem Rev 16, 953–987 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-017-9504-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-017-9504-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation