Talks
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Discipline Track
Biomedical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Introduction: Ashwaganda (Withania Somnifera) is a popular ayurvedic herb, trusted for a variety of health benefits in Indian traditional home medicine system. Steroidal lactones, Withaferin A (Wi-A) and Withanone (Wi-N), have been characterized as its major bioactives with a variety of bioactivities. We investigated the effect of Ashwagandha extracts on steatosis, abnormal retention of fat within a cell or organ that often affects liver as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods: We prepared extracts from Ashwagandha that varied in their Wi-A and Wi-N content. Cytotoxicity of these extracts on human hepatocytes (Huh-7 and Suit-2) was evaluated by cell viability assays. Nontoxic doses were used to treat the cells subjected to activated lipid accumulation by palmitic acid (PA). The lipolygenesis was evaluated by Oil Red O and triglyceride (TG) assays, and the expression of molecules involved in this process.
Results and Discussions: The four kinds of extracts with different amounts of total withanolides and Wi-A:Wi-N ratio were generated. Cells were treated with PA to induce lipid accumulation. We found that in cells pre-treated with specific Ashwahandha extracts, TG accumulation was decreased. Of note, Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and its downstream effector-Fas, the key regulators of lipogenesis showed downregulation in specific extract-treated cells. Furthermore, the expression of PPARγ, a key factor involved in hepatic lipogenesis, showed decrease in cells treated with some of these extracts.
Conclusion: Ashwagandha extracts may provide a useful natural resource with anti-steatosis activity, maintaining liver health and NAFLD prevention.
Academic/Professional Position
Post-doc
Recommended Citation
Li, Dongyang; Zhang, Huayue; Wang, Jia; Kaul, Ashish; Kaul, Sunil; and Wadhwa, Renu, "Inhibition of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by unique Ashwagandha extracts" (2023). Research Symposium. 25.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/theme1/track1/25
Included in
Inhibition of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by unique Ashwagandha extracts
Introduction: Ashwaganda (Withania Somnifera) is a popular ayurvedic herb, trusted for a variety of health benefits in Indian traditional home medicine system. Steroidal lactones, Withaferin A (Wi-A) and Withanone (Wi-N), have been characterized as its major bioactives with a variety of bioactivities. We investigated the effect of Ashwagandha extracts on steatosis, abnormal retention of fat within a cell or organ that often affects liver as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods: We prepared extracts from Ashwagandha that varied in their Wi-A and Wi-N content. Cytotoxicity of these extracts on human hepatocytes (Huh-7 and Suit-2) was evaluated by cell viability assays. Nontoxic doses were used to treat the cells subjected to activated lipid accumulation by palmitic acid (PA). The lipolygenesis was evaluated by Oil Red O and triglyceride (TG) assays, and the expression of molecules involved in this process.
Results and Discussions: The four kinds of extracts with different amounts of total withanolides and Wi-A:Wi-N ratio were generated. Cells were treated with PA to induce lipid accumulation. We found that in cells pre-treated with specific Ashwahandha extracts, TG accumulation was decreased. Of note, Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and its downstream effector-Fas, the key regulators of lipogenesis showed downregulation in specific extract-treated cells. Furthermore, the expression of PPARγ, a key factor involved in hepatic lipogenesis, showed decrease in cells treated with some of these extracts.
Conclusion: Ashwagandha extracts may provide a useful natural resource with anti-steatosis activity, maintaining liver health and NAFLD prevention.