Biochemical changes in heavy metal toxicity induced <em>Withania somnifera</em> (L.)<em> </em>Dunal plants

Abstract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanacea) is one of the well-known medicinal plants commonly called as Ashwagandha and also known as “Indian ginseng”. It contains Withanolides which are biologically active secondary metabolites, Anahygrine, Anaferine, sominiferine, sominiferinine, withanine and withananineare are also present in roots and leaves. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal roots, leaves and preparations of the whole plants are traditionally used in Ayurveda and Unnani for various ailments. It is also having a high medicinal value and possesses potent anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. The present study deals with pot culture experiments with plants were grown in different treatments in black soil, Control (C): a control without any heavy metal treatment to the soil, Treatment No I: Cadmium 10ppm, Chromium 20ppm, Nickel 16ppm were introduced into the soil, Treatment No II: one % of Calcium hydroxide was also added along with heavy metals to soil. Then plants were grown up to the productivity levels. The heavy metal treated plants (Treatment No. I) showed lowest contents of soluble protein, non-reducing sugar, RNA, DNA, phenol, free proline, catalase and peroxides activity when compared to other treatments. The heavy metal treated plants (Treatment No. I) supported increase of total sugar, reducing sugar and polyphenol oxidase activity when compared to control plants and other treatment.