Herbal medicinal products and supplements are receiving great attention due to their promising effects and a long history of traditional use. It is estimated that no less than 80% of people worldwide use them for some part of their primary healthcare.
Withania somnifera, commonly known as "Ashwagandha" or "Indian ginseng" is an essential therapeutic plant of Indian subcontinent regions commonly used, alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of various ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine over the period of 3,000 years. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to promote “youthful vigour” by enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and overall health. Over 50 chemical constituents have been identified in the various parts of the ashwagandha plant with the major chemical constituents including steroidal alkaloids and lactones, collectively known as withanolides. This spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic properties, hepato-protective and immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, Withania somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system.
In this Research Topic, we present a more comprehensive overview of the molecular targets of Withanolides and mechanistic basis of their action in various pathophysiological states. We invite contributions in the form of original research manuscripts, reviews, and perspectives.
Contributions from all research areas, including disease modelling, structural activity relationship, bioinformatics, biochemical, molecular, and pre-clinical and clinical studies, proteomics and therapeutic interventions related to Withania and Withanolides are welcome.
In view of the wide range of products derived from ashwaganda, which are available globally and the botanical and chemical variability of the species and products derived from it, data on chemical characterization and botanical source are an important aspect and the composition of the study material must be described in sufficient detail (See Pillar 2).
All the manuscripts submitted to the collection will need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version
here).
