Biological Activity of Withanolides

Abstract

A large number of withanolides are isolated from solanaceous plants and some derivatives are also prepared. Some of the withanolides, mainly Withaferin A(WA),Withanolide D(WD), Withanolide E(WE), 3β- hydroxy-2,3-dihydrowithanolide F, and sitoindosides are assessed for biological activities. These compounds and some other withanolides are found to have useful biological effects such as anticancer, radiosensitizing, antibacterial, adaptogenic, immunomodulating, antioxidant , hepatoprotective, antistress, antiinflammatory antiarthritic, and insect antifeedant activities. However, none of the withanolide has so far been evaluated for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The biological activities of the withanolides vary with the substitution pattern of the compounds. Further, several withanolides are present in each plant. Thus the detailed pharmacological studies of the withanolides are warranted before any of these compound can be clinically assessed and used.