Withania frutescens: Chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities

Abstract

Withania frutescens (W. frutescens) is a medicinal plant that is largely used in the Morrocan pharmacopeia for disease treatment. This work was conducted to investigate the chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities of W. frutescens. The chemical characterization of W. frutescens extract was done using HPLC; the anti-inflammatory test was performed with doses 300, 400 and 450 mg/kg, and the healing activity was assessed using two creams (extract 5% and extract 10%). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The results of the anti-inflammatory test were more pronounced when compared with the reference drug with a maximum inhibition percentage of 82.20% ± 8.69 obtained at the dose of 450 mg/kg. Local application of 10% plant cream induced 80.17% ± 7.89 of inflammation inhibition when compared with the indomethacin drug 92.33% ± 11.27. The studied plant extract showed a promising healing activity with the following percentage: 99.03% ± 0.76 (extract 10%), 98.61% ± 1.91 (extract 5%), and 57.43% ± 2.97 (control); meanwhile, the value reached to 100% ± 0.02 for the drug that was used as a reference within the first 2 weeks. The plant studied in this work would be a promising source for conceptualizing effective drugs against inflammatory diseases.

In Vitro Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Withania frutescens L. Foliar Extract

“…Based on previous pharmacological tests and a toxicity study, two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) were chosen as the lowest most effective doses to treat the mice with induced diabetes [ 12 , 19 ]. Figure 1 presents the treatment’s effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) during the study period of 4 weeks of daily oral administration.…”

“…After the treatment of diabetic mice with different doses of WFLE, a significant decrease in ASAT and ALAT levels compared to those of the diabetic control groups was observed. The results may indicate a potential hepatoprotective activity of the extract maybe due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing proprieties [ 9 , 19 ]. High levels of urea and creatinine in the blood were also observed in the diabetic untreated groups indicating a renal injury [ 24 ], and by administering WFLE to diabetic mice, their levels were normally maintained.…”

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity against Drug-Resistant Microbes of Essential Oil from Withania frutescens L.

“…W. frutescens.L extracts have been found to be rich in withanolides, which were isolated from the plant leaves. Moreover, the chemical analysis of the W. frutescens.L extract showed that this plant possessed pentacarbonyl (13.22%), 2-phenazine carbonitrile (10.64%), Terpinenol-4 (10.04%), 4H-1-benzopyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2phenyl(S) (8.76%), and bicyclo [3.1.1]heptane, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene (28.48%) [20,21]. Earlier works showed no toxic effects in animals treated with the W. frutescens extract, therefore, the studied plant was considered safe in animals treated under both acute and subacute toxicity conditions [22][23][24].…”

Glycemic Control Potential of Chemically Characterized Extract from Withania frutescens L. Roots in Severe Diabetes-Induced Mice

“…Animals had free access to standard pellets and water during the whole period of dosing except the fasting period. This research work was revised and authorized by the ethical committee of the Faculty of Sciences of Fez and given the ethical clearance N-ANI-BPRN-1382.5 [12]…”

“…Medicinal plants have been used as an extensive medication source to control disease since more than 80% of populations use medicinal plants to fulfill their primary health care needs [11]. A variety of active ingredients have been purified from plants for direct use as medicines or to function as lead compounds or drug candidates [12].…”