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Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Liss S, Szyperski P, Szambelan M, Gromadzki B, Rupniak I, Słupski M, Sadowska-Krawczenko I. Ashwagandha's Multifaceted Effects on Human Health: Impact on Vascular Endothelium, Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Outcomes-A Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:2481. [PMID: 39125360 PMCID: PMC11314093 DOI: 10.3390/nu16152481] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, has been popular for many years. Numerous studies have shown that the extract of this plant, due to its wealth of active substances, can induce anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, adaptogenic, anti-arthritic, anti-stress, and antimicrobial effects. This review examines the impact of Ashwagandha extract on the vascular endothelium, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha extracts exhibit an anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced capillary sprouting and formation by lowering the mean density of microvessels. Furthermore, the results of numerous studies highlight the anti-inflammatory role of Ashwagandha extract, as the action of this plant causes a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, withanolides, present in Ashwagandha root, have shown the ability to inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Research results have also proved that W. somnifera demonstrates cardioprotective effects due to its antioxidant properties and reduces ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis. It seems that this plant can be successfully used as a potential treatment for several conditions, mainly those with increased inflammation. More research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which the substances contained in W. somnifera extracts can act in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wiciński
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Anna Fajkiel-Madajczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Zuzanna Kurant
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Sara Liss
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Paweł Szyperski
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Monika Szambelan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Bartłomiej Gromadzki
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.W.); (Z.K.); (S.L.); (P.S.); (M.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Iga Rupniak
- Department of Neonatology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, ul. Ujejskiego 75, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (I.R.); (I.S.-K.)
| | - Maciej Słupski
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Iwona Sadowska-Krawczenko
- Department of Neonatology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, ul. Ujejskiego 75, 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (I.R.); (I.S.-K.)
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Patwardhan B, Chaturvedi S, Tillu G, Deshpande S, Hegde BM. Danish ban on Ashwagandha: Truth, evidence, ethics, and regulations. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2024:101028. [PMID: 38969606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bhushan Patwardhan
- Ramkumar Rathi Patanjali Yoga Chair, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
| | - Sarika Chaturvedi
- Dr D Y Patil Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra - 411018, India
| | - Girish Tillu
- Ayush Centre of Excellence, Department of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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Srivastava A, Ahmad R, Wani IA, Siddiqui S, Yadav K, Trivedi A, Upadhyay S, Husain I, Ahamad T, Dudhagi SS. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera effectively target Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and reveal a decreased susceptibility to viral infection and perpetuation: a polypharmacology approach. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38419919 PMCID: PMC10897645 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00184-y] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention from disease is presently the cornerstone of the fight against COVID-19. With the rapid emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is an urgent need for novel or repurposed agents to strengthen and fortify the immune system. Existing vaccines induce several systemic and local side-effects that can lead to severe consequences. Moreover, elevated cytokines in COVID-19 patients with cancer as co-morbidity represent a significant bottleneck in disease prognosis and therapy. Withania somnifera (WS) and its phytoconstituent(s) have immense untapped immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential and the anticancer potential of WS is well documented. To this effect, WS methanolic extract (WSME) was characterized using HPLC. Withanolides were identified as the major phytoconstituents. In vitro cytotoxicity of WSME was determined against human breast MDA-MB-231 and normal Vero cells using MTT assay. WSME displayed potent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50: 66 µg/mL) and no effect on Vero cells in the above range. MD simulations of Withanolide A with SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike receptor-binding domain as well as Withanolide B with SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein and SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease were performed using Schrödinger. Stability of complexes followed the order 6M0J-Withanolide A > 6W9C-Withnaolide B > 5WRG-Withanolide B > 6LU7-Withanolide A. Maximum stable interaction(s) were observed between Withanolides A and B with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV spike glycoproteins, respectively. Withanolides A and B also displayed potent binding to pro-inflammatory markers viz. serum ferritin and IL-6. Thus, WS phytoconstituents have the potential to be tested further in vitro and in vivo as novel antiviral agents against COVID-19 patients having cancer as a co-morbidity. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00184-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Irshad A. Wani
- Department of Cardiology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Sahabjada Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, UP 226007 India
| | - Anchal Trivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Shivbrat Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Ishrat Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Tanveer Ahamad
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Shivanand S. Dudhagi
- Plant Physiology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, UP 226001 India
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Gupta A, Yadav K, Yadav A, Ahmad R, Srivastava A, Kumar D, Khan MA, Dwivedi UN. Mannose-specific plant and microbial lectins as antiviral agents: A review. Glycoconj J 2024; 41:1-33. [PMID: 38244136 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10142-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Lectins are non-immunological carbohydrate-binding proteins classified on the basis of their structure, origin, and sugar specificity. The binding specificity of such proteins with the surface glycan moiety determines their activity and clinical applications. Thus, lectins hold great potential as diagnostic and drug discovery agents and as novel biopharmaceutical products. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding plant and microbial lectins as therapeutic agents against various viral diseases. Among them, mannose-specific lectins have being proven as promising antiviral agents against a variety of viruses, such as HIV, Influenza, Herpes, Ebola, Hepatitis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The binding of mannose-binding lectins (MBLs) from plants and microbes to high-mannose containing N-glycans (which may be simple or complex) of glycoproteins found on the surface of viruses has been found to be highly specific and mainly responsible for their antiviral activity. MBLs target various steps in the viral life cycle, including viral attachment, entry and replication. The present review discusses the brief classification and structure of lectins along with antiviral activity of various mannose-specific lectins from plants and microbial sources and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications against viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Anurag Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agriculture University, District-Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Aditi Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Amir Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - U N Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Nair A, Kuppusamy K, Nangan S, Natesan T, Haponiuk JT, Thomas S, Ramasubburayan R, Gnanasekaran L, Selvaraj M, Gopi S. Multifunctional natural derived carbon quantum dots from Withania somnifera (L.) - Antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviron. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117366. [PMID: 37827368 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117366] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural carbon dots (NCQDs) are expediently significant in the photo-, nano- and biomedical spheres owing to their facile synthesis, optical and physicochemical attributes. In the present study, three NCQDs are prepared and optimized from Withania somnifera (ASH) by one-step hydrothermal (bottom-up) method: HASHP (without dopant), nitrogen doped HASHNH3 (surface passivation using ammonia) and HASHEDA (surface passivation with ethylenediamine). The HR-TEM images reveal that HASHP, HASNH3, HASHEDA are spherically shaped with 2.5 ± 0.5 nm, 4 ± 1 nm and 5 ± 2 nm particle size, respectively, whereas FTIR confirms the aqueous solubility and nitrogen doping. The XRD patterns ensure that the NCQDs are amorphous and graphitic in nature. Comparatively, HASHNH3 (32.5%) and HASHEDA (27.6%) portray better fluorescence quantum yield than HASHP (5.6%). The increase in quantum yield for the doped NCQDs can be attributed to the surface passivation using ammonia and ethylenediamine. Surface passivation plays a crucial role in enhancing the fluorescence properties of quantum dots. The introduction of nitrogen through ammonia and ethylenediamine provides additional electronic states, possibly reducing non-radiative recombination sites and hence boosting the QY. In addition, an antiviral study unveils the striking potential of surface passivated NCQDs to curb Covid-19 crises with around 85% inhibition of SARS-CoV pseudoviron cells, which is better in comparison to the non-doped NCQDs. Hence, to understand the paramount efficacy of these NCQDs, a hypothesis on their possible mechanism of action against Covid-19 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhila Nair
- Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Technology Department, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kanagaraj Kuppusamy
- Center for Supramolecular Chemistry & Catalysis and Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, 99 Shang-Da Road, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Senthilkumar Nangan
- Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India
| | - Thirumalaivasan Natesan
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jozef T Haponiuk
- Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Technology Department, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sabu Thomas
- School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India
| | - Ramasamy Ramasubburayan
- Marine Biomedical Research Laboratory & Environmental Toxicology Unit, Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Lalitha Gnanasekaran
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avda. General Velásquez 1775, Arica, Chile
| | - Manickam Selvaraj
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sreeraj Gopi
- Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Polymer Technology Department, Gdansk, Poland; Molecules Food Solutions Private Limited, Kinfra, Koratty, 680309, Kerala, India.
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Usmani K, Jain SK, Yadav S. Mechanism of action of certain medicinal plants for the treatment of asthma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116828. [PMID: 37369335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116828] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Asthma is often treated and prevented using the pharmacological properties of traditional medicinal plants. These healthcare systems are among the most well-known, conveniently accessible, and economically priced in India and several other Asian countries. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic plants have the potential to be used as phyto-therapeutics, to create novel anti-asthmatic drugs, and as a cost-effective source of pharmaceuticals. Current conventional therapies have drawbacks, including serious side effects and expensive costs that interfere with treatment compliance and affect the patient's quality of life. The primary objective of the article is to comprehensively evaluate the advancement of research on the protective phytochemicals of traditional plants that target immune responses and signaling cascades in inflammatory experimental asthma models. The study would assist in paving the way for the creation of natural phytomedicines that are protective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory against asthma, which may then be used in individualized asthma therapy. AIM OF THE STUDY The study demonstrates the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals present in traditional medicinal plants, diminish pulmonary disorder in both in vivo and in vitro models of asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature on conventional plant-based asthma therapies was performed from 2006 to 2022. The study uses authoritative scientific sources such as PubMed, PubChem Compound, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Google Scholar to collect information on potential phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. World Flora Online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org) and Plants of the World Online (https://wcsp.science.kew.org) databases were used for the scientific names of medicinal plants. RESULTS The study outlines the phytochemical mechanisms of some traditional Ayurveda botanicals used to treat asthma. Active phytochemicals including curcumin, withaferin-A, piperine, glabridin, glycyrrhizin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, trans-cinnamaldehyde, α-hederin, thymoquinone, eugenol, [6]-shogoal, and gingerol may treat asthma by controlling inflammation and airway remodeling. The study concluded that certain Ayurvedic plants' phytochemicals have the ability to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, that can effectively cure asthma. CONCLUSION Plants used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine have been utilized for millennia, advocating phyto-therapy as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. A theoretical foundation for the use of cutting-edge asthma treatments has been built with the growth of experimental research on traditional phytochemicals. In-depth phytochemical research for the treatment of asthma using Indian Traditional Ayurvedic herbs is compiled in the study. The approach for preventative therapeutics and cutting-edge alternatives to battle the molecular pathways in the pathophysiology of asthma are the key themes of the study. The phytochemical mechanism of action of traditional Ayurvedic herbs is explained to get the attention of the pharmaceutical industry so they can make future anti-asthma drugs for personalized asthma care in the community. The study develops strategies for customized phyto-therapeutics, concentrating on low-cost, side-effect-free approaches that employ bioactive phytochemicals from plants as the major source of effective anti-asthmatic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kainat Usmani
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, 470003, MP, India.
| | - Subodh Kumar Jain
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, 470003, MP, India.
| | - Shweta Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, 470003, MP, India.
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Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Fairchild TJ. Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:1091-1104. [PMID: 37740662 PMCID: PMC10647917 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health. AIMS Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on stress, fatigue, and sex hormones in overweight or mildly obese men and women with self-reported stress and fatigue. METHODS Two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on overweight or mildly obese men and women aged 40-75 years, supplementing with 200 mg of an ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin®) twice daily. RESULTS/OUTCOMES Supplementation with ashwagandha was associated with a significant reduction in stress levels based on the Perceived Stress Scale (primary outcome); however, the improvements were not significantly different to the placebo group (p = 0.867). Based on the Chalder Fatigue Scale, there was a statistically significant reduction in fatigue symptoms in the ashwagandha group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.016), and participants taking ashwagandha also experienced a significant increase in heart rate variability (p = 0.003). However, there were no significant between-group differences in other self-report outcome measures. In the men taking ashwagandha, there was a significant increase in the blood concentrations of free testosterone (p = 0.048) and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.002) compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The results of this study suggest that in overweight middle-to-older age adults experiencing high stress and fatigue, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha did not have a significantly greater impact on perceived stress levels. However, based on secondary outcome measures, it may have anti-fatigue effects. This may be via its impact on the autonomic nervous system. However, further research is required to expand on these current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Timothy J Fairchild
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Maurya DK, Sharma D. Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long-COVID-19 complications: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4908-4931. [PMID: 37468320 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Human race is preparing for the upsurge and aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic complicated by novel variants, new waves, variable mortality rate, and post-COVID complications. Despite use of repurposed drugs, symptomatic treatments and licensing of multiple vaccines, the daily number of cases and rate of transmission are significant. Culinary spices and herbs have been historically used in pandemic and non-pandemic times to reduce respiratory viral burden. Specific food items and culinary spices can boost the levels of protective immunity and also offer therapeutic benefits against impervious bugs via well-known as well as less-known but scientifically testable mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the phytochemicals profile of Ayurvedic herbs and inferred from the clinical trials/observational studies to provide a focused and succinct perspective on the relevance of "food-based" traditional decoction to moderate COVID-19 disease and long-COVID via modulation of immunity and reinstatement of homeostasis. We also underscore the druggable targets in pathogenesis of COVID-19 which are relevant to the ongoing clinical trials using spices and herbs. This information will provide a strong scientific rationale for standardization of the traditional herbs-based therapies and adopting the use of herbs, spices, and their formulations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-COVID symptoms, and COVID-19 disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar Maurya
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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Singh H, Yadav B, Rai AK, Srivastava S, Saiprasad A, Jameela S, Singhal R, Muralidharan S, Mohan R, Chaudhary S, Rana R, Khanduri S, Sharma BS, Chandrasekhararao B, Srikanth N, Dhiman KS. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) in mild and moderate COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled exploratory trial. Complement Ther Med 2023; 76:102966. [PMID: 37482107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102966] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ayurveda interventions have been used for prophylaxis and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and have shown promising results in promoting early clinical recovery from COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] tablet and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) capsule in mild and moderate COVID-19 compared to conventional standard care. METHODS A randomized controlled exploratory trial was conducted at a designated COVID-19 care center in India with 60 participants having mild or moderate COVID-19. Ashwagandha, two tablets (250 mg each), and Shunthi, two capsules (500 mg each) twice daily for 15 days, were given orally to the participants in the Ayurveda group (AG) and the control group (CG) received conventional standard care. The outcome measures included clinical recovery rate, the proportion of participants with negative RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 on day 7 and day 15, mean time to attain clinical recovery, change in pro-inflammatory markers, serum IgG for COVID-19, HRCT chest findings, disease progression and incidence of adverse events (AE). RESULTS A total of 60 participants were enrolled, and the data of 48 participants (AG = 25 and CG = 23) were considered for the statistical analysis. The mean time for clinical recovery was reduced by almost 50 % in the AG (6.9 days) compared to CG (13.0 days) (p < 0.001). The proportion of participants who attained viral clearance in AG was 76.0 % compared to 60.8 % in the CG (RR= 1.24, 95 % CI: 0.841, 1.851, p-value = 0.270). Changes in the pro-inflammatory markers, serum IgG for COVID-19, and HRCT chest findings were comparable in both groups, and no AE or disease progression was reported. CONCLUSIONS The Ayurveda interventions, Ashwagandha and Shunthi, can effectively reduce the duration of clinical recovery and improve time for viral clearance in mild and moderate COVID-19. These interventions were observed to be safe and well-tolerated during the duration of the trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial Registry of India - CTRI/2020/08/027224.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harbans Singh
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Babita Yadav
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Amit K Rai
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India.
| | - Sumit Srivastava
- Department of Ayurveda, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajv Saiprasad
- Department of Ayurveda, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sophia Jameela
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Richa Singhal
- Former Statistical Investigator, Biostatistical Unit, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Sanuj Muralidharan
- Department of Ayurveda, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rijin Mohan
- Department of Ayurveda, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shikha Chaudhary
- Department of Ayurveda, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Rana
- Biostatistical Unit, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Shruti Khanduri
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Bhagwan S Sharma
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Bhogavalli Chandrasekhararao
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Narayanam Srikanth
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
| | - Kartar S Dhiman
- Former Director-General, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, India
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Gómez Afonso A, Fernandez-Lazaro D, Adams DP, Monserdà-Vilaró A, Fernandez-Lazaro CI. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Hematological and Biochemical Markers, Hormonal Behavior, and Oxidant Response in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:465-477. [PMID: 37428341 PMCID: PMC10444651 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ws) is a common herb plant that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, particularly certain chronic diseases due to its antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antistress, and chondroprotective effects, among many others. No conclusive evidence, however, exists about the potential health effects of Ws in adults without chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the health benefits of Ws supplementation in healthy adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to assess the effects of Ws on hematological and biochemical markers, hormonal behavior, and oxidant response in healthy adults. Original articles published up to March 5, 2022, with a controlled trial design or pre-post intervention design, in which supplementation of Ws was compared to a control group or data prior to intervention were included. Among 2,421 records identified in the search, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, most of the studies reported beneficial effects of the Ws supplementation, and no serious adverse events were reported. Participants supplemented with Ws displayed reduced levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, and counterbalanced hormone levels. No evidence of the beneficial effects of Ws supplementation on hematological markers was reported. Ws supplementation appears to be safe, may regulate hormone levels, and has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the relevance of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Gómez Afonso
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Fernandez-Lazaro
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética, Histología y Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus de Soria, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, 42004, Spain.
- Grupo de Investigación Reconocido "Neurobiología", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, 47005, Spain.
| | - David P Adams
- University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Aniol Monserdà-Vilaró
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesar I Fernandez-Lazaro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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11
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Jadaun P, Harshithkumar R, Gaikwad SY, Seniya C, Borse S, Gawai AA, Chavan-Gautam P, Tillu G, Mukherjee A. Withania somnifera extracts induced attenuation of HIV-1: a mechanistic approach to restrict viral infection. Virol J 2023; 20:173. [PMID: 37537596 PMCID: PMC10401819 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several anti-retroviral drugs are available against Human immunodeficiency virus type-1, but have multiple adverse side effects. Hence, there is an incessant compulsion for effectual anti-retroviral agents with minimal or no intricacy. Traditionally, natural products have been the most successful source for the development of new medications. Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, is the utmost treasured medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, which holds the potential to give adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. However, its effect on HIV-1 replication at the cellular level has never been explored. Herein, we focused on the anti-HIV-1 activity and the probable mechanism of action of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera roots and its phytomolecules. METHODS The cytotoxicity of the extracts was determined through MTT assay, while the in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity was assessed in TZM-bl cells against the HIV-1 strains of X4 and R5 subtypes. Results were confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, using the HIV-1 p24 antigen assay. Additionally, the mechanism of action was determined through the Time of Addition assay, which was further validated through the series of enzymatic assays, i.e. HIV-1 Integrase, Reverse transcriptase, and Protease assays. To explore the role of the identified active metabolites of Withania somnifera in antiretroviral activity, molecular docking analyses were performed against these key HIV-1 replication enzymes. RESULTS The hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera roots were found to be safer at the sub-cytotoxic concentrations and exhibited their ability to inhibit replication of two primary isolates of HIV-1 through cell-associated and cell-free assays, in dose-dependent kinetics. Several active phytomolecules found in Withania somnifera successfully established hydrogens bonds in the active binding pocket site residues responsible for the catalytic activity of HIV replication and therefore, signifying their role in the attenuation of HIV-1 infection as implied through the in silico molecular docking studies. CONCLUSIONS Our research identified both the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera roots as potent inhibitors of HIV-1 infection. The in silico analyses also indicated the key components of Withania somnifera with the highest binding affinity against the HIV-1 Integrase by 12-Deoxywithastramonolide and 27-Hydroxywithanone, HIV-1 Protease by Ashwagandhanolide and Withacoagin, and HIV-1 Reverse transcriptase by Ashwagandhanolide and Withanolide B, thereby showing possible mechanisms of HIV-1 extenuation. Overall, this study classified the role of Withania somnifera extracts and their active compounds as potential agents against HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Harshithkumar
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, 411026, MH, India
| | | | - Chandrabhan Seniya
- School of Biosciences, Engineering and Technology, VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal, 466114, MP, India
| | - Swapnil Borse
- CCIH-Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, MH, India
| | - Ashish A Gawai
- Anuradha College of Pharmacy, Buldana, 443201, MH, India
| | - Preeti Chavan-Gautam
- CCIH-Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, MH, India
| | - Girish Tillu
- CCIH-Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, MH, India
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12
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Parhar M, Bansal P. Development of a High Penetration Safe Irrigant from Withania somnifera. Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2023; 13:149-152. [PMID: 38023598 PMCID: PMC10666837 DOI: 10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_89_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Herbal medicine is regaining a strong position in health care by virtue of better safety and minimal toxicity as compared to conventional chemotherapies. It is making a place in dental care in the form of various toothpastes, lotions, and mouthwashes. It has been analyzed that very few discrete herbal irrigants have an action comparable to that of sodium hypochlorite. No data about any study on penetration depth and penetration area for herbal-based irrigants used in root canal treatment are available. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Withania somnifera extracts by assessing its penetration depth and area inside dentinal tubules using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Materials and Methods Freshly extracted 25 maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups: Group 1: W. somnifera; Group 2: sodium hypochlorite; and Group 3: distilled water. Results W. somnifera showed better results with respect to penetration depth and area inside the dentinal tubules thansodium hypochlorite. Conclusion From the study, it can be concluded that W. somnifera extract-based irrigant may be used as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite-based irrigant. It also shows that more herbal drugs need such types of screening and incorporation in dental practice to reduce the potential side effects of the conventional drugs used in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manreet Parhar
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Parveen Bansal
- Department of Herbal Drug Technology, University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
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Sharma PK, Kumar L, Goswami Y, Pujani M, Dikshit M, Tandon R. The aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory changes in the in vitro cell-based and mice models of inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1139654. [PMID: 37377934 PMCID: PMC10291246 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1139654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Most critically ill COVID-19 patients have bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to excessive inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroids have largely been prescribed for the management of inflammation in these patients. However, long-term use of corticosteroids in patients with comorbidities such as metabolic, cardiovascular, and other inflammatory disorders is ideally not recommended due to safety issues. A potential and safer anti-inflammatory therapy is therefore the need of the hour. Withania somnifera (WS), a well-known herbal medicine used during the pandemic in India to prevent SARS-CoV2 infection, also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: In the present study, we, therefore, evaluated the effect of the aqueous extract of the roots of W. somnifera in the cell-based assays and in the experimental animal models of LPS-induced inflammation. Results: In the NCI-H460, A549 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pre-treatment with W. somnifera reduced the LPS-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, W. somnifera extract also showed potent anti-inflammatory activity in the lung tissues of BALB/c mice challenged intranasally with LPS. We observed a marked reduction in the neutrophil counts in the broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis in the mice lungs pre-treated with W. somnifera. Results obtained thus suggest the potential utility of W. somnifera extract in reducing airway inflammation and recommend the clinical evaluation of W. somnifera extract in COVID-19 patients with a high propensity for lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lokesh Kumar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Yamini Goswami
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Mukta Pujani
- ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | - Madhu Dikshit
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
- Pharmacology Division, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Ruchi Tandon
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
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Khan A, Saeed ST, Sinha S, Yadav SS, Samad A. Identification and characterization of a novel begomovirus, Withania leaf curl virus associated with leaf curl disease of Withania somnifera. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:178. [PMID: 37188293 PMCID: PMC10175521 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03606-y] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Begomovirus is the largest genus of the family Geminiviridae with wide host range and responsible for a considerable amount of economic damage to many important crops globally. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) is an important medicinal plant with high demand in pharmaceutical industries worldwide. During the routine survey in 2019, typical characteristic viral symptoms such as severe leaf curling, downward rolling of the leaves, vein clearing, and poor growth of Withania plants with 17-20% disease incidence were observed in Lucknow, India. Typical symptoms, abundant presence of whiteflies, PCR and RCA based detection indicated the amplification of ~ 2.7 kb and suspected the causal pathogen to be a begomovirus, associated with a betasatellite (~ 1.3 kb). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of twinned particles of ~ 18-20 nm in diameter. Full genome sequencing (2758 bp) of the virus and its analysis showed only 88% sequence identity with the begomovirus sequences present in the database. Hence, based on the nomenclature guidelines we concluded that the virus associated with the present disease of W. somnifera is a novel begomovirus and its name is proposed as Withania leaf curl virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asifa Khan
- Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015 India
| | - Sana Tabanda Saeed
- Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015 India
| | - Soumya Sinha
- Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015 India
| | - Sujata Singh Yadav
- Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015 India
| | - Abdul Samad
- Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, 226015 India
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15
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Kalpana K, Yap S, Tsuji M, Kawamura A. Molecular Mechanism behind the Safe Immunostimulatory Effect of Withania somnifera. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050828. [PMID: 37238698 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050828] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (family Solanaceae) is a medicinal plant known for, among many pharmacological properties, an immune boosting effect. Our recent study revealed that its key immunostimulatory factor is lipopolysaccharide of plant-associated bacteria. This is peculiar, because, although LPS can elicit protective immunity, it is an extremely potent pro-inflammatory toxin (endotoxin). However, W. somnifera is not associated with such toxicity. In fact, despite the presence of LPS, it does not trigger massive inflammatory responses in macrophages. To gain insights into the safe immunostimulatory effect of W. somnifera, we conducted a mechanistic study on its major phytochemical constituent, withaferin A, which is known for anti-inflammatory activity. Endotoxin-triggered immunological responses in the presence and absence of withaferin A were characterized by both in vitro macrophage-based assay and in vivo cytokine profiling in mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that withaferin A selectively attenuates the pro-inflammatory signaling triggered by endotoxin without impairing other immunological pathways. This finding provides a new conceptual framework to understand the safe immune-boosting effect of W. somnifera and possibly other medicinal plants. Furthermore, the finding opens a new opportunity to facilitate the development of safe immunotherapeutic agents, such as vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Kalpana
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Shen Yap
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Moriya Tsuji
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Akira Kawamura
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Chemistry Ph.D. Program, The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
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16
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Ramli S, Wu YS, Batumalaie K, Guad RM, Choy KW, Kumar A, Gopinath SCB, Rahman Sarker MM, Subramaniyan V, Sekar M, Fuloria NK, Fuloria S, Chinni SV, Ramachawolran G. Phytochemicals of Withania somnifera as a Future Promising Drug against SARS-CoV-2: Pharmacological Role, Molecular Mechanism, Molecular Docking Evaluation, and Efficient Delivery. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041000. [PMID: 37110423 PMCID: PMC10142625 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041000] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has killed millions of people since first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Intriguingly, Withania somnifera (WS) has shown promising antiviral effects against numerous viral infections, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which are contributed by its phytochemicals. This review focused on the updated testing of therapeutic efficacy and associated molecular mechanisms of WS extracts and their phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 infection in preclinical and clinical studies with the aim to develop a long-term solution against COVID-19. It also deciphered the current use of the in silico molecular docking approach in developing potential inhibitors from WS targeting SARS-CoV-2 and host cell receptors that may aid the development of targeted therapy against SARS-CoV-2 ranging from prior to viral entry until acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review also discussed nanoformulations or nanocarriers in achieving effective WS delivery to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, consequently preventing the emergence of drug resistance, and eventually therapeutic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suaidah Ramli
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu 20400, Malaysia
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, Johor Bahru 81750, Malaysia
| | - Rhanye Mac Guad
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Ker Woon Choy
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh 47000, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Subash C B Gopinath
- Centre of Excellence (CoE), Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology & Micro System Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kangar 01000, Malaysia
| | - Md Moklesur Rahman Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
- Health Med Science Research Network, 3/1, Block F, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Pharmacology Unit, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, MONASH University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Subang Jaya 42610, Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Neeraj Kumar Fuloria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomaterials Engineering & Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Bedong 08100, Malaysia
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Shivkanya Fuloria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong 08100, Malaysia
| | - Suresh V Chinni
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience, and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Gobinath Ramachawolran
- Department of Foundation, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus, No 4, Jalan Sepoy Lines, Georgetown 10450, Malaysia
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England C, TrejoMartinez J, PerezSanchez P, Karki U, Xu J. Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:617. [PMID: 36983772 PMCID: PMC10054913 DOI: 10.3390/life13030617] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a profound impact on the world's health and economy. Although the end of the pandemic may come in 2023, it is generally believed that the virus will not be completely eradicated. Most likely, the disease will become an endemicity. The rapid development of vaccines of different types (mRNA, subunit protein, inactivated virus, etc.) and some other antiviral drugs (Remdesivir, Olumiant, Paxlovid, etc.) has provided effectiveness in reducing COVID-19's impact worldwide. However, the circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus has been constantly mutating with the emergence of multiple variants, which makes control of COVID-19 difficult. There is still a pressing need for developing more effective antiviral drugs to fight against the disease. Plants have provided a promising production platform for both bioactive chemical compounds (small molecules) and recombinant therapeutics (big molecules). Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids/terpenes and polyphenols, which are a rich source of countless antiviral compounds. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant therapeutics. This molecular farming in plants has an unprecedented opportunity for developing vaccines, antibodies, and other biologics for pandemic diseases because of its potential advantages, such as low cost, safety, and high production volume. This review summarizes the latest advancements in plant-derived drugs used to combat COVID-19 and discusses the prospects and challenges of the plant-based production platform for antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin England
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | | | - Paula PerezSanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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Savaliya C, Pandya S, Thumar K, Nagore D. Safety and efficacy of COROPROTECT kit as an add-on therapy in the management of mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ayu 2023; 44:9-16. [PMID: 38505111 PMCID: PMC10946664 DOI: 10.4103/ayu.ayu_92_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The constructive role of Ayurveda in managing COVID-19 has been widely discussed, with identified herbs showing immunomodulatory and anti-viral potential. However, clinical trials examining their safety and efficacy are limited. Aim The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of COROPROTECT kit, a proprietary Ayurvedic formulation, in COVID-19. Materials and method Randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 312 mild to moderate hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Groups received COROPROTECT or placebo for 10 days alongside standard care. Results The outcome measures included the number of days taken to reverse the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) status, reduction in symptoms and inflammatory markers. Fisher exact test was used to analyze the changes between categorical variables, whereas the comparative effect of therapy in both groups on inflammatory markers and safety biochemical parameters was analyzed using Student's t test. A total of 300 patients completed the study without any adverse events. The COROPROTECT kit group exhibited a statistically significant higher percentage of patients testing negative on days 4, 7, and 10 compared to the placebo group. A within group analysis showed that trial group to significantly reduced the levels of C-reactive protein (P = 0.03), lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.001), and interleukin-6 (P = 0.01). Subjects of the trial group experienced complete relief from cough (69.33%), breathlessness (65.33%), and fatigue (62.67%) within 4 days. In contrast, the placebo group had 20%-40% of participants with mild symptoms persisting until day 10. Conclusion This study suggests potential future implications, indicating a faster RT-PCR negativity, reduced COVID-19 severity, and inflammatory markers, along with early symptomatic recovery. The COROPROTECT kit proved safe, facilitating an accelerated clinical recovery compared to conventional care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Savaliya
- Research and Development Department, Gplife Healthcare Pvt., Ltd., Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Shridhar Pandya
- Research and Development Department, Gplife Healthcare Pvt., Ltd., Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Kamalesh Thumar
- Research and Development Department, Gplife Healthcare Pvt., Ltd., Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Dheeraj Nagore
- Director, Mprex Healthcare Pvt., Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra, India
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19
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Alanazi HH, Elfaki E. The immunomodulatory role of withania somnifera (L.) dunal in inflammatory diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1084757. [PMID: 36909188 PMCID: PMC9992553 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1084757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) (also known as Ashwagandha) is a botanical drug that has been used for centuries to treat many chronic diseases like high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. As many botanical drugs, w. Somnifera possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-asthmatic properties. W. somnifera is often compared to the ginseng plant due to its ability to reduce stress, improve cognitive functions (e.g., memory), and promote a healthy immune system. It promotes immunomodulatory effects whose function is to balance the humoral and cellular responses of the adaptive immune system. The therapeutic effect of w. Somnifera is attributed to active ingredients like alkaloids, steroidal lactones (such as withanolides, withaferins), and steroidal saponins. Although w. Somnifera is safe and highly recommended for treating various diseases, the current knowledge and understanding of its operational mechanisms are limited. One of the proposed mechanisms states that w. Somnifera promotes cellular-mediated immunity or initiates chemical interactions that contribute to therapeutic effects. Withania somnifera has been shown to play a significant role in immunological diseases by modulating several cytokines, increasing T-cell proliferation and enhancing macrophages functions. In this review, we will discuss the latest therapeutic effects of w. Somnifera on a number of diseases through modulating immunological markers and which specific components of w. Somnifera induce these therapeutic activities. We will also focus on the chemical properties in w. Somnifera components and their immunomodulatory role in type 2 allergic diseases where type 2 inflammation is highly imbalanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad H Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elyasa Elfaki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Gandhi Y, Mishra SK, Rawat H, Grewal J, Kumar R, Shakya SK, Jain VK, Babu G, Singh A, Singh R, Acharya R, Kumar V. Phytomedicines explored under in vitro and in silico studies against coronavirus: An opportunity to develop traditional medicines. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF BOTANISTS = SUID-AFRIKAANSE TYDSKRIF VIR PLANTKUNDE : AMPTELIKE TYDSKRIF VAN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE GENOOTSKAP VAN PLANTKUNDIGES 2022; 151:451-483. [PMID: 35530267 PMCID: PMC9057940 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2022.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The widespread COVID-19 pandemic, caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has emanated as one of the most life-threatening transmissible diseases. Currently, the repurposed drugs such as remdesivir, azithromycine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine are being employed in the management of COVID-19 but their adverse effects are a matter of concern. In this regard, alternative treatment options i.e., traditional medicine, medicinal plants, and their phytochemicals, which exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy and show a low toxicity profile, are being explored. The current review aims at unraveling the promising medicinal plants, phytochemicals, and traditional medicines against SARS-CoV-2 to discover phytomedicines for the management of COVID-19 on the basis of their potent antiviral activities against coronaviruses, as demonstrated in various biochemical and computational chemical biology studies. The review consists of integrative and updated information on the potential traditional medicines against COVID-19 and will facilitate researchers to develop traditional medicines for the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Gandhi
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Sujeet K Mishra
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Hemant Rawat
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Jyotika Grewal
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Ravi Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Santosh K Shakya
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Vipin Kumar Jain
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - G Babu
- Department of Ayurveda, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
| | - Arjun Singh
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi, 110058, India
| | - Ravindra Singh
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi, 110058, India
| | - Rabinarayan Acharya
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi, 110058, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, 284003, India
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21
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Chitre D, Nadkarni S, Jagtap N, Tulle R, Gitte A, Rahate P, Chaskar S, Dey D. Phase
III
randomized clinical trial of
BV
‐4051, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in moderate
SARS‐CoV
‐2 infections and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers. Phytother Res 2022; 37:1232-1241. [PMID: 36419388 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants continue to be a challenge inspite of widespread vaccination and preventive measures. We hypothesized an oral, safe polyherbal formulation with antiinflammatory properties may improve the clinical outcome of this disease. BV-4051, a formulation from four Ayurvedic plants namely Ashwagandha, Boswellia, Ginger and Turmeric was used for the treatment of hospitalized moderate COVID-19 patients along with standard of care (SOC). Patients were randomly assigned to receive BV-4051 or placebo tablets for 14 days, at four sites in India during late 2020 to early 2021. Among 208 randomized subjects, 175 completed the study. In BV-4051 group the mean reduction in duration of illness (p = 0.036), alleviation and severity scores of several symptoms like fever, cough, smell, and taste disorders were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). A sub-set analysis of subjects treated with or without Remdesivir as SOC showed mean reduction in duration of illness in BV-4051 (p = 0.030), and severity scores (p ≤ 0.05). Mean difference in Interleukin-6 was statistically significant (p = 0.042) on BV-4051 without Remdesivir. BV-4051 may reduce duration of illness, symptoms severity, Interleukin-6, and prevent the incidence of COVID-19 complications. It may have an adjunctive effect with other SOC. Larger extensive clinical testing may give a better understanding of its effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Chitre
- Bioved Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Jose California USA
| | | | | | | | - Amol Gitte
- Siddhivinayak Hospital Thane, Mumbai India
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22
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Kasarla SS, Borse SP, Kumar Y, Sharma N, Dikshit M. In vitro effect of Withania somnifera, AYUSH-64, and remdesivir on the activity of CYP-450 enzymes: Implications for possible herb−drug interactions in the management of COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:973768. [PMID: 36313313 PMCID: PMC9597875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.973768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayurvedic medicines Withania somnifera Dunal (ashwagandha) and AYUSH-64 have been used for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in India. The present study explores the effect of Ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 on important human CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6) to assess their interaction with remdesivir, a drug used for COVID-19 management during the second wave. The study also implies possible herb−drug interactions as ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 are being used for managing various pathological conditions. Aqueous extracts of ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 were characterized using LC-MS/MS. A total of 11 and 24 phytoconstituents were identified putatively from ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 extracts, respectively. In addition, in silico studies revealed good ADME properties of most of the phytoconstituents of these herbal drugs and suggested that some of these might possess CYP-450 inhibitory activity. In vitro CYP-450 studies with human liver microsomes showed moderate inhibition of CYP3A4, 2C8, and 2D6 by remdesivir, while ashwagandha had no inhibitory effect alone or in combination with remdesivir. AYUSH-64 also exhibited a similar trend; however, a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2C8 was noticed. Thus, ashwagandha seems to be safe to co-administer with the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6. However, caution is warranted in prescribing AYUSH-64 along with CYP2C8 substrate drugs. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical PK studies would be helpful for their effective and safer use in the management of various ailments along with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Swapna Kasarla
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
- Spatial Metabolomics Group, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Swapnil P. Borse
- AYUSH - Center of Excellence (AYUSH-CoE), Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [CCIH], Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences (ISHS), Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune (SPPU), Pune, India
- *Correspondence: Swapnil P. Borse, ; Yashwant Kumar, ; Madhu Dikshit,
| | - Yashwant Kumar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
- *Correspondence: Swapnil P. Borse, ; Yashwant Kumar, ; Madhu Dikshit,
| | - Neha Sharma
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhu Dikshit
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
- CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- *Correspondence: Swapnil P. Borse, ; Yashwant Kumar, ; Madhu Dikshit,
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23
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Prajapati SK, Malaiya A, Mishra G, Jain D, Kesharwani P, Mody N, Ahmadi A, Paliwal R, Jain A. An exhaustive comprehension of the role of herbal medicines in Pre- and Post-COVID manifestations. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115420. [PMID: 35654349 PMCID: PMC9150915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has relentlessly spread all over the world even after the advent of vaccines. It demands management, treatment, and prevention as well with utmost safety and effectiveness. It is well researched that herbal medicines or natural products have shown promising outcomes to strengthen immunity with antiviral potential against SARS-COV-2. AIM OF THE REVIEW Our objective is to provide a comprehensive insight into the preventive and therapeutic effects of herbal medicines and products (Ayurvedic) for pre-and post-COVID manifestations. MATERIAL AND METHOD The database used in the text is collected and compiled from Scopus, PubMed, Nature, Elsevier, Web of Science, bioRxiv, medRxiv, American Chemical Society, and clinicaltrials.gov up to January 2022. Articles from non-academic sources such as websites and news were also retrieved. Exploration of the studies was executed to recognize supplementary publications of research studies and systematic reviews. The keywords, such as "SARS-COV-2, coronavirus, COVID-19, herbal drugs, immunity, herbal immunomodulators, infection, herbal antiviral drugs, and WHO recommendation" were thoroughly searched. Chemical structures were drawn using the software Chemdraw Professional 15.0.0.160 (PerkinElmer Informatics, Inc.). RESULT A plethora of literature supports that the use of herbal regimens not only strengthen immunity but can also treat SARS-COV-2 infection with minimal side effects. This review summarizes the mechanistic insights into herbal therapy engaging interferons and antibodies to boost the response against SARS-COV-2 infection, several clinical trials, and in silico studies (computational approaches) on selected natural products including, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Tulsi, etc. as preventive and therapeutic measures against COVID. We have also emphasized the exploitation of herbal medicine-based pharmaceutical products along with perspectives for unseen upcoming alike diseases. CONCLUSION According to the current state of art and cutting-edge research on herbal medicines have showed a significant promise as modern COVID tools. Since vaccination cannot be purported as a long-term cure for viral infections, herbal/natural medicines can only be considered a viable alternative to current remedies, as conceived from our collected data to unroot recurring viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumar Prajapati
- Institute of Pharmacy, Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India
| | - Akanksha Malaiya
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484886, MP, India
| | - Gaurav Mishra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Dolly Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore, 453555, Madhya Pradesh, India; Adina College of Pharmacy, Sagar, 470002, MP, India
| | - Payal Kesharwani
- Institute of Pharmacy, Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India
| | - Nishi Mody
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, 470003, MP, India
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175866, Iran
| | - Rishi Paliwal
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484886, MP, India
| | - Ankit Jain
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India.
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Salem HM, El-Saadony MT, Abd El-Mageed TA, Soliman SM, Khafaga AF, Saad AM, Swelum AA, Korma SA, Gonçalves Lima CM, Selim S, Babalghith AO, Abd El-Hack ME, Omer FA, AbuQamar SF, El-Tarabily KA, Conte-Junior CA. Promising prospective effects of Withania somnifera on broiler performance and carcass characteristics: A comprehensive review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:918961. [PMID: 36118334 PMCID: PMC9478662 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.918961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry production contributes markedly to bridging the global food gap. Many nations have limited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters due to increasing bacterial antibiotic tolerance/resistance, as well as the presence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues of the birds. Consequently, the world is turning to use natural alternatives to improve birds' productivity and immunity. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is abundant in many countries of the world and is considered a potent medicinal herb because of its distinct chemical, medicinal, biological, and physiological properties. This plant exhibits antioxidant, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antistress, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and growth-promoting activities. In poultry, dietary inclusion of W. somnifera revealed promising results in improving feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio, as well as reducing mortality, increasing livability, increasing disease resistance, reducing stress impacts, and maintaining health of the birds. This review sheds light on the distribution, chemical structure, and biological effects of W. somnifera and its impacts on poultry productivity, livability, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters, immune response, and economic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M. Salem
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T. El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Soliman M. Soliman
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F. Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Saad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sameh A. Korma
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Samy Selim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad O. Babalghith
- Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fatima A. Omer
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Synan F. AbuQamar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Synan F. AbuQamar
| | - Khaled A. El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Khaled A. El-Tarabily
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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25
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Exploring the Paradox of COVID-19 in Neurological Complications with Emphasis on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3012778. [PMID: 36092161 PMCID: PMC9453010 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3012778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a human coronavirus (HCoV) that has created a pandemic situation worldwide as COVID-19. This virus can invade human cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor-based mechanisms, affecting the human respiratory tract. However, several reports of neurological symptoms suggest a neuroinvasive development of coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 can damage the brain via several routes, along with direct neural cell infection with the coronavirus. The chronic inflammatory reactions surge the brain with proinflammatory elements, damaging the neural cells, causing brain ischemia associated with other health issues. SARS-CoV-2 exhibited neuropsychiatric and neurological manifestations, including cognitive impairment, depression, dizziness, delirium, and disturbed sleep. These symptoms show nervous tissue damage that enhances the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders and aids dementia. SARS-CoV-2 has been seen in brain necropsy and isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 patients. The associated inflammatory reaction in some COVID-19 patients has increased proinflammatory cytokines, which have been investigated as a prognostic factor. Therefore, the immunogenic changes observed in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients include their pathogenetic role. Inflammatory events have been an important pathophysiological feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The neuroinflammation observed in AD has exacerbated the Aβ burden and tau hyperphosphorylation. The resident microglia and other immune cells are responsible for the enhanced burden of Aβ and subsequently mediate tau phosphorylation and ultimately disease progression. Similarly, neuroinflammation also plays a key role in the progression of PD. Several studies have demonstrated an interplay between neuroinflammation and pathogenic mechanisms of PD. The dynamic proinflammation stage guides the accumulation of α-synuclein and neurodegenerative progression. Besides, few viruses may have a role as stimulators and generate a cross-autoimmune response for α-synuclein. Hence, neurological complications in patients suffering from COVID-19 cannot be ruled out. In this review article, our primary focus is on discussing the neuroinvasive effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its impact on the blood-brain barrier, and ultimately its impact on the people affected with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
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26
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Kumar P, Sharma R, Garg N. Withania somnifera - a magic plant targeting multiple pathways in cancer related inflammation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 101:154137. [PMID: 35533610 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulated inflammatory responses are known to play a pivotal role in cancer initiation and progression. Tumor microenvironment is associated with the presence of a diverse array of inflammatory reactions, which further help tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. Withania somnifera is known to curb proliferation of cancer cells and lower inflammatory responses. PURPOSE In order to minimize the inflammation, cancer treatments often include immunomodulatory drugs. However, given the side effects of both of the cytotoxic cancer drugs and synthetic immunomodulatory agents, there is a need to develop novel anti-inflammatory agents for improved cancer therapy. A number of reports indicate that bioactive phytochemicals derived from W. somnifera exhibit anti-inflammatory capabilities in cancer. A deeper look into the underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in W. somnifera mediated anti inflammation is lacking, which is essential to fully understand the potential of this magical plant in cancer. Therefore, in the present review we are summarizing various reports, which describe mechanistic understanding of W. somnifera in cancer related inflammation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY In order to gather information on the molecular pathways affected by W. somnifera in cancer related inflammation, 'PubMed' and 'Science Direct' databases were searched using keywords Withania, cancer inflammation, and Withaferin A. Selected literature was analyzed to cover the role of inflammation in cancer, usage and side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs, W. somnifera as an immunomodulatory agent in cancer, molecular pathways modulated by W. somnifera in various preclinical models, and clinical trials using W. somnifera as an anti-inflammatory agent. RESULTS Upon literature survey we found that both W. somnifera extracts and Withaferin-A, exhibit anti inflammatory activities in various preclinical cancer models. W. somnifera modulates a number of signaling pathways such as NF-kB, JAK-STAT and AP1 to reduce cancer related inflammation. Anti inflammatory properties of W. somnifera might be effective in the treatment of drug resistance in cancers. Based on its promising effects against cancer associated inflammation in preclinical studies, W. somnifera derived products are being tested in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Several preclinical studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential of W. somnifera in a variety of cancers. While a few clinical trials are investigating the role of W. somnifera in various diseases, focused studies on its role in cancer related inflammation are lacking. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects offer targeting of senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is speculated to play a critical role in chemoresistance. Apart from targeting cancer cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory effects of Withania provide double advantage in cancer management. Therefore, clinical trials to target cancer related inflammation using W. somnifera as a drug, should be performed to validate its advantages in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India; Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India.
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27
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Kandagalla S, Rimac H, Gurushankar K, Novak J, Grishina M, Potemkin V. Withasomniferol C, a new potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor from the Withania somnifera plant proposed by in silico approaches. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13374. [PMID: 35673392 PMCID: PMC9167582 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring potent herbal medicine candidates is a promising strategy for combating a pandemic in the present global health crisis. In Ayurveda (a traditional medicine system in India), Withania somnifera (WS) is one of the most important herbs and it has been used for millennia as Rasayana (a type of juice) for its wide-ranging health benefits. WS phytocompounds display a broad spectrum of biological activities (such as antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial) modulate detoxifying enzymes, and enhance immunity. Inspired by the numerous biological actions of WS phytocompounds, the present investigation explored the potential of the WS phytocompounds against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro). We selected 11 specific withanolide compounds, such as withaphysalin, withasomniferol, and withafastuosin, through manual literature curation against 3CLpro. A molecular similarity analysis showed their similarity with compounds that have an established inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2. In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations elucidated withasomniferol C (WS11) as a potential candidate against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Additionally, the present work also presents a new method of validating docking poses using the AlteQ method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivananada Kandagalla
- Higher Medical & Biological School, Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Hrvoje Rimac
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krishnamoorthy Gurushankar
- Higher Medical & Biological School, Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk, Russia,Department of Physics, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Jurica Novak
- Higher Medical & Biological School, Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Maria Grishina
- Higher Medical & Biological School, Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Potemkin
- Higher Medical & Biological School, Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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28
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Kiriacos CJ, Khedr MR, Tadros M, Youness RA. Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837408. [PMID: 35664773 PMCID: PMC9157490 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic. Aim The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions. Methodology To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways. Results This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Conclusion This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monika Rafik Khedr
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Miray Tadros
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
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Saggam A, Kale P, Shengule S, Patil D, Gautam M, Tillu G, Joshi K, Gairola S, Patwardhan B. Ayurveda-based Botanicals as Therapeutic Adjuvants in Paclitaxel-induced Myelosuppression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835616. [PMID: 35273508 PMCID: PMC8902067 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is one of the major challenges in cancer treatment. Ayurveda-based immunomodulatory botanicals Asparagus racemosus Willd (AR/Shatavari) and Withania somnifera (L.). Dunal (WS/Ashwagandha) have potential role to manage myelosuppression. We have developed a method to study the effects of AR and WS as therapeutic adjuvants to counter paclitaxel (PTX)-induced myelosuppression. Sixty female BALB/c mice were divided into six groups—vehicle control (VC), PTX alone, PTX with aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of AR (ARA, ARH) and WS (WSA, WSH). The myelosuppression was induced in mice by intraperitoneal administration of PTX at 25 mg/kg dose for three consecutive days. The extracts were orally administered with a dose of 100 mg/kg for 15 days prior to the induction with PTX administration. The mice were observed daily for morbidity parameters and were bled from retro-orbital plexus after 2 days of PTX dosing. The morbidity parameters simulate clinical adverse effects of PTX that include activity (extreme tiredness due to fatigue), behavior (numbness and weakness due to peripheral neuropathy), body posture (pain in muscles and joints), fur aspect and huddling (hair loss). The collected samples were used for blood cell count analysis and cytokine profiling using Bio-Plex assay. The PTX alone group showed a reduction in total leukocyte and neutrophil counts (4,800 ± 606; 893 ± 82) when compared with a VC group (9,183 ± 1,043; 1,612 ± 100) respectively. Pre-administration of ARA, ARH, WSA, and WSH extracts normalized leukocyte counts (10,000 ± 707; 9,166 ± 1,076; 10,333 ± 1,189; 9,066 ± 697) and neutrophil counts (1,482 ± 61; 1,251 ± 71; 1,467 ± 121; 1,219 ± 134) respectively. Additionally, higher morbidity score in PTX group (7.4 ± 0.7) was significantly restricted by ARA (4.8 ± 1.1), ARH (5.1 ± 0.6), WSA (4.5 ± 0.7), and WSH (5 ± 0.8). (Data represented in mean ± SD). The extracts also significantly modulated 20 cytokines to evade PTX-induced leukopenia, neutropenia, and morbidity. The AR and WS extracts significantly prevented PTX-induced myelosuppression (p < 0.0001) and morbidity signs (p < 0.05) by modulating associated cytokines. The results indicate AR and WS as therapeutic adjuvants in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Saggam
- AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.,Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India
| | | | | | - Dada Patil
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India
| | | | - Girish Tillu
- AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Kalpana Joshi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune, India
| | | | - Bhushan Patwardhan
- AYUSH-Center of Excellence, Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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Dubey AK, Chaudhry SK, Singh HB, Gupta VK, Kaushik A. Perspectives on nano-nutraceuticals to manage pre and post COVID-19 infections. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 33:e00712. [PMID: 35186674 PMCID: PMC8832856 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optimized therapeutic bio-compounds supported by bio-acceptable nanosystems (i.e., precise nanomedicine) have ability to promote health via maintaining body structure, organ function, and controlling chronic and acute effects. Therefore, nano-nutraceuticals (designed to neutralize virus, inhibit virus bindings with receptors, and support immunity) utilization can manage COVID-19 pre/post-infection effects. To explore these approaches well, our mini-review explores optimized bio-active compounds, their ability to influence SARS-CoV-2 infection, improvement in performance supported by precise nanomedicine approach, and challenges along with prospects. Such optimized pharmacologically relevant therapeutic cargo not only affect SARS-CoV-2 but will support other organs which show functional alternation due to SARS-CoV-2 for example, neurological functions. Hence, coupling the nutraceuticals with the nano-pharmacology perspective of higher efficacy via targeted delivery action can pave a novel way for health experts to plan future research needed to manage post COVID-19 infection effect where a longer efficacy with no side-effects is a key requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar Dubey
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
- Institute of Scholars (InSc), Bengaluru, 560091, Karnataka, India
| | - Suman Kumar Chaudhry
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Sonitpur, Assam, 784028, India
| | | | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
- Center for Safe and Improved Food, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health Systems Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, 33805, United States of America
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Mechanistic Insights from the Review and Evaluation of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Patients. J Herb Med 2022; 32:100554. [PMID: 35251909 PMCID: PMC8885324 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The need for specific therapeutics against infectious diseases is made very important at this moment by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2. Vaccines containing live attenuated or heat-inactivated pathogens elicit robust immune responses, but their safety is sometimes not assured. Subunit vaccines consisting of the most potent antigenic protein or carbohydrates of the pathogen are safer but often induce a weak immune response. Traditional Ayurveda medicines have a long history of safety and may act as immuno-modulators or vaccine adjuvants. They can reduce the amount of vaccine booster doses required to elicit an immune response against any pathogen. The main objective of this review is a mechanistic evaluation of the antiviral potential of Ayurveda herbal compositions for their ability to increase cytokine expression and enhance NK cell activity, activate CD4/ CD8 + T cells, and increase the formation of IL-2 and IFNγ against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Various peer-reviewed publications, books, monographs, and reputed search engines were reviewed in depth. Information available from the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and in recent in silico analyses were compared in order to understand the mechanism of action of herbal components against SARS-CoV-2. Results It was found in various molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies that many bioactive natural components of Ayurvedic medicines could prevent viral entry or multiplication within a human host. Conclusion Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used either independently as therapeutics or as a complement to the modern-day recombinant vaccines with immediate effect. Ayurveda-based adjuvant therapy can also efficiently manage the secondary symptoms of COVID 19 patients.
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Ahmed MN, Jahan R, Nissapatorn V, Wilairatana P, Rahmatullah M. Plant lectins as prospective antiviral biomolecules in the search for COVID-19 eradication strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112507. [PMID: 34891122 PMCID: PMC8648558 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lectins or clusters of carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin are distributed chiefly in the Plantae. Lectins have potent anti-infectivity properties for several RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The primary purpose of this review is to review the ability of lectins mediated potential biotherapeutic and bioprophylactic strategy against coronavirus causing COVID-19. Lectins have binding affinity to the glycans of SARS-COV-2 Spike glycoprotein that has N-glycosylation sites. Apart from this, the complement lectin pathway is a "first line host defense" against the viral infection that is activated by mannose-binding lectins. Mannose-binding lectins deficiency in serum influences innate immunity of the host and facilitates infectious diseases including COVID-19. Our accumulated evidence obtained from scientific databases particularly PubMed and Google Scholar databases indicate that mannose-specific/mannose-binding lectins (MBL) have potent efficacies like anti-infectivity, complement cascade induction, immunoadjuvants, DC-SIGN antagonists, or glycomimetic approach, which can prove useful in the strategy of COVID-19 combat along with the glycobiological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infections and antiviral immunity. For example, plant-derived mannose-specific lectins BanLac, FRIL, Lentil, and GRFT from red algae can inhibit and neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, as confirmed with in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico assessments. Furthermore, Bangladesh has a noteworthy resource of antiviral medicinal plants as well as plant lectins. Intensifying research on the antiviral plant lectins, adopting a glyco-biotechnological approach, and with deeper insights into the "glycovirological" aspects may result in the designing of alternative and potent blueprints against the 21st century's biological pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nasir Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Biotechnology & Natural Medicine Division, TechB Nutrigenomics, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Rownak Jahan
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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Thorat SA, Kaniyassery A, Poojari P, Rangel M, Tantry S, Kiran KR, Joshi MB, Rai PS, Botha AM, Muthusamy A. Differential Gene Expression and Withanolides Biosynthesis During in vitro and ex vitro Growth of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:917770. [PMID: 35774803 PMCID: PMC9237602 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.917770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) is a medicinally important plant with withanolides as its major bioactive compounds, abundant in the roots and leaves. We examined the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on direct organogenesis, adventitious root development, withanolide biosynthetic pathway gene expression, withanolide contents, and metabolites during vegetative and reproductive growth phases under in vitro and ex vitro conditions. The highest shooting responses were observed with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (2.0 mg L-1) + Kinetin (KIN) (1.5 mg L-1) supplementation. Furthermore, BAP (2.0 mg L-1) + KIN (1.5 mg L-1) + gibberellic acid (GA3) (0.5 mg L-1) exhibited better elongation responses with in vitro flowering. Half-strength MS medium with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.5 mg L-1) exhibited the highest rooting responses and IBA (1.0 mg L-1) with highest fruits, and overall biomass. Higher contents of withaferin A (WFA) [∼8.2 mg g-1 dry weight (DW)] were detected in the reproductive phase, whereas substantially lower WFA contents (∼1.10 mg g-1 DW) were detected in the vegetative phase. Cycloartenol synthase (CAS) (P = 0.0025), sterol methyltransferase (SMT) (P = 0.0059), and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductase (DXR) (P = 0.0375) genes resulted in a significant fold change in expression during the reproductive phase. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed metabolites that were common (177) and distinct in reproductive (218) and vegetative (167) phases. Adventitious roots cultured using varying concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0.5 mg L-1) + IBA (1.0 mg L-1) + GA3 (0.2 mg L-1) exhibited the highest biomass, and IAA (0.5 mg L-1) + IBA (1.0 mg L-1) exhibited the highest withanolides content. Overall, our findings demonstrate the peculiarity of withanolide biosynthesis during distinct growth phases, which is relevant for the large-scale production of withanolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Ashok Thorat
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Arya Kaniyassery
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Poornima Poojari
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Melissa Rangel
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Shashikala Tantry
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Kodsara Ramachandra Kiran
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Manjunath B. Joshi
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Padmalatha S. Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Anna-Maria Botha
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Annamalai Muthusamy
- Department of Plant Sciences, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
- *Correspondence: Annamalai Muthusamy,
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Mehta A, Kumar Ratre Y, Sharma K, Soni VK, Tiwari AK, Singh RP, Dwivedi MK, Chandra V, Prajapati SK, Shukla D, Vishvakarma NK. Interplay of Nutrition and Psychoneuroendocrineimmune Modulation: Relevance for COVID-19 in BRICS Nations. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:769884. [PMID: 34975797 PMCID: PMC8718880 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.769884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The consequences of COVID-19 are not limited to physical health deterioration; the impact on neuropsychological well-being is also substantially reported. The inter-regulation of physical health and psychological well-being through the psychoneuroendocrineimmune (PNEI) axis has enduring consequences in susceptibility, treatment outcome as well as recuperation. The pandemic effects are upsetting the lifestyle, social interaction, and financial security; and also pose a threat through perceived fear. These consequences of COVID-19 also influence the PNEI system and wreck the prognosis. The nutritional status of individuals is also reported to have a determinative role in COVID-19 severity and convalescence. In addition to energetic demand, diet also provides precursor substances [amino acids (AAs), vitamins, etc.] for regulators of the PNEI axis such as neurotransmitters (NTs) and immunomodulators. Moreover, exaggerated immune response and recovery phase of COVID-19 demand additional nutrient intake; widening the gap of pre-existing undernourishment. Mushrooms, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and legumes are few of such readily available food ingredients which are rich in protein and also have medicinal benefits. BRICS nations have their influences on global development and are highly impacted by a large number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The adequacy and access to healthcare are also low in BRICS nations as compared to the rest of the world. Attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic are praiseworthy in BRICS nations. However, large population sizes, high prevalence of undernourishment (PoU), and high incidence of mental health ailments in BRICS nations provide a suitable landscape for jeopardy of COVID-19. Therefore, appraising the interplay of nutrition and PNEI modulation especially in BRICS countries will provide better understanding; and will aid in combat COVID-19. It can be suggested that the monitoring will assist in designing adjunctive interventions through medical nutrition therapy and psychopsychiatric management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Mehta
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | | | - Krishna Sharma
- Department of Psychology, Government Bilasa Girls Post Graduate Autonomous College, Bilaspur, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Soni
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | - Atul Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Zoology, Bhanwar Singh Porte Government Science College, Pendra, India
| | - Rajat Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | - Mrigendra Kumar Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Nagarjuna Post Graduate College of Science, Raipur, India
| | - Vikas Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
| | | | - Dhananjay Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
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Joseph SM, Iyer DS, Pillai RV. Ayurvedic Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Kerala, India and Its Impact on Quarantined Individuals - A Community Case Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:732523. [PMID: 34722442 PMCID: PMC8554199 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.732523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection has resulted in massive loss of valuable human lives, extensive destruction of livelihoods and financial crisis of unprecedented levels across the globe. Kerala, a province in India, like the rest of the country, launched preventive and control measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 early in 2020. The Government of Kerala started 1206 Ayur Raksha Clinics and associated Task Forces across the state in April 2020 to improve the reach and penetration of Ayurvedic preventive, therapeutic and convalescent care strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation framework of the strategy was properly designed, and had a decentralized, people-centered, and participatory approach. Kerala has robust public health machinery with adequate human resource and infrastructure in the conventional medicine sector. This community case study examines how the decentralized organizational framework was effectively utilized for facilitating the delivery of Ayurvedic services in the COVID-19 situation. Key observations from the study are: Ayurvedic programs implemented systematically, under an organized framework with social participation enables wider utilization of the services. Such a framework is easily replicable even in resource-poor settings. Rather than a pluralistic approach, an integrative health system approach may be more viable in the Kerala scenario in public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Divya S Iyer
- Department of Ayush, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Singh R, Goel S, Bourgeade P, Aleya L, Tewari D. Ayurveda Rasayana as antivirals and immunomodulators: potential applications in COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:55925-55951. [PMID: 34491498 PMCID: PMC8422837 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization with rapid spread across 216 countries. COVID-19 pandemic has left its imprints on various health systems globally and caused immense social and economic disruptions. The scientific community across the globe is in a quest for digging the effective treatment for COVID-19 and exploring potential leads from traditional systems of healthcare across the world too. Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) has a comprehensive aspect of immunity through Rasayana which is a rejuvenation therapy. Here we attempt to generate the potential leads based on the classical text from Ayurveda in general and Rasayana in particular to develop effective antiviral and/or immunomodulator for potential or adjunct therapy in SARS-CoV-2. The Rasayana acts not only by resisting body to restrain or withstand the strength, severity or progression of a disease but also by promoting power of the body to prevent the manifestation of a disease. These Rasayana herbs are common in practice as immunomodulator, antiviral and protectives. The studies on Rasayana can provide an insight into the future course of research for the plausible development of effective management of COVID-19 by the utilization and development of various traditional systems of healthcare. Keeping in view the current pandemic situation, there is an urgent need of developing potential medicines. This study proposes certain prominent medicinal plants which may be further studied for drug development process and also in clinical setup under repurposing of these herbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Singh
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058, India
| | - Sumeet Goel
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058, India
| | - Pascale Bourgeade
- Chrono-Environnement Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, F-25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environnement Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, F-25030, Besançon Cedex, France.
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.
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Tagde P, Tagde S, Tagde P, Bhattacharya T, Monzur SM, Rahman MH, Otrisal P, Behl T, ul Hassan SS, Abdel-Daim MM, Aleya L, Bungau S. Nutraceuticals and Herbs in Reducing the Risk and Improving the Treatment of COVID-19 by Targeting SARS-CoV-2. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091266. [PMID: 34572452 PMCID: PMC8468567 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide transmission of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a deadly or devastating disease is known to affect thousands of people every day, many of them dying all over the planet. The main reason for the massive effect of COVID-19 on society is its unpredictable spread, which does not allow for proper planning or management of this disease. Antibiotics, antivirals, and other prescription drugs, necessary and used in therapy, obviously have side effects (minor or significant) on the affected person, there are still not clear enough studies to elucidate their combined effect in this specific treatment, and existing protocols are sometimes unclear and uncertain. In contrast, it has been found that nutraceuticals, supplements, and various herbs can be effective in reducing the chances of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms. However, not enough specific details are yet available, and precise scientific studies to validate the approved benefits of natural food additives, probiotics, herbs, and nutraceuticals will need to be standardized according to current regulations. These alternative treatments may not have a direct effect on the virus or reduce the risk of infection with it, but these products certainly stimulate the human immune system so that the body is better prepared to fight the disease. This paper aims at a specialized literary foray precisely in the field of these “cures” that can provide real revelations in the therapy of coronavirus infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Tagde
- Bhabha Pharmacy Research Institute, Bhabha University, Bhopal 462026, India
- PRISAL Foundation, Pharmaceutical Royal International Society, Bhopal 462042, India;
- Correspondence: (P.T.); (M.H.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Sandeep Tagde
- PRISAL Foundation, Pharmaceutical Royal International Society, Bhopal 462042, India;
| | - Pooja Tagde
- Practice of Medicine Department, Government Homeopathic Medical College, Bhopal 462003, India;
| | - Tanima Bhattacharya
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Hubei 430062, China;
- Techno India NJR Institute of Technology, Udaipur 313003, India
| | | | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Sadarghat, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (P.T.); (M.H.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Pavel Otrisal
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 77111 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Syed Shams ul Hassan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jedah 21442, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environment CNRS 6249, Université de Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France;
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (P.T.); (M.H.R.); (S.B.)
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Chopra A, Srikanth N, Patwardhan B. Withania somnifera as a safer option to hydroxychloroquine in the chemoprophylaxis of COVID-19: Results of interim analysis. Complement Ther Med 2021; 62:102768. [PMID: 34418550 PMCID: PMC8372474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study the efficacy and safety of Withania somnifera (WS, Ashwagandha) in the prophylaxis against COVID-19 in high risk health care workers (HCW) in comparison to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). To evaluate the general physical and mental health benefits of Ashwagandha. Methods A 16 week randomized prospective, open-label, parallel efficacy, two arm, multi-centre study. The primary efficacy measure was ‘failure of prophylaxis’ as confirmed COVID-19 by quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) at any time during the study period. This study on 400 participants from three centres was designed to establish non-inferiority for WS to HCQ for prophylaxis against COVID-19 at 80 % power and significance p < 0.025, one-sided. The interim analysis was carried out on 160 participants after completion of 8 weeks. Results Participants in both the arms were well-matched at the baseline characteristics. Forty participants in the HCQ group and 26 participants in the WS group reported mild AE. The symptoms of confirmed COVID-19 were found to be 3.7 % (95 % CI 1.3–10.5 %) in the HCQ and 1.3 % (95 % CI 0.02–6.7 %) in the WS arm amongst the first 160 participants completing 8 weeks. Conclusion Our intent was to explore a safer option to HCQ. We report that WS was not found inferior to HCQ and its efficacy was within the 15 % non-inferiority margin set a priori. WS as an immunomodulator has other clinical benefits including reducing mental stress. The final report of this study is expected by end of August 2021.
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Alsayari A, Muhsinah AB, Almaghaslah D, Annadurai S, Wahab S. Pharmacological Efficacy of Ginseng against Respiratory Tract Infections. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26134095. [PMID: 34279434 PMCID: PMC8271507 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections are underestimated, as they are mild and generally not incapacitating. In clinical medicine, however, these infections are considered a prevalent problem. By 2030, the third most comprehensive reason for death worldwide will be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the World Health Organization. The current arsenal of anti-inflammatory drugs shows little or no benefits against COPD. For thousands of years, herbal drugs have been used to cure numerous illnesses; they exhibit promising results and enhance physical performance. Ginseng is one such herbal medicine, known to alleviate pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8) formed by macrophages and epithelial cells. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of ginsenoside are still not fully understood. Various clinical trials of ginseng have exhibited a reduction of repeated colds and the flu. In this review, ginseng’s structural features, the pathogenicity of microbial infections, and the immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anti-bacterial effects of ginseng were discussed. The focus was on the latest animal studies and human clinical trials that corroborate ginseng’s role as a therapy for treating respiratory tract infections. The article concluded with future directions and significant challenges. This review would be a valuable addition to the knowledge base for researchers in understanding the promising role of ginseng in treating respiratory tract infections. Further analysis needs to be re-focused on clinical trials to study ginseng’s efficacy and safety in treating pathogenic infections and in determining ginseng-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrhman Alsayari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.B.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.B.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Dalia Almaghaslah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sivakumar Annadurai
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.B.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (A.B.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: or
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Pathak N. How do we dynamically evolve AYUSH COVID-19 guidelines in real-time to further empower people and Vaidyas? J Ayurveda Integr Med 2021; 13:100468. [PMID: 35012840 PMCID: PMC8730709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The crisis of the second wave of COVID-19 in India is anticipated to peak over the next few weeks, stressing the healthcare system further. India has the unique strength of AYUSH with access to safe traditional medications, certain scientifically validated interventions, a highly skilled resource pool of nationwide vaidyas who are willing to engage with its leadership. The excellent foundations laid for COVID-19 response by AYUSH can be further developed to empower people and the vaidyas. The current guidelines are based on classical references, biological plausibility and scientific studies done in a conventional mode. It is now an opportune time to document clinical observations, identify symptom specific interventions and engage with mainstream management to evolve Integrative Ayurveda guidelines for COVID-19 management. This article discusses the premise and the details of the next steps. There is a hope that a conducive environment created by AYUSH will alter the landscape of Integrative Medicine and health in India, inspiring global health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namyata Pathak
- Integrative Ayurveda Specialist, Ayu.Care Clinic, San Francisco Bay Area, California and Education Chair, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, Fremont, CA, United States.
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