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Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years in traditional Indian Ayurveda for treatment of various neurological, and stress disorders. The root of Ashwagandha (ASH) is regarded as a tonic, aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic and stimulant. Ashwagandha with other herbal decoctions was recognized to treat Kampavatha (Parkinson’s Disease) since 18th century. With this wide array of ethnopharmacological relevance, Ashwagandha has been recognized as one of the prominent complementary and alternative medicine to treat many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is a prominent increase in the cases of AD and PD all over the world and it demands the requirement of complementary and alternative herbal remedies with no/minimal side effects. Many genetic factors are responsible for the onset and progression of PD. Loss-of-function mutations in the parkin gene are a major cause of early onset of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP). Drosophila park25 loss of function mutants exhibit significantly increased number of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts and a significantly decreased number of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain which is the main cause of PD condition. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of Ashwagandha in imparting neuroprotection, improved locomotory ability, memory and learning abilities. The challenge lies in scrutinizing the mechanism and the pathways involved in the neuroprotective properties of this well-known herb. Here in our study, we test the possible neuroprotective effect of Ashwagandha on park25 mutants of Drosophila using lifespan analysis and climbing disability as a disease marker. Parkinson’s mimicking flies were administered with aqueous extraction of Ashwagandha-root mixed with the fly food and subjected to negative geotaxis assay. We observed that there is a prominent increase in the climbing ability in park25 treated flies compared to its age-matched untreated flies. This is the first report showing that, aqueous extraction of Ashwagandha-root extract was able to ameliorate the disease phenotype in the park25 Drosophila Parkinson’s disease model.
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Background: High cholesterol is the sixth-highest risk factor for death in the globe. Herbal medications regularly complement modern medical care, especially by providing safe, well-tolerated therapies for chronic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the cholesterol-lowering effects of Terminalia arjuna bark and Bacopa monnieri leaves (Brahmi) extract in human blood samples diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: Herbal extract of arjuna (T. arjuna) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [WS]) in distilled water (d/w) and cow’s urine (c/u) [A1, A2, D1, and D2] was taken and added to the pooled serum samples collected aseptically and a kinetic study was performed with it. Cholesterol standard was obtained from Erba Chem Transasia kit (Trinder’s method, endpoint) with a standard cutoff value of 200 mg/dL. Results: Baseline reading of total cholesterol in all samples was 189 mg/dL. After 2 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 159 mg/dL, 157, 162, and 160 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 4 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 149 mg/dL, 148, 151, and 149 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. After 6 h, the total cholesterol reading in A1 was 109 mg/dL, 104, 112, and 110 mg/dL in A2, D1, and D2, respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it was found that aqueous extract of Ashwagandha (WS) and Arjuna (T. arjuna) was effective in reducing total cholesterol levels. It can be considered a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with hyperlipidemia but warrants further clinical studies.
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Aims: To primary rat embryonic hippocampal neurons in culture, ashwagandha or one of its active ingredients, withanolide A were added in the presence or absence of nutrient supplementation and then assayed for activity of the BDNF receptor, TrkB. Study Design: Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured and grown in nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor medium. Ashwagandha or withanolide A were then be added to both types of media with or without an inhibitor of TrkB or either the PI-3K or MAPK pathway. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA, between July 2021 and August 2022. Methodology: Rat embryos were removed by cesarean section from mother rats at 18 days’ gestation and the hippocampi of the former dissected, plated into culture dishes, and treated with the appropriate drug(s) (see Study Design above). After 4 days, neurons were harvested for Western blotting. Optical density of Western blot bands were quantified and statistically analyzed in a 2-way ANOVA, using a level of statistical significance at P < .05. Results: Under normal conditions (with N2 supplement), ashwagandha, but not withanolide A, increased phospho-TrkB immunoreactivity when compared to the effects of vehicle (controls, F(11, 24) = 22.48, P < .001), although withanolide A did not quite reach statistical significance (P = .069) when compared to that of the controlled condition. Likewise, under nutrient-deprived conditions, both ashwagandha and withanolide A also increased phosphorylation of TrkB when compared to that of vehicle-nutrient-deprived conditions (P < .0001). The same results were obtained in the presence of inhibitors of TrkB itself and the PI-3K (ashwagandha, P < .001; withanolide A, P < .001) and MAPK (ashwagandha, P = .027; withanolide A, P = .045) pathways. Conclusion: Ashwagandha or withanolide A activates TrkB, in nutrient-deprived hippocampal neurons, underscoring its role in neuronal survival signaling.
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Introduction: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a spice utilized in Ayurveda, the conventional medication of India. Its root has a horsey smell (in Sanskrit, ashva signifies "horse" and gandha signifies "smell") and is said to present the quality and virility of a pony. Different pieces of the plant are utilized, yet the most well-known in supplements is a concentrate of its underlying foundations. Aim: aim of this study is to compare and assess the awareness among people on the effects of ashwagandha on blood sugar levels. Materials and Methods: A well structured questionnaire containing 10 questions was circulated among Indian population. The questionnaire has covered basic demographic data such as age, gender, weight, blood pressure and about the awareness of effects of ashwagandha on blood sugar levels Conclusion: From the above outcomes, it might be presumed that the Withania somnifera root extract can reduce blood sugar levels. It's mindfulness among individuals must be expanded
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The present study was undertaken to delineate genotype–environment interactions and stability status of 16 genotypes of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) in context to the 12 characters, namely plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days to flowering, days to maturity, number of berries, number of seeds/berry, root length, root diameter, root branches, dry root yield and total alkaloid content (%). Experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications over three different locations (S. K. Nagar, Jagudan and Bhiloda) in north Gujarat for three years (2016–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19). Pooled analysis of variance revealed that the mean squares due to genotypes and genotype 9 environment interaction along with linear and nonlinear components were highly significant (P\0.01) for most of the traits under study. Stability parameters for component traits through Eberhart and Russell model showed that genotypes that can be used directly in breeding programme are SKA-4 for early flowering, SKA21 for early maturity and SKA-1, SKA-4, SKA-6 and SKA-17 for shorter plant height. Further, SKA-21 could be used for improving number of primary branches per plant, SKA-11 and SKA-17 for number of secondary branches per plant, SKA-19 for number of berries per plant, SKA-6, SKA-21, SKA-27 and AWS-1 for root branches and SKA-17 for root length as these genotypes were found to be most stable across the environments for mentioned traits. The result revealed that some reliable predictions about genotype 9 environment interaction and its unpredictable components were involved significantly in determining the stability of genotypes. Hence, the present investigation can be exploited for the identification of more productive genotypes in specific environments, leading to significant increase in root productivity of ashwagandha
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Background: Withania somnifera (L.) (family-Solanaceae), known as ‘Indian ginseng’ or ‘Ashwagandha’ isacclaimed as an effective adaptogen, immunomodulator, aphrodisiac and sedative. Ashwagandha ghrita isa recognized ghee based Ayurvedic formulation. Few ancient texts suggest murcchana process forpreparation of Ashwagandha ghrita.Objective: The study was undertaken to evaluate probable effects of murcchana process on ghritapreparation with reference to time and storage conditions.Materials and Methods: Ashwagandha ghrita samples were prepared separately using plain ghee (Indiancow's ghee) and murcchana ghee. These formulations were stored separately in different glass bottles atroom temperature and 400C/75%RH. Organoleptic characters (colour, odour, taste, texture and touch)and physicochemical parameters (acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, refractive index and specific gravity) were determined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.Plain ghee and prepared ghrita were subjected for antioxidant evaluation by various in vitro methods.Results: Changes were observed in organoleptic characters and physicochemical parameters of plainghee and Ashwagandha ghrita formulations. Alterations in these parameters were more pronounced athigh temperature and on long storage. Ashwagandha ghrita prepared with murcchana process exhibitedbetter antioxidant potential in all in vitro methods.Conclusion: The murcchana process was found to be beneficial towards quality of ghrita. Hence, Ashwagandha ghrita may be prepared along with murcchana herbs and stored in a good quality glass bottleto ensure improved shelf life of ghrita.
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In present experiment 288 day-old commercial broiler chicks were subjected to eight dietary treatments consisting of three replicates of twelve chicks in each replicate were reared for a period of 6 weeks in winter season. The dietary treatments includes: T0- Negative control, T1-control, T2-0.5 % Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T3-0.25 % Amla + 0.5% Ashwagandha + 0.25% Turmeric powder, T4-0.125% Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T5- 0.5 % Amla + 0.25 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder, T6-0.5 % Amla + 0.125 % Ashwagandha + 0.25 % Turmeric powder and T7-0.5 % Amla + 0.5 % Ashwagandha + 0.125 % Turmeric powder. Standard managemental practices were followed during the experimental period. Supplementation of phytogenic mixture consisting of 0.5 % amla and 0.5 % Ashwagandha with 0.25% or 0.125 % turmeric powder (T2 and T7) gave best results and improved the giblet percentage, eviscerated weight percentage and drawn percentage in winter season. The cost of production of drawn weight (`/kg) of broilers at six weeks of age was reduced as much as ` 10.23 (T2) and ` 9.48 (T7) in winter season. The study concluded that addition of 0.5 % amla and 0.5 % Ashwagandha with 0.25% or 0.125 % turmeric powder can be effectively supplemented as an alternative to antibiotics growth promoter in poultry ration in winter for improving the carcass characteristics and such ration was found more economical in comparison to that having antibiotic growth promoter
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Background: Withaferin-A (WA), an active principle obtained from a traditional Indian herb known asAshwagandha or the Indian ginseng, has been shown to prevent and cure urethane-induced lung tumorsin mice, and also inhibit the growth of transplanted sarcoma in mice.Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of WA in patients with advancedstage high-grade osteosarcoma.Methods: A phase I dose escalation study was planned using the classical 3 þ 3 design (C33D). Doseescalation cohorts comprised of 72, 108, 144 and 216 mg of WA administered in two to four divided dosesper day. Three patients were enrolled in each cohort and the last patient was observed for at least 30 daysfor any dose-limiting toxicity before progressing to a higher cohort. Pharmacokinetic studies wereperformed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique with sensitivity up to 50 ng/ml. Safety evaluation including clinical examination, detailed history of adverse events, Liver FunctionTests , Renal Function Tests and complete blood counts were performed at each visit. WA was administered daily till progression. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0 wasused for grading adverse events.Results: The formulation used was generally well tolerated. Eleven adverse events of grade 1 or grade 2severity were observed. No grade 3 or grade 4 adverse events were observed. Elevation of liver enzymes(5/11) and skin rash (2/11) was the most common adverse events. Other adverse effects include fatigue,fever, edema, and diarrhea (one each). None of the patients had detectable levels of WA in circulation.Conclusion: The formulation was well tolerated. However, WA appears to have low oral bioavailability.Further studies with improved formulations are warranted.© 2019 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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Background: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside group of drug, used against aerobic gram negative bacteria, is known for nephrotoxicity. Herbal products have a special place in the world of pharmaceuticals with their safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) roots had known since long for its antioxidant status and free radical scavenging property. So W. somnifera can be used as nephroprotective agent because of free radical scavenging property.Methods: Total 54 rats were randomised in 3 groups named G10, G20 and G30 according to 10, 20 and 30 days of treatment. In each groups, rats were randomly assigned to any of the three subgroups i.e., control C group [received normal saline (2 ml/100 gm/day) orally consecutively for test duration], gentamicin treated GT group [received normal saline (2 ml/100 gm/day) orally consecutively for test duration and intraperitoneal gentamicin (40 mg/kg) once daily for last five days] and W. somnifera treated WST group [received W. somnifera orally (500 mg/kg/day) for the test duration and intraperitoneal gentamicin (40 mg/kg) once daily for last five days]. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose of gentamicin injection. Excised kidneys were weighted and prepared for histological examination.Results: The mean weight of kidneys in GT group was significantly higher than the WST group in all test durations indicating the antioxidant and free radical scavenging property. This was also reflected histologically as WST group kidney showed less amount inflammation as compared to GT group.Conclusions: W. somnifera root extract provide nephroprotection against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.
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Background: Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to treat both muscle spasm and spasticity, acting both as antispasmodic and antispasticity agents. In past studies some polyherbal formulations containing ashwagandha have shown skeletal muscle relaxant activity and fat extract of ashwagandha showed skeletal muscle relaxant activity in experimental animal models. This study is designed to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots in albino mice, as the literature regarding them is limited.Methods: Standard drug (diazepam) and different doses of Aqueous extract of ashwagandha (50, 100,150mg/kg) were given orally to albino mice. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity was assessed by Rota-rod apparatus. The fall off time from the rotating rod was noted for each group after 1 hour of drug administration. The difference in fall off time from the rotating rod between the standard and treated mice was taken as an index of muscle relaxation.Results: The test extract at doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg) showed highly significant reduction in the time spent by the animals on revolving rod in rota rod test when compared to baseline (p <0.0001). As compared with diazepam, aqueous extract (150mg/kg) showed almost equal reduction in the time spent by the animals on revolving rod in rota rod test.Conclusions: This study indicates that the aqueous extract of ashwagandha possess central skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The results are promising for further investigation of efficient skeletal muscle relaxant activity.
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Objective:To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ashwagandla extract against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rats.Methods:Rats were divided into control,aluminumintoxicated rats treated daily with aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) (100 mg/kg,orally)for 30 d and aluminum-intoxicated animals protected by receiving daily ashwagandha extract (200 mg/kg,orally) one hour before AlCl3 administration for 30 d.Levels of lipid peroxidation,nitric oxide,reduced glutathione and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in the cortex,hippocampus and striatum.In addition,the activities of Na+,K+,ATPase and acetylcholinesterase were determined in the three studied brain regions.Results:Aluminum increased the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in the cortex,hippocampus and striatum and decreased the reduced glutathione level in the hippocampus and striatum.In rats protected with ashwagandha extract,non significant changes were observed in lipid peroxidation,nitric oxide and reduced glutathione.In addition,ashwagandha extracts prevented the increased activity of acetylcholinesterase and Na+,K+,ATPase induced by AlCl3 in the cortex,hippocampus and striatum.The present findings also showed that the significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-or induced by AlCl3 in the cortex and hippocampus was prevented by ashwagandha extract.Conclusions:The present results suggest that ashwagandha extract possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against aluminum neurotoxicity.In addition,ashwagandha extract could prevent the decline in cholinergic activity by maintaining normal acetylcholinesterase activity.The later effect could recommend the use of ashwagandha as a memory enhancer.
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Objective: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ashwagandha extract against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into control, aluminum-intoxicated rats treated daily with aluminum trichloride (AlCl
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We studied the influence of sucrose and nitrogen concentration on in vitro flowering and fruit setting in elongated shoots of Withania somnifera. BA (1.5 mg/l) and IAA (0.3 mg/l) on MS medium supplemented with 4% sucrose showed 67% of in vitro flower induction frequency, 9 flowers/shoot, 4 fruits/shoot and 11 seeds/fruit in elongated-shoots. Different concentrations of nitrogen sources (L-glutamine, adenine sulphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate 5-25 mg/l) were tested in combination with 4% sucrose and BA at 1.5 mg/l and IAA at 0.3 mg/l. Highest number of flowers (20 flowers/shoot; 2.2-fold) and fruits (16 fruits/shoot; 3.39-fold), fruit setting (12 seeds/fruit; 1.08-fold) at a higher frequency (88 %) were achieved on MS medium augmented with 15 mg/l adenine sulphate with same PGRs and sucrose concentration. The maximum production of withanolide A (0.68 mg/g DW) and withanolide B (0.77 mg/g DW) was recorded in in vitro fruits. Highest accumulation of withaferin A (2 mg/g DW) was quantified from in vitro flowers, whereas, it was low in in vitro fruits (0.49 mg/g DW withaferin A). However, withanone (0.23 mg/g DW) was found accumulated uniformly in both in vitro flowers and fruits compared to control.
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Adenine/metabolism , Adenine/pharmacology , Carbon/metabolism , Culture Media/chemistry , Culture Media/pharmacology , Flowers/chemistry , Flowers/growth & development , Fruit/chemistry , Fruit/growth & development , Germination/drug effects , Glutamine/metabolism , Glutamine/pharmacology , Hydroponics , Nitrates/metabolism , Nitrates/pharmacology , Nitrogen/metabolism , Plant Shoots/chemistry , Plant Shoots/metabolism , Sucrose/metabolism , Sucrose/pharmacology , Withania/chemistry , Withania/growth & development , Withania/metabolism , Withanolides/metabolismABSTRACT
Background & objectives: In the traditional system of medicine in India Ashwagandha powder and Sidh Makardhwaj have been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, safety and efficacy of this treatment have not been evaluated. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder and Sidh Makardhwaj) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: One hundred and twenty five patients with joint pain were screened at an Ayurvedic hospital in New Delhi, India. Eighty six patients satisfied inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Detailed medical history and physical examination were recorded. Patients took 5g of Ashwagandha powder twice a day for three weeks with lukewarm water or milk. Sidh Makardhwaj (100 mg) with honey was administered daily for the next four weeks. The follow up of patients was carried out every two weeks. The primary efficacy end point was based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response. Secondary end points were ACR50, ACR70 responses, change from baseline in disease activity score (DAS) 28 score and ACR parameters. Safety assessments were hepatic function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and β2 microglobulin], renal function (urea and creatinine and NGAL) tests and urine mercury level. Results: The study was completed by 90.7 per cent (78/86) patients. Patients with moderate and high disease activity were 57.7 per cent (45/78) and 42.3 per cent (33/78), respectively. All patients were tested positive for rheumatoid factor and increased ESR level. Ashwagandha and Sidh Makardhwaj treatment decreased RA factor. A significant change in post-treatment scores of tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, physician global assessment score, patient global assessment score, pain assessment score, patient self assessed disability index score and ESR level were observed as compared to baseline scores. ACR20 response was observed in 56.4 per cent (44/78) patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and moderate response in 39.74 per cent (31/78) patients [European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria]. Ayurvedic treatment for seven weeks in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed normal kidney and liver function tests. However, increased urinary mercury levels were observed after treatment. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that this Ayurvedic treatment (Ashwagandha powder and Sidh Makardhwaj) has a potential to be used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, due to small sample size, short duration, non randomization and lack of a control group as study limitations, further studies need to be done to confirm these findings.
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/therapy , Humans , India , Medicine, Ayurvedic , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Withania/pharmacology , Withania/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The study was carried out to investigate the effect of panchakavya made from cow (PK-C) and buffalo (PK-B) products on urease and dehydrogenase activity and root yield of Ashwagandha and it revealed that soil application of PK-C @ 15% recorded the highest urease activity at both the stages of crop (85.24, 44.56 at flowering and harvest during rabi 2007-08 and 81.07, 35.50 μg of NH4 + released g-1 soil h-1 at flowering and harvest in kharif 2008). The highest dehydrogenase activity also noticed in the same treatment (91.05, 49.05 μg of TPF g-1 soil day-1 at flowering, harvest during rabi 2007-08 and 81.00,, 39.64 μg of TPF g-1 soil day-1 at flowering, harvest in kharif 2008) during both the years. The highest dry root yield was recorded with PK - C @ 5% - 4 sprays (290 and 280 kg ha-1 during both the years, respectively).
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Laboratory indices of thyroid function (TSH, Free T4, and T3) were measured in a randomized clinical trial in which Ashwagandha (ASW) was used to improve cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder. This was done in light of a case‑report of ASW‑associated thyrotoxicosis, and data from mice administered ASW that showed significant increases in thyroxine levels. Ten (of the original 60) patients showed abnormal results in one of the thyroid measures either at the beginning or end of the 8‑week study. One ASW‑ treated patient had subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH ‑ 5.7 mIU/L) at baseline that normalized, and all three ASW treated patients experienced T4 increases from baseline (7%, 12%, and 24%). Six of 7 placebo‑assigned patients showed decreases in T4 from baseline (4% to 23%), and one patient’s TSH moved from the normal to subclinical hypothyroid range (6.96 mIU/L). As thyroid indices were done for safety, and not the primary goal of the original study, only 16.7% had abnormal thyroid indices, and as there was no sub‑stratification for treatment assignment by thyroid status, unequal numbers of subjects received ASW (n = 3) or placebo (n = 7). In spite of these limitations, the subtle laboratory changes noted in thyroid indices in an 8‑week study suggest that ASW may increase thyroxine levels, and therefore vigilance regarding hyperthyroidism may be warranted. Nonetheless, the thyroid enhancing properties of ASW may also represent a clinical opportunity for the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism, and these results suggest the need for further study of the effects of ASW on thyroid indices, especially in those with bipolar and unipolar mood disorders.
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Aim: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal or Ashwagandha is a valuable medicinal plant having a consistent demand in pharmaceutical industries. Traditionally it is propagated from seeds but it’s germination capacity is poor. So in the present study different methods were considered to sort out a suitable method that can be used for its cultivation in the field of Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. Study Design: The study was done in the laboratory and field of Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. The study was carried out from July 2012 to August 2012 and again from mid June 2013 to August 2013. Methodology: Different pre germination treatments including 24 hours water soaking , 48 hours water soaking, mechanical scarification, heat treatment at 50 degree Celsius (5min, 10min, 15min) and Gibberellic acid [GA3] (250μg/l, 500μg/l, 1000μg/l) treatments were proposed. The mean germination percentage and the mean germination time were calculated for each of the treatments. Results: The results revealed that GA3 500μg/l treated seeds showed increased germination percentage in laboratory (86±0.34%) and in soil (84.1±0.36%) as well as reduced mean germination time in laboratory (5.8±0.41 days) and in soil (10.6±0.17 days). Whereas heat treatment at 50 degree Celsius (5min, 10min, 15min) drastically reduced germination percentage in laboratory (32±0.47%, 16±0.36%, 12±0.31%) and in soil (51±0.49%, 49.6±0.49%, 32.2±0.46%), respectively. Conclusion: Pre treating fresh seeds of Ashwagandha with GA3 500μg/l for 24 hours before sowing can be adopted to overcome dormancy of seeds with good germination percentage. Likewise mechanical scarification of seeds can also be taken into consideration as an alternative, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to break seed dormancy which has also given favourable results.
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Background: Kidney damage can occur due to exposure to nephrotoxic drugs, chemicals, Toxins and infections agents, ultimately leading to real failure, management of which is a Great challenge, So efforts have been focused on traditional and herbal medicines for the Treatment of real failure, Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) may have free radical Scavenging activity and can be used for the precention and treatment of kidney damage. Objective: To observe the histological ecidence of nephroprotective effect of Ashwagandha root against induced nephrotoxicity in rats . Materials and Methods: this study was done in the department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka A total number of 31 male Wistar albino rats were acclimatized for 14 days, then, these were divided into two groups, control group consisted of 18rats (Group A) and Ashwagandha pretreated and gentamicin-treated group consisted of 13 rats (Group B). Control group was again subdivided into baseline control and gentamicin-control groups (A1 and A2)-each And all the animals received basal diet for 22 consecutive days. In addition to this, animals of Group A2 teceived gentamicin subcutaneously (100 mg /kg body weight/day) from 15Th to 22 day and animals of Group B received Ashwagandha root extract (500mg / kg body weight/day )From 15TH to 22ND day All the animals were sacrificed on 23RD day. Then kidney samples were collected and histology was by using standard laboratory procedure. Results: Histological examination of kidney revealed abnormal histological findings in 100% of gentamicin-treated rats. But 92.31% of rats in Asruture and 7.69% showed mild histological changes. Conclusion: Ashwagandha root may have some nephroprotective effect against gentamichin induced nephorotoxicity
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Tennis elbow is a painful condition and causes restricted movement of forearm which requires treatment for long period. Till date only symptomatic treatments are available like use of anti-infl ammatory analgesic drugs, steroids injection, physiotherapy, exercise etc. But none of these provide satisfactory result. Long term use of anti-infl ammatory, analgesic drugs and steroids injection is also not free from the adverse effects. Usually, 'wait-and-see policy' of treatment guideline is recommended in most of medical texts. According to Ayurveda, snayugata vata can be correlated with the condition of tennis elbow. Sushruta has advised Agnikarma for disorders of snayu (ligaments and tendons), asthi (bone), siddhi (joints) etc. Hence, in this study a case of tennis elbow (snayugata vata) was treated by Agnikarma, along with administration of powder of Ashwagandha and Navajivana Rasa orally, for a period of 03 weeks. This combination therapy provided considerable relief in pain and movement of the elbow joint.
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Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic aids. Purpose: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists. Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules. Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. Results: There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813; P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. Conclusion: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.