Back to Search
Start Over
Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng.
- Source :
-
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS [Cell Mol Life Sci] 2015 Dec; Vol. 72 (23), pp. 4445-60. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Aug 26. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Withania somnifera, also called 'Indian ginseng', is an important medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used, singly or in combination, with other herbs against many ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine since time immemorial. Withania somnifera contains a spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, and reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, W. somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system. In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic characteristics and discuss the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of the plant and its active constituents.
- Subjects :
- Alzheimer Disease drug therapy
Animals
Anti-Infective Agents chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal chemistry
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic chemistry
Cardiotonic Agents chemistry
Cardiotonic Agents pharmacology
Humans
India
Inflammation drug therapy
Medicine, Ayurvedic
Neuroprotective Agents chemistry
Neuroprotective Agents pharmacology
Parkinson Disease drug therapy
Withanolides pharmacokinetics
Withanolides pharmacology
Withanolides toxicity
Anti-Infective Agents pharmacology
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic pharmacology
Plants, Medicinal chemistry
Withania chemistry
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1420-9071
- Volume :
- 72
- Issue :
- 23
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26306935
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1