______ The leaves of Indian chemotype con tai 12 withanolides, including with aferi A. Steroidal lactones ofwithano lid series have been isolated.
Withanine is sedative and hypnot ic Withaferin A is antitumour, antiarthritic and antibacterial. Anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to biologically active steroids, of
which withaferin A is a major component. The activity is comparable to that of hydrocortisone sodium succinate.
Withaferin A also showed significantly protective effect against CC14- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. It was as effective as hydrocortisone dose for dose.
The root extract contains an ingredient which has GABA mimetic activity.
The free amino acids present in the root include aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, proline, tryptophan, glutamic acid and cystine.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends Ashwagandha in impotency. This claim could not be sustained in a recent experiment and raises a doubt about the equation of classical Ashwagandha with Withania somnifera. A methanolic extract of Withania somnifera root induced a marked impairment in libido, sexual performance, sexual vigour and penile dysfunction in male rats. (Llayperuma et al, Asian JAndrol, 2002, 295—298.)
The total alkaloids of the root exhibited prolonged hypotensive, brady- cardiac and depressant action of the higher cerebral centres in several ex perimental animals.
A withanolide-free aqueous fraction isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera exhibited antistress activity in a dose-dependent manner in mice. (Phytother Res 2003, 531—6.)
(See also Simon Mills; American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 2000; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Dosage Root—3—6 g powder. (API, Vol. I.)
Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. 719
Withania coagulans Dunal. Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Drier parts of Punjab, Gujarat, Simla and Kumaon.
English Vegetable Rennet, Indian Cheese-maker.
Unani Desi Asgandh, Kaaknaj-eHindi, Paneer, Paneer-band. Akri (fruit).
Siddha/Tamil Ammukkura.
Action Alterative, emetic, diuretic. Ripe fruits—sedative, CNS depressant, antibiious, emetic, antiasthmatic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory; used in chronic liver troubles
and strangury. Dried fruits— carminative, depurative; used for dyspepsia, flatulence and strangury.
