Therapeutic efficacy of Ashwagandha against experimental aspergillosis in mice.

Abstract

Therapeutic efficacy of an Indian Ayurvedic medicinal preparation, Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera L. Dunal (Solanceae; root)] was evaluated against experimental aspergillosis in Balb/c mice. Ashwagandha given orally once daily for 7 consecutive days in a dose of 100 mg/kg after intravenous infection of Aspergillus fumigatus prolonged the survival period of infected mice. This protective activity was probably related to the observed increases in phagocytosis and intracellular killing of peritoneal macrophages induced by Ashwaganda treatment. The number of peripheral leukocytes was not modified, excluding a possibility of mobilization of cells from other compartments. On the basis of these findings, the probable mechanism underlying the protective action of Ashwagandha against systemic Aspergillus infection was discussed in relation with its possible activity to activate the macrophage function.

• Authors: J N Dhuley
• Journal: Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology (Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 191-8 (Feb 1998) ISSN: 0892-3973 [Print] England
• PMID: 9543708 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Plant Extracts
• Ashwagandha

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Aspergillosis (drug therapy)
• Macrophages (immunology)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Phagocytosis
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Withania