Evaluation of analgesic, antipyretic and ulcerogenic effect of Withaferin A

Withania somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha is widely considered to be an integral part of Ayurvedic and Indigenous medical systems for over centuries for the treatment of various ailments. Withanolides (steroid lactone), are the major active constituents present in the roots and leaves of Withania somnifera. In the present study, withaferin A (active component of Withania somnifera), a steroid lactone was examined for its analgesic, antipyretic and ulcerogenic properties employing different experimental models in mice. For comparison purpose, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin was used as standard. The analgesic activity was measured using the acetic acid induced-abdominal constriction and hot plate tests. The antipyretic and ulcerogenic effects were assessed using the yeast-induced pyrexia test and gastric ulceration respectively. It was found that withaferin A (20/30mg/kg b.wt. i.p.) at both the doses produced significant analgesic and antipyretic effect in comparison to standard drug indomethacin. In addition, withaferin A (30/40mg kg.b.wt. p.o.) fed animals showed absence of gastric damage at different dose levels after 16 hrs fasting, whereas indomethacin (20mg/kg/b.wt. p.o) administered mice produced remarkable gastric ulceration. The results clearly indicate that withaferin A possesses potent analgesic and antipyretic properties without causing any gastric damage. supporting previous claims of its anti-inflammatory effect. It might be a useful contribution to highlight the mechanism of action of Withania somnifera as an arthritic drug. However, there is a need for further studies in order to confirm these results with more details.