Affiliation:
1. Research and Development Laboratory, Arjuna Natural Ltd., Erumathala PO, Aluva, Kerala 683112, India
Abstract
Background:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important herb in the Indian traditional
system of medicine for neurological disorders. However, the efforts for isolation and
characterisation of a molecule with anti-depressant activity and development as a potent dosage form
are limited.
Objective:
The objective of the present study was to characterize the Ashwagandha extract for its antidepressant
fraction or constituent and to improve biological benefits at low doses.
Methods:
Aqueous methanol extract of Ashwagandha was prepared and fractionated into withanolides
and flavonoids rich fractions. Withanolide rich fraction was subjected to phytochemical analysis to identify
the active molecule/s. The compound was purified by using a semi-preparative HPLC system; identified
using various spectroscopic techniques and anti-depressant activity was evaluated in rats. Enteric
coating was performed on the extract and fractions after granulation and anti-depressant activity of
coated samples were evaluated in rats.
Results:
Aqueous methanol extract of Ashwagandha and withanolide rich fraction showed prominent
dose-dependent anti-depressant activity in forced swim test in rats. Phytochemical analysis of active
fraction resulted in the isolation and characterization of a major withanolide glycoside present, namely
withanoside X. Enteric coated aqueous methanol extract, withanolide rich fraction and withanoside X
showed significant antidepressant activity at low doses as compared to the uncoated forms.
Conclusion:
The active fraction/isolated compound is sensitive to low pH of the stomach, thus enteric
coating might be beneficial to protect the actives in the stomach, facilitating the sustainable release into
the intestine and in turn reduce the dosage.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics
Reference27 articles.
1. Umadevi P.; Murugan S.; Jennifer Suganthi S.; Subakanmani S.; Evaluation of antidepressant like activity of Cucurbita pepo seed extracts in rats. Int J Curr Pharm Res 2011,3(1),108-113
2. Schechter L.E.; Ring R.H.; Beyer C.E.; Hughes Z.A.; Khawaja X.; Malberg J.E.; Rosenzweig-Lipson S.; Innovative approaches for the development of antidepressant drugs: current and future strategies. NeuroRx 2005,2(4),590-611
3. Belmaker R.H.; Agam G.; Major depressive disorder. N Engl J Med 2008,358(1),55-68
4. Zhang Z.J.; Therapeutic effects of herbal extracts and constituents in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Life Sci 2004,75(14),1659-1699
5. Bharathi P.; Seshayamma V.; Jagannadharao G.H.; Sivakumar N.; Evaluation of antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera [Aswagandha] roots in albino mice. IOSR J Pharma Biol Sci 2015,10,27-29
Cited by
2 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献