Biotechnological interventions inWithania somnifera(L.) Dunal

Abstract

Withania somnifera is one of the most valued plants and is extensively used in Indian, Unani, and African systems of traditional medicine. It possess a wide array of therapeutic properties including anti-arthritic, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, chemoprotective, cardioprotective, and recovery from neurodegenerative disorders. With the growing realization of benefits and associated challenges in the improvement of W. somnifera, studies on exploration of genetic and chemotypic variations, identification and characterization of important genes, and understanding the secondary metabolites production and their modulation has gained significant momentum. In recent years, several in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have facilitated the validation of therapeutic potential of the phytochemicals derived from W. somnifera and have provided necessary impetus for gaining deeper insight into the mechanistic aspects involved in the mode of action of these important pharmaceutically active constituents. The present review highlights some of the current developments and future prospects of biotechnological intervention in this important medicinal plant.

Novel Methods to Generate Active Ingredients-Enriched Ashwagandha Leaves and Extracts

“…Withania somnifera (Solanaceae family), commonly called Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is an important medicinal shrub that grows to about a meter in height on slightly basic and moist soil at optimal temperatures of 20–32°C. Extensively used in Indian, Unani and African traditional medicines, it has been categorized in GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) food substances by WHO [1–3]. Ashwagandha is well known for its enormous therapeutic potential for a large number of ailments, including stress, cardiac, brain and immune disorders, inflammation and cancer [2, 4–11].…”

Addressing Challenges to Enhance the Bioactives ofWithania somniferathrough Organ, Tissue, and Cell Culture Based Approaches

“…In a recent report it was suggested that shoots cultured in half-strength MS liquid medium amended with BAP (5.0  µ M) accumulated higher biomass and withaferin A (1.5-fold) within 5 weeks of culture [65]. The enhanced accumulation of biomass and withaferin A due to BAP may attribute to its property to induce shoot proliferation [66], as withaferin A is present majorly in the leaves [1]. It was also observed that various glycowithanolides (Physagulin D, Withastraronolide, Withanoside IV, and Withanoside VI) accumulate in shoots cultured in BAP (4.44  µ M) [67].…”

“…Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (family Solanaceae) holds high repute in Indian, Greek, and African traditional system of medicine [1]. It is commonly referred to as Ashwagandha, Asgandh, Winter cherry, or Indian ginseng.…”

“…It is present in World Health Organization (WHO) monographs on most important medicinal plants [2] and has been included in the list of top thirty-two prime concerned medicinal plants by the National Medicinal Plant Board of India (http://www.nmpb.nic.in) owing to its huge demand in both domestic and international markets [3]. The plant is implicated in prevention and cure of a range of ailments such as cancer, arthritis, asthma, aging, inflammation, and neurological disorders [1]. The pharmacological activities are attributed to occurrence of diverse secondary metabolites which includes alkaloids, flavanol glycosides, glycowithanolides, steroidal lactones (withanolides), sterols, and phenolics [4–6].…”

“…In addition, infestation with pathogens and pests [9, 10] and a narrow genetic base pose a serious challenge in its cultivation and improvement. Recently, a huge interest is generated for enhancement of pharmacological important metabolite content of this important medicinal plant through biotechnological interventions [1]. In this context, judicious use of tools which could provide an opportunity for the conservation, utilization, and creation of genetic diversity is much warranted.…”