Endophytic Fungi and Phytochemical Profile of Withania somnifera
Sabrin Afroz Riya
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories, Dhaka, Dr. Qudrat-I-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
Md. Hossain Sohrab *
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, BCSIR Laboratories, Dhaka, Dr. Qudrat-I-Khuda Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is used in medicine from the time of Ayurveda. The roots of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of nervous and some other disorders. Several effects like immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardiovascular protection, tolerance and dependence have also been studied. Many Studies show that ashwagandha comprises antioxidant, anxiolytic, adaptogen, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, antivenom, anti-inflammatory, antitumor properties. This article is presented to gather all the updated information on its phytochemical profile and its endophytic fugal communities. The review result indicates the herb of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) should be studied more extensively to confirm the earlier studied results and reveal other capable therapeutic effects.
Keywords: Withania somnifera, endophytic fungi, phytochemical profile