Antimutagenic Activity of Ashwagandha

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Mitomycin C induced damage in mouse bone marrow and antioxidant enzymes in liver. Materials and Methods: Protective effect of methanolic extract of Ashwagandha (250 mg/kg b.w. p.o, for 7 days) was assessed against formation of micronuclei (MN) in polychromatic cells (PCEs) and normochromatic cells (NCEs) induced by Mitomycin C (4 mg/kg b.w., i.p) using mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. The effect of Mitomycin C and Ashwagandha extract on liver enzymes, superoxide desmutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) was also evaluated. Results: The frequency of occurrence of micronucleated cells in bone marrow was reduced significantly when methanolic extract of Ashwagandha was administered before Mitomycin C. There was a reversal of decrease in P/N ratio. The level of SOD and GSH in liver was significantly depressed by Mitomycin C treatment and the Ashwagandha treatment enhanced level of these enzymes significantly. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Ashwagandha extract is effective in preventing DNA damage, and one of the mechanisms of action might involve scavenging of active oxygen radicals generated in reactions initiated by the mutagens.