Withania somnifera root extract reduces susceptibility of the model worm Caenorhabditis elegans to different types of stressors

Abstract

BackgroundWithania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most widely prescribed plants in the Indian system of traditional medicine. Its roots are believed to impart comprehensive health benefits supporting lifespan and healthspan through its anti-stress, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activity. Scientific validation of its claimed biological effects is warranted. MethodsThe nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans was challenged with heat or certain neurotoxic/mitotoxic chemical stressors, and worm activity (healthspan) was compared between W. somnifera root extract (WSRE)-exposed and control worm populations, through an automated worm tracker. ResultsPrevious exposure of worms to WSRE conferred prophylactic benefit on them in face of subsequent challenge with rotenone, MnCl2, or levamisole. Worms pre-exposed to either of these toxins were able to recover faster in presence of WSRE. This extract was also able to reduce the susceptibility of wild type worms to heat-induced paralysis, and that of transgenic worms to beta-amyloid mediated paralysis. ConclusionsAdaptogenic potential of W. somnifera roots was demonstrated in worm model. WSRE can be said to possess a wide anti-stress spectrum as it protected the worms against different stressors inducing toxicity through different mechanisms including interference with acetylcholine and dopamine neurons and function. Our results support the candidature of W. somnifera roots as a potent nutraceutical.