title: An aqueous extract of Withania somnifera root inhibits amyloid β fibril formation in vitro.
abstract: The ability of an aqueous extract of W. somnifera L. Dunal (Family: Solanaceae) roots to inhibit fibril formation by the amyloid-β peptide in vitro was investigated. W. somnifera is used extensively in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic with reputed memory enhancing properties. Inhibition of fibrillogenesis measured by transmission electron microscopy and ThT fluorescence assay showed that an aqueous extract of W. somnifera strongly inhibited Aβ fibril formation in a concentration-dependent manner, when compared with control samples. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of W. somnifera root has an ability to inhibit the formation of mature amyloid-β fibrils in vitro, which are known to lead to amyloid plaque formation in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
authors.forename: Suresh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Seal
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Okello
mesh_terms: D000682:Amyloid / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005453:Fluorescence; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots; D058225:Plaque, Amyloid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032341:Withania
chemical_list: D000682:Amyloid; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D010936:Plant Extracts