ABSTRACT
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is still the mainstay as supplement to cell culture media for cell-culture practices. The collection method of FBS is a violent, ethically objectionable and repugnant. Moreover, FBS is cost-prohibitive for biomedical research. Here, we explored easily procurable and less expensive bovine whey protein (BWP) and other putative biological fluids for their growth promoting activity. BWP with minimal amount of FBS effectively supported cell growth in short term (72 h) and long term (21 days) cultures in Chinese hamster ovary and Jurkat E6.1 cells. The combination also protected the cells during cryopreservation and facilitated revival of the cell culture. However, BWP without FBS didn’t support the growth for longer and the cells changed their morphology. Further, BWP was enriched with human platelet lysate and it maintained the cell growth and morphology at a very low concentration.
ABSTRACT
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (WS), a “rasayana” drug, is recommended for balavardhan and mamsavardhan. The study was intended to evaluate dose-related tolerability, safety, and activity of WS formulation in normal individuals. The design was prospective, open-labeled, variable doses in volunteers. Eighteen apparently healthy volunteers (12M:6F, age:18-30 years, and BMI: 19-30) were enrolled. After baseline investigations, they received WS capsules (Rx) (aqueous extract, 8:1) daily in two divided doses with increase in daily dosage every 10 days for 30 days (750 mg/day x10 days, 1 000 mg/day x 10 days, 1 250 mg/day x 10 days). Volunteers were assessed for symptoms/signs, vital functions, hematological and biochemical organ function tests. Muscle activity was measured by hand grip strength, quadriceps strength, and back extensor force. Exercise tolerance was determined using cycle ergometry. Lean body weight and fat% were computed from skin fold thickness measurement. Adverse events were recorded, as volunteered by the subjects. Repeated measures ANOVA, McNemar’s test, and paired t test were employed. All but one volunteer tolerated WS without any adverse event. One volunteer showed increased appetite, libido, and hallucinogenic effects with vertigo at the lowest dose and was withdrawn from study. In six subjects, improvement in quality of sleep was found. Organ function tests were in normal range before and after the intervention. Reduction in total- and LDL- cholesterol and increase of strength in muscle activity was signifi cant. Total body fat percentage showed a reduction trend. WS, in escalated dose, was tolerated well. The formulation appeared safe and strengthened muscle activity. In view of its traditional Rasayana use, further studies are planned to evaluate potential of this drug in patients of sarcopenia.