Combinations of Ashwagandha Leaf Extracts Protect Brain-Derived Cells against Oxidative Stress and Induce Differentiation

Abstract

BackgroundAshwagandha, a traditional Indian herb, has been known for its variety of therapeutic activities. We earlier demonstrated anticancer activities in the alcoholic and water extracts of the leaves that were mediated by activation of tumor suppressor functions and oxidative stress in cancer cells. Low doses of these extracts were shown to possess neuroprotective activities in vitro and in vivo assays.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe used cultured glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells to examine the effect of extracts (alcoholic and water) as well as their bioactive components for neuroprotective activities against oxidative stress. Various biochemical and imaging assays on the marker proteins of glial and neuronal cells were performed along with their survival profiles in control, stressed and recovered conditions. We found that the extracts and one of the purified components, withanone, when used at a low dose, protected the glial and neuronal cells from oxidative as well as glutamate insult, and induced their differentiation per se. Furthermore, the combinations of extracts and active component were highly potent endorsing the therapeutic merit of the combinational approach.ConclusionAshwagandha leaf derived bioactive compounds have neuroprotective potential and may serve as supplement for brain health.

A Comprehensive Physical, Spectroscopic, and Thermal Characterization of <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) Root Extract Treated with the Energy of Consciousness (The Trivedi Effect<sup>®</sup>)

“…Ashwagandha is widely used in the most of the Indian herbal drugs and nutraceuticals for the treatment of various diseases include nervous and sexual disorders, infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer, ulcer, immunological disorders, stress, arthritis, etc. From the ancient time, it is used as a tonic to arrest the ageing process, rejuvenate the body and boost the defence against infectious disorders and also promote the longevity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Ashwagandha root extract contains a wide array of nutrients and phytochemicals.…”

Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on <i>Withania somnifera</i> Root Extract and Its Effects on the Physical, Spectroscopic, Thermal and Behavioral Properties

“…Ashwagandha is widely used in the most of the Indian herbal medicine and nutraceuticals for the treatment of various diseases including sexual and nervous disorders, diabetes, infectious diseases, cancer, ulcer, stress, immunological disorders, arthritis, etc. From the ancient time, it is used as a tonic to arrest the ageing process, rejuvenate the body and boost the defense against infectious disorders and also promote the longevity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. As ashwagandha root extract contains a wide array of phytochemicals and it is used as a dietary supplement for the better quality of life [3].…”

Solid State Characterization of <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) Root Extract After Treatment with Consciousness Energy Healing

“…It is widely used herbal medicine and nutraceuticals for the treatment of various diseases including nervous and sexual disorders, infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer, ulcer, immunological disorders, stress, arthritis, etc. Since from the ancient time, it is used as a tonic to rejuvenate the body, arrest the ageing process, boost the defense against infectious disorders and also promote the longevity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Ashwagandha root extract contains a wide array of phytochemicals and used as a dietary supplement for the better quality of life [3].…”