withaferin a

Withaferin A is a naturally occurring steroidal lactone (withanolide) primarily isolated from the plant Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), as well as other members of the Solanaceae family[1][5][6]. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is now being investigated for its broad pharmacological activities. Withaferin A exhibits antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antidiabetic, antiarthritic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties[3][4][5]. Its mechanisms include inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by targeting the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome pathway; inhibition of transcription factors such as Sp1 and Ap1; suppression of angiogenesis via VEGF downregulation; induction of apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells; inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC); modulation of Akt signaling pathways; direct binding to vimentin intermediate filaments leading to cytoskeletal disruption; and leptin sensitization[3][4][5][7]. Preclinical studies have shown efficacy against various cancers including breast, lung, colon, brain/glioblastoma, cervical cancer and others. Early clinical trials indicate it is well-tolerated in humans at certain doses[10].

Other names

withaferin aWA4β,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxywitha-2,24-dienolide