Withanolides are a group of C28 steroidal chemicals first found in the herb Withania somnifera and later in other plants. In Withania somnifera, the main withanolides that are active in humans and animals biologically are withanolide A and withanolide D. Withanolides serve important functions in Solanaceous plants including the ability to repel insects. However, in humans and animals they have a wider range of physiological functions including anti-cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, adaptogenic, immunomodulating, hepatoprotective, antistress, anti-inflammatory, radiosensitising and antiarthritic effects. Each withanolide has a slightly different effect based on the substitution patterns on the structure. The withanolide explains some, but not all, of the biological effects from consumption of Withania somnifera, and in particular may explain the adaptogenic properties of the herb. In this regard, withanolides are analogous behaviourally to ginsenosides in Panax ginseng which are well reported to have adaptogenic properties in humans and animals.
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Budhiraja, R. D., Krishan, P. and Sudhir, S. 2000. Biological activity of withanolides. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. 50: 904-911
