Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a Rejuvenating Herbal Drug Which Controls Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Synthesis During Inflammation

Abstract

Withania somnifera Dun. herbal drug widely used in Indian medicinal systems, was examined for its effect on alpha-2-macroglobulin. Administration of W. somnifera to inflamed rats caused a significant reduction in the level of serum alpha-2-macroglobulin. Unlike non-steroidal anti-in-flammatory drugs, W. somnifera treatment resulted in a specific decrease in the synthesis of alpha-2-macroglobulin and enhancement in the synthesis of total serum proteins suggesting the basis for its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities in diseases involving alterations of serum proteins.