University of Arizona researchers have developed an economically viable and environmentally friendly method for producing and isolating large quantities of both Withaferin A and the novel withanolides. Aeroponic cultivation is a significant achievement as acquiring an abundant supply of starting material is often a significant hurdle in the development of drugs derived from natural products. UArizona researchers discovered that when grown aeroponically, w. somnifera produces a novel class of withanolides that, in vitro, readily convert to Withaferin A and exhibit the anti-proliferative and anti-tumorigenic activities of Withaferin A. Experiments have shown that the novel compounds activate the heat shock response in fibroblasts and inhibit cell proliferation/survival in breast cancer cell lines. The newly discovered compounds, however, are more water soluble than Withaferin A and, thus, may be more amenable to formulation for in vivo administration. Background: Preparations of the dried root of Withania somnifera, known as ashwagandha, have been used for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic medical tradition; such preparations have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activity. Applications:
Advantages:
Status: Work is ongoing to determine if this compound has any of the other attractive bioactivities of ashwaganda.