Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) for the possible therapeutics and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Plant-based drug discovery and targeted therapy

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has killed huge populations throughout the world and acts as a high-risk factor for elderly and young immune-suppressed patients. There is a critical need to build up secure, reliable, and efficient drugs against to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Bioactive compounds of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] may implicate as herbal medicine for the management and treatment of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the current work is to update the knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 infection and information about the implication of various compounds of medicinal plant Withania somnifera with minimum side effects on the patients’ organs. The herbal medicine Withania somnifera has an excellent antiviral activity that could be implicated in the management and treatment of flu and flu-like diseases connected with SARS-CoV-2. The analysis was performed by systematically re-evaluating the published articles related to the infection of SARS-CoV-2 and the herbal medicine Withania somnifera. In the current review, we have provided the important information and data of various bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera such as Withanoside V, Withanone, Somniferine, and some other compounds, which can possibly help in the management and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Withania somnifera has proved its potential for maintaining immune homeostasis of the body, inflammation regulation, pro-inflammatory cytokines suppression, protection of multiple organs, anti-viral, anti-stress, and anti-hypertensive properties. Withanoside V has the potential to inhibit the main proteases (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. At present, synthetic adjuvant vaccines are used against COVID-19. Available information showed the antiviral activity in Withanoside V of Withania somnifera, which may explore as herbal medicine against to SARS-CoV-2 infection after standardization of parameters of drug development and formulation in near future.

Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long‐COVID‐19 complications: A comprehensive review

“…The literature survey suggests that Withania somnifera has important molecular and pharmacological characteristics to act as a therapeutic adjuvant for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID‐19 (Singh et al, 2022). Many of the bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera such as Withanone and Withaferin A have potential to inhibit the interaction between RBD of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike‐protein and ACE2 receptor (Maurya & Sharma, 2020; Saggam et al, 2021).…”

Pharmacological potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers on the experimental models of COVID-19, T cell differentiation, and neutrophil functions

“…WS, a shrub traditionally used in India and other Asian countries, is known to possess immunomodulatory properties. Previous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that WS could play a role in the regulation of inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines ( 21 – 24 ). More recently, in-silico docking studies showed the potent inhibitory potential of Withanone, an active ingredient of WS, against SARS-CoV-2 virulence proteins such as spike protein ( 22 , 25 ).…”

Estimating the production of withaferin A and withanolide A in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal using aquaponics for sustainable development in hill agriculture

“…The bioactive metabolites of Withania somnifera possess adaptogenic, anticancer, anti-convulsant, immunomodulatory, antioxidative and neurological effects. The plant has also been found to be efficient in the treatment of osteo-arthritis, geriatric, behavioural and anxiety ( Singh et al., 2022 ). The root extract of Ashwagandha containing withanolide A is reported to have health promoting effects such as anti-stress, anti-arthiritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties ( Singh et al., 2022 ).…”

“…The plant has also been found to be efficient in the treatment of osteo-arthritis, geriatric, behavioural and anxiety ( Singh et al., 2022 ). The root extract of Ashwagandha containing withanolide A is reported to have health promoting effects such as anti-stress, anti-arthiritic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties ( Singh et al., 2022 ). Withanolide B, D, F and withanosides (glycosylated steroids) secreted by WS having neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-aging, diuretic, antipogenic, hemopoietic, immunomodulatory functions and antioxidant activities ( Singh et al., 2017 ).…”

“…People have also reported that excess solid wastes increase the BOD, causing a lowering of oxygen levels in the rhizosphere and the accumulation of ammonia and nitrate, which are toxic for plant growth ( Rakocy et al., 2012 ; Danaher et al., 2013 ). Pharmaceutically active metabolites of Withania somnifera Withanolide A and Withaferin A are of immense health benefits to humans.The studies have shown that withanolide A possess neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-aging, diuretic, antipogenic, hemopoietic, immunomodulatory functions and antioxidant activities, possess strong neuropharmacological efficacy ( Singh et al., 2022 ). Withaferin A serves as a potent anti-cancerous compound.…”