Withaferin A-A Promising Phytochemical Compound with Multiple Results in Dermatological Diseases

Simona Bungau, Cosmin Mihai Vesa, Areha Abid, Tapan Behl, Delia Mirela Tit, Anamaria Lavinia Purza, Bianca Pasca, Laura Maghiar Todan, Laura Endres, Simona Bungau, Cosmin Mihai Vesa, Areha Abid, Tapan Behl, Delia Mirela Tit, Anamaria Lavinia Purza, Bianca Pasca, Laura Maghiar Todan, Laura Endres

Abstract

Withaferin A (WFA) was identified as the most active phytocompound of the plant Withania somnifera (WS) and as having multiple therapeutic/ameliorating properties (anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-invasive, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, etc.) in case of various diseases. In drug chemistry, WFA in silico approaches have identified favorite biological targets, stimulating and accelerating research to evaluate its pharmacological activity-numerous anticancer effects manifested in various organs (breast, pancreas, skin, colon, etc.), antivirals, anti-infective, etc., which are not yet sufficiently explored. This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant specialized papers in the field that are focused on the use of WFA in dermatological diseases, describing its mechanism of action while providing, at the same time, details about the results of its testing in in vitro/in vivo studies.

Keywords: Ayurvedic medicine; Withania somnifera; dermatological disorders; dermatology; melanoma; withaferin A.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
WFA chemical structure.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow chart describing the selection process of the References included in the study.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The reaction describing MTT procedure (metabolism of MTT to a formazan salt).

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