Effect of Withania somnifera on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in smokers

 

Nama Netaji¹, G Vijayalaxmi^2*, Merugu Padma Latha³

 

¹MD Pharmacology, ² HOD, Department of Pharmacology, Bhaskar Medical College, Yenkapally, Moinabad, INDIA.

³Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, INDIA

 

Abstract               Background: To study the effects of Withania somnifera on oxidative stress by comparing mDA values before and after administration of Withania somnifera dry root the powder in smokers. Objectives: To study the effects of Withania somnifera on Insulin resistance by comparing HOMA-1R values before and after administration of Withania somnifera dry root powder in smokers. Methods: A typical dose of Ashwagandha is 3-6 grams daily of the dried root, 300-500 mg of an extract standardized to contain 1.5 percent withanolides, or 6-12 ml of a 1:2 fluid extract per day. Results: Among 20 Volunteers 16 have shown decrease in fasting insulin values. The mean value of fasting insulin level before treatment was 41.4 and after 27.94. The percentage decrease of insulin level was 32.41%. The P treatment was 27 value is 0.063 and is not statistically significant. Even though the P value is not significant the percentage decrease of 32.51% shows that Withania somnifera have significant effect in lowering the fasting insulin level. Conclusion: Even though the lowering of insulin resistance after administrator of Ashwagandha powder was statistically not significant the percentage decrease of 35.01% suggest that Ashwagandha powders may have some role in reducing the insulin resistance.

Key Words: Withania Somnifera, Malondialdeyde, Ashwagandha, Insulin resistance, Smokers

 

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress is the damage to cells caused by oxidation. All forms of life maintain a reducing environment within their cells.^1,2,3 The cellular redox environment is preserved by enzymes that maintain the reduced state through a constant input of metabolic energy. Disturbances in this normal redox state can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage components of the cells such as lipids and DNA.^4,5 An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces rate of particular oxidation reactions in a specific context, were oxidation reaction s are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons from substances to an oxidizing agent .^6,7 The recent growth in knowledge of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biology is producing a medical revolution that promises a new age of health.⁸ In fact, the discovery of the role of microorganism in infections disease. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the etiology of a host of degenerative diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s diseases, and other neurodegenerative disorders and in aging. In addition, they also play a role not only in acute conditions, such as trauma, stroke and infections, but also in physical exercise and stress. If oxygen free radicals are involved in all these clinical conditions, then antioxidants should be effective in preventing their occurrence. Indeed, investigations at the cellular, tissue and whole animal level, as well as epidemiological studies, support the concept that nutritional antioxidant status is inversely related to the occurrence of free radical-mediated disease.^9,10 Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the cells of the body become resistant to the effects of insulin that is normal response to a given amount of insulin is reduced.¹¹ As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its effects. The resistance is seen with both the body’s own insulin (endogenous) and if insulin is given through injection (exogenous). ¹² There are approximately 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of them are toxic.¹³ The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body’s immune system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread. There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does its damage. One is oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis and leads to chronic lung injury.¹⁴ Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha. India ginseng and winter cherry, has been an important herb in Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years.¹⁵ Historically, the plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, astringent and more recently to treat bronchitis, asthma, ulcers, emaciation, insomnia and senile dementia. In many animal studies it has been proved that Withania Somnifera has antioxidant property.¹⁶

The present study is about effects of Withania Somnifera on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in smokers.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Place of Study: Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad

Study period: June 2019 to December 2019

Sample Size: 20 Volunteers

Study Design Type: Open labeled comparative study.

Drug: Withania Somnifera

Dose: 1.5 grams/day

Duration: 15 days

Results obtained are analyzed at National Institute of Nutrition.

Inclusion Criteria:

Male smokers without any disease and who are in the habit of smoking since 3 years, Age group: who are in the age group of 20 to 40 years.

Exclusion Criteria: Female population, Persons below 20 and above 40 years Persons suffering from any disease

STUDY DESIGN

The Volunteers were studied with the approval of our institutional ethical committee. They were personally interviewed by the investigator and each volunteer was informed and signed consent was taken to participate in the study. 40 male smokers within the age group of 20-40 years were selected. They are screened by conducting investigations like CBP, ESR, CUE, LFT, Chest X ray. And 20 healthy volunteers with the above normal lab values were selected for the study. Volunteers were enrolled into the study for a period of 15 days. The volunteers were divided into two batches of 10 each. The volunteers of first batch were asked to come to Gandhi Hospital on the first day in the fasting state for 12 hours. After overnight fasting blood was collected from the volunteers and plasma or serum was separated. Serum glucose and insulin levels were estimated by standard protocols mentioned in materials and methods. HOMA-IR was calculated based on fasting insulin levels to measure insulin resistance. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated to measure oxidative stress in the volunteers. Then they were given 1.5 grams of Ashwagandha powder mixed in water and are kept on observation for 6 hours on the first day. Then from second day to 15^th day they were called every day in the morning to Gandhi Hospital and Ashwagandha Powder is administered and sent home asking them to report to Gandhi Hospital immediately if they observe any adverse reactions. On 15^th day the blood was collected after overnight fasting from the volunteers and estimated for serum glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance and (MDA) levels. This study is repeated on the second batch of 10 individuals.

 

OBSERVATION AND RESULTS

Table 1: Showing fasting blood glucose values and statistical results of fasting blood glucose before (initial reading) and after (final reading) administration of Ashwagandha Root Powder.

Among 20 Volunteers who were given Withania Somnifera 8 have shown decrease in fasting blood glucose levels. The values of fasting blood glucose before and after administration of Withania Somnifera are shown in the table 1. The statistical results are shown in the table. The comparison of means of fasting blood glucose levels before and after administration of Withania Somnifera is depicted in the table no. 1.

Table 2: showing fasting insulin values before and after the drug administration of Ashwagandha

Among 20 Volunteers who were given Withania Somnifera 16 have shown decrease in fasting insulin levels. The values of fasting insulin before and after administration of Withania somnifera are shown in the table. The statistical results are shown in the table. The comparison of means of fasting insulin levels before and after administration of Withania somnifera is depicted.

 

Table 3: Showing insulin resistance values before and after administration of Ashwagandha

Among 20 Volunteers who were given Withania Somnifera 15 have shown decrease in insulin resistance. The values of insulin resistance before and after administration of Withania Somnifera are shown in the table. The comparison of means of insulin resistance levels before and after administration of Withania Somnifera is depicted.

Table 4: showing Malondialdehyde (MDA) values before (initial reading) and after (final reading) administration of Ashwagandha Root Powder

Among 20 Volunteers who were given Withania Somnifera 11 have shown decrease in MDA levels. The values of MDA before and after administration of Withania Somnifera are shown in the table. The comparison of means of MDA levels before and after _administration of Withania Somnifera is depicted.

 

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

The statistical non significance of P value may be attributed to

1. The small sample sizes
2. Less duration of the study
3. Less dose of the drug

Even though the lowering of insulin resistance after administrator of Ashwagandha powder was statistically not significant the percentage decrease of 35.01% suggest that Ashwagandha powders may have some role in reducing the insulin resistance.

 

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