Assessing the Efficacy and Biological Benefits of Withanolide-rich Withania somnifera Root Extract

Devaraj Reddy KN *

Prakruti Products Pvt. Ltd., No. 405, Vasanthanarasapura, Phase 2, Industrial Area, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Srilakshmi Aluri *

Prakruti Products Pvt. Ltd., No. 405, Vasanthanarasapura, Phase 2, Industrial Area, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Prathvi Shetty

Prakruti Products Pvt. Ltd., No. 405, Vasanthanarasapura, Phase 2, Industrial Area, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Shreya Udaya

Prakruti Products Pvt. Ltd., No. 405, Vasanthanarasapura, Phase 2, Industrial Area, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Shankara Prasad

Prakruti Products Pvt. Ltd., No. 405, Vasanthanarasapura, Phase 2, Industrial Area, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.

Sudhanva MS

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Molecular Medicine, Adichunchanagiri University, B. G Nagar, Mandya, Karnataka, India.

Shobith Rangappa

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Molecular Medicine, Adichunchanagiri University, B. G Nagar, Mandya, Karnataka, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

The medicinal plant Withania somnifera, usually referred to as Ashwagandha, is a member of the Solanaceae family. The presence of Withanolides in the roots is responsible for a number of pharmacological effects in Ashwagandha. Withanolides have been demonstrated to be an effective neuronal, immune, anti-stress, and anti-cancer agent. However, Withanolides demonstrated limited permeability, lowering the bioavailability and efficacy of active compounds. The goal of the study was to ascertain the biological efficacy of Ashwagandha Composition, a blend of W. somnifera milk extract and water extract (1:1) with a high concentration of Withanolides (3-5%), at lower dosages with improved bioabsorption compared to pure Ashwagandha Hydro ethanolic extracts fortified with 2.5% withanolides. The W. somnifera Composition was assessed for its bioabsorption and bioefficacy by exploring its intestinal absorption capacity, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition (82%), antioxidant potential (91%), glutathione reduction potential (15.6%), anti-inflammatory activity (87.2%), and anti-cancer activity. Additionally, Ashwagandha Composition was also evaluated for its safety profile. We found W. somnifera Composition (1:1) is more bioavailable and showed higher biological activity than the Ashwagandha Hydro ethanolic extract fortified with 2.5% withanolides (Ashwagandha extract). Hence, the W. somnifera a Composition can be used as a therapeutic medication once its safety concerns are addressed by in vivo trials.

Keywords: Withania somnifera, withanolides, bioabsorption, bioactivity


How to Cite

Devaraj Reddy KN, Srilakshmi Aluri, Prathvi Shetty, Shreya Udaya, Shankara Prasad, Sudhanva MS, and Shobith Rangappa. 2024. “Assessing the Efficacy and Biological Benefits of Withanolide-Rich Withania Somnifera Root Extract”. Annual Research & Review in Biology 39 (5):54-64. https://doi.org/10.9734/arrb/2024/v39i52081.