Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) an Ayurvedic medicine has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory,hemopoetic and rejuvenating properties with no toxicity effects. In search for bioactive compounds we utilized a simplified procedure to carry out a systematic examination of the Ashwagandha herb to isolate various fractions after sequential treatment of solvents in order of polarity (hexane, acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol). Microwave-assisted extraction procedure was utilized as commonly used in our laboratory. The isolated compounds were resolved and analyzed via analytical and preparatory TLC. Bio-assay guided fractionation identified a compound exhibiting strong anti-microbial activities in ethanol fraction. The protocol for bacterial strains, media and growth conditions was followed as described previously. Briefly, The Staphylococcus . epidermidis strain (designated NJ9707) was streaked onto a 5% sheep's blood agar plate and incubated for 24 h at 37 �C in air. 3 loops of bacteria from the agar plate was transferred to a microcentrifuge containing 200 �l of fresh medium Trypticase soy broth. The tube was vortexed for 1min at high speed, and the cells were allowed to settle for 5 min. 200 �l of the upper layer was transferred to a petri dish containing 25 ml of fresh medium, and the dish was incubated for 18 hr. After the serial dilutions the biofilms on the 96 well plates were stained with crystal violet and observed. A comparative molecular characterization of the antibacterial activity and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry, antiproliferative, acetylcholine esterase activities of all the fractions will be presented.

Biofilm-busting activities of <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha): Molecular characterization and structure-function properties

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Biofilm-busting activities of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Molecular characterization and structure-function properties