Phytochemistry, allelopathy and anticancer potentiality of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae)

Abstract

Withania somnifera is a wild plant that shows great activity and safety against several human diseases. The current research explored the plant's chemical composition and allelopathic effects on Rumex dentatus (recipient plant). Moreover, anticancer activity is also tested against four types of human cancer cell lines. Chemical analysis of W. somnifera showed a high percentage of saponins and tannins, while glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids occurred in the second order. Results of the allelopathic experiments revealed significant inhibition of the R. dentatus plumule and radicle lengths as well as their relative dry weights. In addition, significant reductions in some primary metabolites of R. dentatus, like non-reducing and total sugar as well as soluble proteins, were determined. Cytotoxic potentiality of W. somnifera was also proved against four different cancer lines, namely; human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549), human breast cancer cell line (MCF7), and colon cancer cell line (CaCo2) with IC50 value of about 38, 19, 27, and 24 ��g/ml, respectively.

Potential Allelopathic Effect of Wheat Straw Aqueous Extract on Bermudagrass Noxious Weed

“…In line with our results, Unal et al [81] reported a concentration-dependent increase in total protein content in white mustard leaves in response to the treatment with sunflower and wheat root exudates. Similarly, the increase in free amino acid content has been reported in several plant species; P. oleracea leaves after the treatment with Rumex dentatus leaf extract [82] and R. dentatus as a result of Withania somnifera root extract treatment [83]. Unlike our results, several previous publications have shown a decrease in protein and sugar content with increasing extract concentration and, thus, attributed the increased free amino acid content to the degradation of highly abundant proteins [84].…”

Emerging Vistas for the Nutraceutical Withania somnifera in Inflammaging

“…Choline, which is an important nutrient required in proper functioning of various physiological processes, is present in Withania somnifera [47,48]. Withania somnifera also contains tannins [49], which are polyphenolic compounds having various uses, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective. Moreover, Withania somnifera also contains carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids that play a significant role in maintaining daily complex biochemical processes [50].…”

Effect of Herbal Kunapajala and Different Organic Manures on Plant Growth, Quality and Yield of Withania Somnifera L. Dunal

“…Ashwagandha, the 3 rd important prioritized medicinal plant listed by National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) is also known as Indian Ginseng. Herbal medicines strongly involve mass appeal being safer and inexpensive [1]. An esteemed Rishi (sage) Punarvasu Atriya was the first person who gave the teaching regarding the use of ashwagandha that extends back over 3000 to 4000 years ago wherein its use is widely extolled as a tonic particularly for emaciation in all age group of people.…”