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Karami M, Naghavi MR, Nasiri J, Farzin N, Ignea C. Enhanced production of withaferin A from the hairy root culture of Withania somnifera via synergistic effect of Methyl jasmonate and β-cyclodextrin. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108440. [PMID: 38412705 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Due to low amounts of withanolides produced in some plants and high demand for various applications, their biotechnological production is widely researched. The effects of two explant types (i.e., leaf and stem from the in vitro seedlings of three genotypes of Withania somnifera) and four Rhizobium strains (i.e., LBA 9402, A4, ATCC 15834, and C58C1) to improve hairy root formation efficiency was studied. Furthermore, the combined effects of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on withaferin A production after 48 h exposure time was examined. Four hairy roots having the maximum percentage of induced roots and mean number of induced roots to analyze their growth kinetics and identified G3/ATCC/LEAF culture having the maximum specific growth rate (μ = 0.036 day-1) and growth index (GI = 9.18), and the shortest doubling time (Td = 18.82 day) were selected. After 48 h exposure of G3/ATCC/LEAF culture to different elicitation conditions, maximum amounts of withaferin A were produced in samples co-treated with 0.5 mM β-CD + 100 μM MeJA (9.57 mg/g DW) and 5.0 mM β-CD + 100 μM MeJA (17.45 mg/g DW). These outcomes represented a 6.8-fold and 12.5-fold increase, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, combined β-CD/MeJA elicitation increased gene expression levels of HMGR, SQS, SMT-1, and SDS/CYP710A involved in withanolides biosynthetic pathway, of which just SMT-1 had significant correlation with withaferin A production. These results demonstrated the superiority of G1-leaf explant and ATCC 15834 for hairy root induction, and revealed synergistic effect of MeJA and β-CD on withaferin A production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Karami
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agricultural and Natural Resources College, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Naghavi
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agricultural and Natural Resources College, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran; Department of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, 117198, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Jaber Nasiri
- Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Narjes Farzin
- Department of Horticultural Science and Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Codruta Ignea
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0E9, Canada.
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Namdeo AG, Ingawale DK. Ashwagandha: Advances in plant biotechnological approaches for propagation and production of bioactive compounds. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113709. [PMID: 33346029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Withania somnifera is one of the most extensively delved Ayurvedic medicine. Apart from rejuvenation and increasing longevity, it has several other properties such as immunomodulation, anti-cancer, anti-stress and neuroprotection. Because of its prevailing use and increasing demand, it becomes prudent to scientifically evaluate and document both its propagation and production of desired phytoconstituents. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to highlight the research progress achieved on various biotechnological and tissue culture aspects of Withania somnifera and to cover up-to-date information regarding in-vitro propagation and production of withanolides. MATERIALS AND METHODS Significant published studies were identified for the years 2000-2018 using Elsevier-Science Direct, Pubmed and Google scholar and several research studies in our laboratory. Following keywords such as "plant extracts", "in vitro cultures", "callus and suspension culture", "micropropagation", "hairy root cultures" were used. Further, "Withania somnifera", "secondary metabolites specially withanolides", "molecular techniques" and "in vitro conservation" were used to cross-reference the keywords. RESULTS Ashwagandha comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals with a wide range of pharmacological properties. W. somnifera seeds have reduced viability and germination rates; thus, its regular cultivation method fails to achieve commercial demands mainly for the production of desired phytoconstituents. Cultivation of plant cells/tissues under in vitro conditions and development of various biotechnological strategies will help to build an attractive alternative to provide adequate quality and quantity raw materials. Recently, a large number of in vitro protocols has developed for W. somnifera not only for its propagation but for the production of secondary metabolites as well. Present work highlights a variety of biotechnological strategies both for prompt propagation and production of different bioactive secondary metabolites. CONCLUSION The present review focuses on the development and opportunities in various biotechnological approaches to accomplish the global demand of W. somnifera and its secondary metabolites. This review underlines the advances in plant biotechnological approaches for the propagation of W. somnifera and production of its bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay G Namdeo
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Erandawane, Pune, 411038, India.
| | - Deepa K Ingawale
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Erandawane, Pune, 411038, India
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Rajivgandhi GN, Kanisha CC, Ramachandran G, Manoharan N, Mothana RA, Siddiqui NA, Al-Rehaily AJ, Ullah R, Almarfadi OM. Phytochemical screening and anti-oxidant activity of Sargassum wightii enhances the anti-bacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1763-1769. [PMID: 33732060 PMCID: PMC7938186 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the phytochemical, phenolic, flavonoid and bioactive compounds were successfully screened from crude extract of Sargassum wightii by LC-MS analysis after NIST interpretation. Bacterial growth inhibition study result was shown with 24 mm zone inhibition at 200 µg/mL concentration against P. aeruginosa. The increased phenolic content was much closed to gallic acid and the range was observed at 250 μg/mL concentration. In addition, flavonoid contents of the algae extract was indicated more significant with rutin at 200 μg/mL. In result, both the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were more correlated with gallic acid and rutin. Further, the total anti-oxidant and DPPH radical scavenging activities were shown increased activity at 200 μg/mL concentrations. Furthermore, the excellent anti-bacterial alteration result was observed at 200 μg/mL concentration by minimum inhibition concentration. Therefore, the result was revealed that the marine algae Sargassum wightii has excellent phytochemical and anti-oxidant activities, and it has improved anti-bacterial activity against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Govindan Ramachandran
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natesan Manoharan
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramzi A Mothana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasir A Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan J Al-Rehaily
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omer M Almarfadi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Liu T, Tang X, Jia X, Wu X, Huang M, Zeng J, Chen W. The complete plastid genome and phylogenetic analysis of Gracilaria edulis. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES 2019; 4:2598-2599. [PMID: 33365642 PMCID: PMC7706543 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1642161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gracilaria edulis, a marine red macroalgae, is a rich source of sulfated polysaccharides, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals, and showed multiple bioactivities such as antibacterial, antitumour, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity. The plastid genome sequence of G. edulis is 179,410 bp. A total of 235 genes were determined, including 201 protein-encoding genes, 30 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, 1 ribonuclease gene, and 1 intron inserted into the trnM gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that G. edulis clustered together with Gracilaria salicornia, Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui and Gracilaria chilensis. The plastid genome analysis will help in the understanding of Gracilaria evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of technology for tropical seawater aquaculture, Haikou, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organism, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianming Tang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of technology for tropical seawater aquaculture, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuli Jia
- Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organism, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Huang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of technology for tropical seawater aquaculture, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of technology for tropical seawater aquaculture, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weizhou Chen
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, People's Republic of China
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Innate endophytic fungus, Aspergillus terreus as biotic elicitor of withanolide A in root cell suspension cultures of Withania somnifera. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:1895-1908. [PMID: 30706360 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, root cell suspension cultures of W. somnifera were elicited with mycelial extract (1% w/v) and culture filtrate (5% v/v) of their native endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus 2aWF in shake flask. Culture filtrate of A. terreus 2aWF significantly elicits withanolide A at 6H (12.20 ± 0.52 µg/g FCB). However, with A. terreus 2aWF mycelial extract, withanolide A content was higher at 24H (10.29 µg/g FCB). Withanolide A content was maximum with salicylic acid (0.1 mM) treatment at 24H (8.3 ± 0.20 µg/g FCB). Further, expression analysis of withanolide pathway genes, hydrogen peroxide production, and lipid peroxidation was carried out after 48H of elicitation with 2aWF mycelial extract and culture filtrate. The expression levels of withanolides biosynthetic pathway genes, viz. HMGR, DXR, FPPS, SQS, SQE, CAS, SMT1, STE1 and CYP710A1 were quantified by real time PCR at 48H of elicitation. In all the treatments, the expression levels of key genes were significantly upregulated as compared to untreated suspension cells. Hydrogen peroxide was noticeably enhanced in SA, mycelia extract and culture filtrate, at 20% (115 ± 4.40 nM/g FCB), 42% (137.5 ± 3.62 nM/g FCB), and 27% (122.8 ± 1.25 nM/g FCB) respectively; however, lipid peroxidation was 0.288 ± 0.014, 0.305 ± 0.041 and 0.253 ± 0.007 (µM/gm FCB) respectively, higher than the control (0.201 ± 0.007 µM/gm FCB).
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Singh R, Gupta P, Khan F, Singh SK, Mishra T, Kumar A, Dhawan SS, Shirke PA. Modulations in primary and secondary metabolic pathways and adjustment in physiological behaviour of Withania somnifera under drought stress. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 272:42-54. [PMID: 29807605 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In general medicinal plants grown under water limiting conditions show much higher concentrations of secondary metabolites in comparison to control plants. In the present study, Withania somnifera plants were subjected to water stress and data related to drought tolerance phenomenon was collected and a putative mechanistic concept considering growth responses, physiological behaviour, and metabolite content and gene expression aspects is presented. Drought induced metabolic and physiological responses as well as drastic decrease in CO2 uptake due to stomatal limitations. As a result, the consumption of reduction equivalents (NADPH2+) for CO2 assimilation via the calvin cycle declines significantly resulting in the generation of a large oxidative stress and an oversupply of antioxidant enzymes. Drought also results in the shifting of metabolic processes towards biosynthetic activities that consume reduction equivalents. Thus, biosynthesis of reduced compounds (isoprenoids, phenols and alkaloids) is enhanced. The dynamics of various metabolites have been discussed in the light of gene expression analysis of control and drought treated leaves. Gene encoding enzymes of pathways leading to glucose, fructose and fructan production, conversion of triose phosphates to hexoses and hexose phosphorylation were up-regulated in the drought stressed leaves. The down-regulated Calvin cycle genes were co-ordinately regulated with the down-regulation of chloroplast triosephosphate/phosphate translocator, cytoplasmic fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase and fructose bisphosphatase. Expression of gene encoding Squalene Synthase (SQS) was highly upregulated under drought stress which is responsible for the diversion of carbon flux towards withanolides biosynthesis from isoprenoid pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Singh
- CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India.
| | - Pankhuri Gupta
- CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Furqan Khan
- CSIR - National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 226001, India
| | - Susheel Kumar Singh
- CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Tripti Mishra
- CSIR - National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 226001, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- CSIR - National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 226001, India
| | - Sunita Singh Dhawan
- CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
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Pandey SS, Singh S, Pandey H, Srivastava M, Ray T, Soni S, Pandey A, Shanker K, Babu CSV, Banerjee S, Gupta MM, Kalra A. Endophytes of Withania somnifera modulate in planta content and the site of withanolide biosynthesis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5450. [PMID: 29615668 PMCID: PMC5882813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23716-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue specific biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is a distinguished feature of medicinal plants. Withania somnifera, source of pharmaceutically important withanolides biosynthesizes withaferin-A in leaves and withanolide-A in roots. To increase the in planta withanolides production, a sustainable approach needs to be explored. Here, we isolated endophytes from different parts of W. somnifera plants and their promising role in in planta withanolide biosynthesis was established in both in-vivo grown as well in in-vitro raised composite W. somnifera plants. Overall, the fungal endophytes improved photosynthesis, plant growth and biomass, and the root-associated bacterial endophytes enhanced the withanolide content in both in-vivo and in-vitro grown plants by modulating the expression of withanolide biosynthesis genes in leaves and roots. Surprisingly, a few indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing and nitrogen-fixing root-associated endophytes could induce the biosynthesis of withaferin-A in roots by inducing in planta IAA-production and upregulating the expression of withanolide biosynthesis genes especially MEP-pathway genes (DXS and DXR) in roots as well. Results indicate the role of endophytes in modulating the synthesis and site of withanolides production and the selected endophytes can be used for enhancing the in planta withanolide production and enriching roots with pharmaceutically important withaferin-A which is generally absent in roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv S Pandey
- Microbial Technology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Sucheta Singh
- Microbial Technology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Harshita Pandey
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Madhumita Srivastava
- Analytical Chemistry Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Tania Ray
- Microbial Technology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Sumit Soni
- Microbial Technology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Alok Pandey
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Karuna Shanker
- Analytical Chemistry Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - C S Vivek Babu
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Suchitra Banerjee
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - M M Gupta
- Analytical Chemistry Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Alok Kalra
- Microbial Technology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India.
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8
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Shasmita, Rai MK, Naik SK. Exploring plant tissue culture inWithania somnifera(L.) Dunal:in vitropropagation and secondary metabolite production. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2017; 38:836-850. [DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2017.1416453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shasmita
- Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Manoj K. Rai
- Department of Environmental Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India
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9
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Pandey V, Ansari WA, Misra P, Atri N. Withania somnifera: Advances and Implementation of Molecular and Tissue Culture Techniques to Enhance Its Application. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1390. [PMID: 28848589 PMCID: PMC5552756 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha an important medicinal plant largely used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for over 3,000 years. Being a medicinal plant, dried powder, crude extract as well as purified metabolies of the plant has shown promising therapeutic properties. Withanolides are the principal metabolites, responsible for the medicinal properties of the plant. Availability and amount of particular withanolides differ with tissue type and chemotype and its importance leads to identification characterization of several genes/ enzymes related to withanolide biosynthetic pathway. The modulation in withanolides can be achieved by controlling the environmental conditions like, different tissue culture techniques, altered media compositions, use of elicitors, etc. Among all the in vitro techniques, hairy root culture proved its importance at industrial scale, which also gets benefits due to more accumulation (amount and number) of withanolides in roots tissues of W. somnifera. Use of media compostion and elicitors further enhances the amount of withanolides in hairy roots. Another important modern day technique used for accumulation of desired secondary metabolites is modulating the gene expression by altering environmental conditions (use of different media composition, elicitors, etc.) or through genetic enginnering. Knowing the significance of the gene and the key enzymatic step of the pathway, modulation in withanolide contents can be achieved upto required amount in therapeutic industry. To accomplish maximum productivity through genetic enginnering different means of Withania transformation methods have been developed to obtain maximum transformation efficiency. These standardized transformation procedues have been used to overexpress/silence desired gene in W. somnifera to understand the outcome and succeed with enhanced metabolic production for the ultimate benefit of human race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Pandey
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | - Waquar Akhter Ansari
- Department of Botany, Mahila Maha Vidhyalaya (MMV), Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, India
| | - Pratibha Misra
- National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchLucknow, India
- *Correspondence: Pratibha Misra
| | - Neelam Atri
- Department of Botany, Mahila Maha Vidhyalaya (MMV), Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, India
- Neelam Atri
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Palliyaguru DL, Singh SV, Kensler TW. Withania somnifera: From prevention to treatment of cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res 2016; 60:1342-53. [PMID: 26718910 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201500756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of bioactive molecules that have potential to interrupt carcinogenesis continues to garner research interest. In particular, molecules that have dietary origin are most attractive because of their safety, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of oral administration. Nutraceuticals have played an important role in the overall well-being of humans for many years, with or without rigorous evidence backing their health claims. Traditional medicine systems around the world have utilized plants that have medicinal properties for millennia, providing an opportunity for modern day researchers to assess their efficacies against ailments such as cancer. Withania somnifera (WS) is a plant that has been used in Ayurveda (an ancient form of medicine in Asia) and in the recent past, has been demonstrated to have anti-tumorigenic properties in experimental models. While scientific research performed on WS has exploded in the past decade, much regarding the mode of action and molecular targets involved remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the traditional uses of the plant, the experimental evidence supporting its chemopreventive potential as well as roadblocks that need to be overcome in order for WS to be evaluated as a chemopreventive agent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dushani L Palliyaguru
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shivendra V Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas W Kensler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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