Withanolide

File:Withaferin A.svg

Withaferin A

File:Salpichrolide A.svg

Salpichrolid A

File:Nicandrenone-1.svg

Nicandrenon-1

File:Ixocarpalactone A.svg

Ixocarpalacton A

Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring chemical compounds. They occur as secondary metabolites primarily in genera of the Nightshade family, for example in the tomatillo.

Structurally, withanolides consist of a steroid backbone bound to a lactone or one of its derivatives; they are produced via oxidation of steroids. It remains unknown to what end withanolides are produced; they may act as deterrent for feeding insect larva and other herbivores.

In the laboratory, many withanolides exhibited medicinally interesting properties.

Genera within the nightshade family that have been found to produce withanolides include: Datura, Dunalia, Iochroma, Lycium, Nicandra, Physalis, Salpichroa, Solanum, Withania, and Jaborosa.

This class of steroidal lactones involves an ergostane-type framework in which C-22 and C-26 are appropriately oxidised to form a (delta)-lactone ring. They are subdivided into nine groups: withanolides, withaphysalins, physalins, nicandrenones, jaborols, ixocarpalactones, perulactones, acnistins and miscellaneous withasteroids.

Examples

Withaferin A, The first withanolide to be isolated, was found in Winter Cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha in ayurvedic medicine. The anti-inflammatory effects of a few dozen known withanolides were demonstrated in animal experiments. Withaferin A acts as an anti angiogenic compound by inhibiting Transcription Factors Sp1 and NF-κB. Withaferin A down regulates angiogenic switch inducer vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and EAT cells induced angiogenesis on mouse peritoneal cavity. Withaferin A also inhibits angiogenesis on chick chorioallantoic membrane. Withanalides inhibit COX-2 and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity.

Salpichrolides A, B and G (isolated from Salpichroa origanifolia) exhibit an inhibitory effect on the growth of larva of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata). For this reason, potential pesticide uses for the compounds are being explored.

The nicandrenones of Nicandra physalodes are another group of withanolides with insecticidal effects. 30 years after their discovery, the first total synthesis of nicandrenones was carried out in the year 2000.

Ixocarpalactone A, isolated from the tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica), shows promise as an anti-tumor agent.