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Basudkar V, Gujrati G, Ajgaonkar S, Gandhi M, Mehta D, Nair S. Emerging Vistas for the Nutraceutical Withania somnifera in Inflammaging. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:597. [PMID: 38794167 PMCID: PMC11123800 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammaging, a coexistence of inflammation and aging, is a persistent, systemic, low-grade inflammation seen in the geriatric population. Various natural compounds have been greatly explored for their potential role in preventing and treating inflammaging. Withania somnifera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a nutraceutical for its numerous health benefits including regenerative and adaptogenic effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of Withania somnifera and its active compounds in treating aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress have shown promise for its use in healthy aging. We discuss the chemistry of Withania somnifera, the etiology of inflammaging and the protective role(s) of Withania somnifera in inflammaging in key organ systems including brain, lung, kidney, and liver as well as the mechanistic underpinning of these effects. Furthermore, we elucidate the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in oxidative stress/DNA damage, immunomodulation, COVID-19, and the microbiome. We also delineate a putative protein-protein interaction network of key biomarkers modulated by Withania somnifera in inflammaging. In addition, we review the safety/potential toxicity of Withania somnifera as well as global clinical trials on Withania somnifera. Taken together, this is a synthetic review on the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in inflammaging and highlights the potential of Withania somnifera in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the aging population worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Basudkar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Gunjan Gujrati
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Saiprasad Ajgaonkar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Manav Gandhi
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dilip Mehta
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai 400 022, India
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Saha P, Ajgaonkar S, Maniar D, Sahare S, Mehta D, Nair S. Current insights into transcriptional role(s) for the nutraceutical Withania somnifera in inflammation and aging. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1370951. [PMID: 38765810 PMCID: PMC11099240 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1370951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The health-beneficial effects of nutraceuticals in various diseases have received enhanced attention in recent years. Aging is a continuous process wherein physiological activity of an individual declines over time and is characterized by various indefinite hallmarks which contribute toward aging-related comorbidities in an individual which include many neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac problems, diabetes, bone-degeneration, and cancer. Cellular senescence is a homeostatic biological process that has an important function in driving aging. Currently, a growing body of evidence substantiates the connection between epigenetic modifications and the aging process, along with aging-related diseases. These modifications are now being recognized as promising targets for emerging therapeutic interventions. Considering that almost all the biological processes are modulated by RNAs, numerous RNA-binding proteins have been found to be linked to aging and age-related complexities. Currently, studies have shed light on the ability of the nutraceutical Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to influence RNA expression, stability, and processing, offering insights into its mechanisms of action. By targeting RNA-related pathways, Withania somnifera may exhibit promising effects in ameliorating age-associated molecular changes, which include modifications in gene expression and signaling networks. This review summarizes the potential role of Withania somnifera as a nutraceutical in modulating RNA-level changes associated with aging, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo studies. Taken together, the putative role(s) of Withania in modulation of key RNAs will provide insights into understanding the aging process and facilitate the development of various preventive and therapeutic strategies employing nutraceuticals for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praful Saha
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Saiprasad Ajgaonkar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Dishant Maniar
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Simran Sahare
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Dilip Mehta
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- PhytoVeda Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
- Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
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Xin M, Bi F, Wang C, Huang Y, Xu Y, Liang S, Cai T, Xu X, Dong L, Li T, Wang X, Fang Y, Xu Z, Wang C, Wang M, Song X, Zheng Y, Sun W, Li L. The circadian rhythm: A new target of natural products that can protect against diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00133-4. [PMID: 38631431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system diseases remains to be explored. In the internal environment of organisms, the metabolism of substances such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (including biohormones and enzymes) exhibit a certain circadian rhythm to maintain the energy supply and material cycle needed for the normal activities of organisms. As a key factor for the health of organisms, the circadian rhythm can be disrupted by pathological conditions, and this disruption accelerates the progression of diseases and results in a vicious cycle. The current treatments targeting the circadian rhythm for the treatment of metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system diseases have certain limitations, and the identification of safer and more effective circadian rhythm regulators is needed. AIM OF THE REVIEW To systematically assess the possibility of using the biological clock as a natural product target for disease intervention, this work reviews a range of evidence on the potential effectiveness of natural products targeting the circadian rhythm to protect against diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. This manuscript focuses on how natural products restore normal function by affecting the amplitude of the expression of circadian factors, sleep/wake cycles and the structure of the gut microbiota. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF THE REVIEW This work proposes that the circadian rhythm, which is regulated by the amplitude of the expression of circadian rhythm-related factors and the sleep/wake cycle, is crucial for diseases of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system and nervous system and is a new target for slowing the progression of diseases through the use of natural products. This manuscript provides a reference for the molecular modeling of natural products that target the circadian rhythm and provides a new perspective for the time-targeted action of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Xin
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China; National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Fangjie Bi
- Heart Center, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Yujia Xu
- Department of Echocardiography, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Shufei Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Tianqi Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Ling Dong
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xueke Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yini Fang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China; Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053 China
| | - Zhengbao Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Xinhua Song
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China.
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China.
| | - Wenlong Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China.
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100000, China.
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Tian H, Huang Q, Cheng J, Xiong Y, Xia Z. Rev-erbα attenuates diabetic myocardial injury through regulation of ferroptosis. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111006. [PMID: 38086436 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a widespread disease that threatens the life and health of human beings, and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major complications of diabetic patients. The pathological mechanisms of DCM are complex, including inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress that have been reported previously. Although recent studies suggested that ferroptosis is also involved in the progression of DCM, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Rev-erbα cardiac conditional knockout mice were generated and type 2 diabetes were induced by high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in in vivo experiments. In parallel, our in vitro experiments entailed the introduction of elevated levels of glucose (HG) and palmitic acid (PA) to induce glycolipid toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Further deterioration of cardiac function was detected by echocardiography after the clock gene rev-erbα was knocked out. This was accompanied by significant elevations in markers of inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and oxidative stress. In addition, iron content, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and RT-PCR assays confirmed significantly increased levels of ferroptosis in rev-erbα-deficient DCM. Intriguingly, Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) data uncovered an interaction between rev-erbα and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in diabetic myocardial tissues. It is worth highlighting that ferroptosis within cardiomyocytes witnessed significant mitigation upon the administration of sulforaphane (SFN), an NRF2 agonist, to HG + PA-incubated H9c2 cells. Our study demonstrates for the first time that knockdown of the clock gene rev-erbα exacerbates myocardial injury and ferroptosis in type 2 diabetic mice, which can be reversed by activating NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jianxin Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yonghong Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Masliukov PM. Changes of Signaling Pathways in Hypothalamic Neurons with Aging. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8289-8308. [PMID: 37886966 PMCID: PMC10605528 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus is an important regulator of autonomic and endocrine functions also involved in aging regulation. The aging process in the hypothalamus is accompanied by disturbed intracellular signaling including insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/growth hormone (GH), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), and nitric oxide (NO). In the current review, I have summarized the current understanding of the changes in the above-mentioned pathways in aging with a focus on hypothalamic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr M Masliukov
- Department Normal Physiology, Yaroslavl State Medical University, ul. Revoliucionnaya 5, 150000 Yaroslavl, Russia
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Esmaealzadeh N, Iranpanah A, Sarris J, Rahimi R. A literature review of the studies concerning selected plant-derived adaptogens and their general function in body with a focus on animal studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154354. [PMID: 35932607 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptogens are generally referred to the substances, mostly found in plants, which non-specifically increase resilience and chances of survival by activation of signaling pathways in affected cells. PURPOSE This literature review was conducted to summarize the investigation, until March 2021, on selected adaptogenic plants and plant-derived substances. STUDY DESIGN Electronic databases were searched (up to March 2021) for in vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical trials. Moreover, all modes of action connected with the adaptogenic effects of plants and phytochemicals were collected. METHODS The search of relevant studies was performed within electronic databases including Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Cochrane library. The most important keywords were adaptogen, plant, phytochemical, and plant-derived. RESULTS The most investigated medicinal herbs for their adaptogenic activity are Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Schisandra chinensis, and Rhodiola spp., salidroside, ginsenosides, andrographolide, methyl jasmonate, cucurbitacin R, dichotosin, and dichotosininare are phytochemicals that have shown a considerable adaptogenic activity. Phytochemicals that have been demonstrated adaptogenic properties mainly belong to flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the main modes of action of the selected adaptogenic plants are stress modulatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and physical endurance enhancement. Other properties were nootropic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, and radioprotective activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niusha Esmaealzadeh
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1417653761, Iran; PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Kermanshah USERN Office, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1417653761, Iran; PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, Wright KM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1468-1495. [PMID: 34254920 PMCID: PMC8762185 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210712151556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withania somnifera (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is commonly used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems. WS has seen an increase in worldwide usage due to its reputation as an adaptogen. This popularity has elicited increased scientific study of its biological effects, including a potential application for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical studies examining the neuropsychiatric effects of WS, specifically its application in stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. METHODS Reports of human trials and animal studies of WS were collected primarily from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS WS root and leaf extracts exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies. WS also improved symptoms of depression and insomnia, though fewer studies investigated these applications. WS may alleviate these conditions predominantly through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axes, as well as through GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. While some studies link specific withanolide components to its neuropsychiatric benefits, there is evidence for the presence of additional, as yet unidentified, active compounds in WS. CONCLUSION While benefits were seen in the reviewed studies, significant variability in the WS extracts examined prevents a consensus on the optimum WS preparation or dosage for treating neuropsychiatric conditions. WS generally appears safe for human use; however, it will be important to investigate potential herb-drug interactions involving WS if used alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Further elucidation of active compounds of WS is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amala Soumyanath
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
| | - Kirsten M. Wright
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
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