Therapeutic effect of Withania somnifera on pristane-induced model of SLE

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus commonly known as lupus is an intricate disorder with multiple organ involvement characterized primarily by inflammation caused due to deposition of immune-complexes formed by production of autoantibodies against nuclear, nucleolar as well as cytoplasmic self-antigens. Lack of availability of suitable treatments or treatments that are only symptomatic calls for investigation of possible modalities. Withania somnifera with its immunomodulatory properties is prescribed for arthritis in ayurveda. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of Withania somnifera pure root powder (at 1,000 and 500 mg/kg body weight) on pristane-induced Balb/c model of lupus was investigated to elucidate its remedial outcome on SLE. SLE-like symptoms are produced in the model of lupus: production of autoantibodies, proteinuria, nephritis as well as immune-complex deposition along with various other inflammatory markers such as formation of lipogranuloma, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Withania somnifera was found to have potent inhibitory effect on proteinuria, nephritis and other inflammatory markers. Humoral response, however, was found to be impervious. The potent reduction in inflammation in the present model of lupus suggests further investigation of this herb for its possible therapeutic use in SLE.

Differential effects of phytotherapic preparations in the hSOD1 Drosophila melanogaster model of ALS

“…for review) contributing to mitochondrial function and inducing cell death. In this regard, it has widely reported that Wse show a potent inhibitory effect on inflammatory markers such as ROS in a mouse model of lupus4647. Interestingly Wse reduced rotenone-induced oxidative impairment and mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and such impairments were responsible for reduced locomotor deficits and lethality in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson induced by rotenone, a naturally occurring common pesticide which specifically inhibits mitochondrial complex-I activity48.…”

Ashwagandha attenuates TNF-α- and LPS-induced NF-κB activation and CCL2 and CCL5 gene expression in NRK-52E cells

“…Given the role of inflammation in injury and progression to dysfunction via pro-fibrogenic mechanisms, strategies to attenuate inflammation are promising therapeutics. There are a number of studies suggesting that botanicals are anti-inflammatory [ 29 – 31 , 36 ]; however, the molecular pathways targeted by many of these remains poorly defined. In our studies, we developed an in vitro model to screen botanical extracts for anti-inflammatory cells in a rat proximal tubular epithelial cell line, NRK-52E, since the proximal tubular epithelium is both a source [ 5 ] and target of inflammation in the kidney.…”

“…It is unclear as to whether these effects extend to renoprotection and, in fact, an elderberry-rich extract enriched in anthocyanins did not improve renal function in a small clinical trial of postmenopausal women [ 32 ]. In contrast, ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) has been demonstrated to be renoprotective via both antioxidant [ 33 – 35 ] and anti-inflammatory effects [ 36 ]. The current studies were designed to screen water-soluble extracts of ashwaganda, sutherlandia and elderberry for anti-inflammatory effects in renal epithelial cells.…”

Withania somnifera and its emerging anti-neoplastic effects

“…To the Editor, I read with great interest the recent article by Minhas et al (2012). Withania may exert a number of anti-proliferative effects besides its protective role in SLE.…”