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AshwagandhaPotential Of Withania somnifera In Cancer Therapy (1)Ashwagandha or Withania is one such herb whose role as anticancer herb is widely studied. It doesn't possess properties like chemotherapy. Alternatively it increases our immunity, is antioxidant, is adaptogen and thus this botanical exerts its effect on cancer in multiple roles. Improvement was found in general parameters like life span, hematological and histopathological parameters. It showed antiproliferative and preventive properties against many chemicals that possess carcinogenic effect. Anti-carcinogenic Activity:Observations of WS in Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma were evaluated in Swiss albino mice. Lifespan was increased, number of cancer cell decreased, tumor weight was reduced with correction in hematological criteria. This study suggested its protective role in Dalton's Ascitic Lymphoma. (J. Ethnopharma. Aug. 2004, 93(2-3):359-61) Growth Inhibition Of Human Tumor Cell Lines:12 Withanolides from the leaves of withania somnifera were tested for anti-proliferative activity in lungs, colon, breast, central nervous system human tumor cell lines. Withaferin A showed inhibitory activity. Viscosalactone B (12) showed 50% inhibition. Adding WS as dietary supplement might prevent the growth of tumor in human. (Life Sci. 2003 Nov. 21:74(1) 125-32) Ashwagandha Counteracting MNNG's Mutagenic Effect:In another study, the leaf extract of WS was investigated against the mutagenic effects of MNNG (a highly toxic chemical). This study reported significant protection against the mutagenic effect of MNNG by Withania somnifera. (Dr Rani Kaur, Dr Nagpal et al, Dept. of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India) Ashwagandha With Anti-proliferative Properties:Field raised and Laboratory raised leaves of Withania somnifera was tested for anti-proliferative and anti-oxidative properties. Field raised plants showed significant anti-proliferative activity in human tumor producing cells. It was not found to protect against oxidative damage by high glucose and hydrogen peroxide to human tumor cells. The study suggested its potential role as anti-tumor and not as anti-oxidant (of course in tumor cells alone). (Food Chem. Tox. 2004, Dec. 42(12):2015-20) Ashwagandha As Radiosensitizer Or Chemotherapeutic Agent:Another study at Dept. Of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India was undertaken to assess the anti-tumor and radio-sensitizing effects of Withaferin A on Mouse Ehrlich Ascites carcinoma in vivo. The phytochemical was reported to inhibit tumor growth and increase survival. The studies so far indicate that W. somnifera could prove to be a good natural source of a potent and relatively safe radiosensitizer/chemotherapeutic agent. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical potential of this plant for cancer therapy. Ashwagandha Useful In Ascitic Sarcoma:Combination of Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia (80:20) was found effective in the treatment of ascitic-sarcoma bearing mice. It exhibited protection towards CP-induced myelo- and immunoprotection as evident by significant increase in white cell counts and hemagglutinating and hemolytic antibody titers. These supportive treatment should further be investigated. Ashwagandha Useful In Melanoma Induced Metastasis:Amala Cancer Research Center, Thrissur, India, found effect of Withania somnifera on B16F-10 melanoma induced metastasis in rats. Withania somnifera extract and Withanolide D were simultaneously administered. Together they could significantly inhibit metastatic colony formation of melanoma in lungs. (72.5% by extract and 68.9% by Withanolide D). Histopathological analysis of the lung tissues also correlated with these findings. Prophylactic administrations of both extract as well as Withanolide were ineffective in inhibiting the metastasis of B16F-10 melanoma cells. Ashwagandha Supportive In Skin Carcinoma In Rats:Ambedkar Center Of Biomedical Research, Delhi University, India, found the effect of 1-oxo-5beta, 6beta-epoxy-witha-2-enolide, isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera in the treatment of skin carcinoma in rat model. Histopathological studies confirm that exposure of Wistar rat's skin to UVB radiation (294nm) and to Benzoyl peroxide demonstrate the development of malignancy in 12 weeks. Pretreatment with WS extract derived phytochemical prevents the incidence of Skin carcinoma after exposure to UVB radiation. Ashwagandha Supports DMBA Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma:A similar study from All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, found Withania somnifera extract to prevent DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinoma of skin in Swiss albino mice. The chemopreventive effect of Withania somnifera hydroalcoholic root extract (WSRE) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer was investigated in Swiss albino mice. This study indicated that WRSE possesses potential chemopreventive activity in this experimental model of cancer. The chemo-preventive activity may be linked to the antioxidant/free radical-scavenging constituents of the extract. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of WSRE are also likely to contribute to its chemo-preventive action.
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