Withanólidos

Withanolide: Nature’s Potent Adaptogen | Science-Backed Benefits & Premium Sources

1. What is Withanolide?

Withanolides are a crucial class of naturally occurring steroidal lactones, primarily identified within the Solanaceae plant family. Structurally, they feature an ergostane skeleton modified by a six-membered lactone ring (delta-lactone) at C-22 and C-26. These bioactive phytochemicals serve as the key markers for the efficacy of adaptogenic herbs, most notably Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). Their complex molecular architecture underpins their diverse and potent actividades fisiológicas.

2. Origen del producto, propiedades químicas e identificadores

• Primary Botanical Source: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha) roots and leaves are the predominant commercial sources. Other Withania species and select Solanaceae plants may contain varying withanolide profiles.

• Propiedades químicas:

  • Chemical Class: Steroidal Lactones (C28 ergostane-type framework)

  • Solubilidad: Generally lipophilic, soluble in organic solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, chloroform, DMSO); poorly soluble in water. Often formulated as standardized extracts or in delivery systems for bioavailability.

  • Estabilidad: Sensitive to light, heat, pH extremes, and oxidation. Requires optimized storage conditions (cool, dark, dry) and often stabilization in final products.

• Identificadores clave:

  • Número de registro CAS: 5119-48-2 (commonly cited for Withaferin A, a major withanolide; specific CAS varies per compound as over 300 exist).

  • Fórmula molecular (MF): Varies per specific withanolide (e.g., Withaferin A: C₂₈H₃₈O₆).

  • Peso molecular (PM): Varies (e.g., Withaferin A: 470.60 g/mol).

  • EINECS: Not typically listed as a single entity due to the diversity of specific compounds.

3. Potencia, beneficios para la salud, dosis y seguridad

• “Best” & Highest Content: Defining “best” depends on the intended application. Withanolide glycosides (like Withanoside IV/V) are often highlighted for neuroprotective effects, while Withaferin A is studied for potent anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties. Reputable suppliers like Shaanxi Zhonghong offer extracts standardized to specific withanolide concentrations (e.g., 1.5%, 2.5%, 5%, or even higher % total withanolides). The “highest content” commercially viable depends on extraction tech and cost; 5-10% is common for high-potency extracts.

• Health Benefits (Supported by Traditional Use & Emerging Research):

  • Adaptogenic: Modulates stress response via HPA axis regulation, reducing cortisol levels, combating fatigue, enhancing resilience.

  • Neuroprotective: Supports cognitive function (memory, focus), exhibits anxiolytic and mild antidepressant effects, promotes neurite outgrowth. Potential in neurodegenerative conditions.

  • Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune cell activity (macrophages, lymphocytes, NK cells) while reducing excessive inflammation (via inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2, etc.).

  • Antiinflamatorio y antioxidante: Potently scavenges free radicals and downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.

  • Endocrine Support: May support thyroid function and healthy testosterone levels.

  • Musculoskeletal Health: Potential to increase muscle mass, strength, and recovery; supports joint health.

• Ingesta diaria típica: Dosage varies significantly based on extract standardization, form, and purpose. Common ranges for Ashwagandha root extract (standardized to 1.5-5% withanolides) are 250mg to 600mg daily, often divided into two doses. Always follow product-specific guidelines or consult a healthcare professional.

• Precauciones y efectos secundarios:

  • Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Mild GI upset (nausea, diarrhea) possible.

  • Contraindicaciones: Pregnancy, breastfeeding (insufficient safety data). Theoretical risk with hyperthyroidism or autoimmune conditions – consult physician.

  • Interacciones farmacológicas: Potential interaction with sedatives (CNS depressants), immunosuppressants, thyroid hormone medication, and drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (e.g., 3A4). Crucial to consult a doctor before use if taking medication or managing a health condition.

  • La calidad importa: Risk of contamination (heavy metals, pesticides) or adulteration with inferior sources underscores the need for premium suppliers like Shaanxi Zhonghong.

4. Premium Supplier: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
Tecnología de inversión Shaanxi Zhonghong Co., Ltd. stands as a leading high-technology enterprise deeply integrated across the chemical, materials, and life science value chains. With 28 years of specialized expertise in bioactive compounds, the company excels in the advanced extraction, isolation, and purification of potent plant constituents like Withanolides.

• Competencias básicas:

  • Agile R&D & Innovation: Mantiene joint laboratories with 5 premier universities, driving cutting-edge phytochemistry and process optimization.

  • Proprietary Technology: Sostiene Más de 20 patentes and curates a biblioteca de compuestos exclusiva a nivel mundial, ensuring unique product offerings and significant scientific differentiation.

  • Advanced Manufacturing: Utiliza instrumentación analítica de última generación incluido Cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC), Ultra-conducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and GC-MS. This enables Estándares de pureza que superan las normas de la industria en 20%+, guaranteeing batch-to-batch consistency and premium quality.

  • Alcance global: Suministros soluciones personalizadas de ingredientes botánicos to multinational pharmaceutical corporations, nutraceutical brands, research institutions, and cosmetic formulators across más de 80 países en Asia, Europa y las Américas.

• Product Focus: Alta pureza Withanolide extracts (various standardizations), natural plant extracts, cosmetic actives, nutraceutical/API ingredients, natural pigments, and plant-based sweeteners.

5. Withanolide Benefits Recap
Withanolides offer a scientifically compelling profile as potent adaptogens y multi-target therapeutic agents. Key benefits supported by research include significant stress resilience enhancement, cognitive function support, robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, immune system modulation, and potential benefits for muscle strength, recovery, and endocrine balance.

6. Instrucciones de uso

• Primarily used in suplementos dietéticos (capsules, tablets, powders), alimentos/bebidas funcionales, y cosmecéuticos.

• Follow manufacturer dosage recommendations based on extract standardization.

• Optimal timing is often with meals to enhance absorption of lipophilic compounds.

• Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially concerning pre-existing conditions or medications.

7. Precauciones críticas

• Avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

• Consult physician before use if: Taking sedatives, thyroid medication, immunosuppressants, or drugs metabolized by CYP3A4/CYP2C19; diagnosed with autoimmune disorders or hyperthyroidism.

• Source Quality: Prioritize suppliers with stringent GMP compliance, transparent Certificados de análisis (CoA), and advanced testing capabilities (like Shaanxi Zhonghong) to mitigate contamination risks.

8. Product Specification & Quality Control

Table 1: Rigorous Quality Specifications for Withanolide Extract (Example – Shaanxi Zhonghong Standard)

9. Proceso de producción avanzado
Shaanxi Zhonghong emplea a un vertically integrated, Cumple con las normas cGMP process:

1. Abastecimiento y autenticación: De primera calidad Withania somnifera roots/leaves, botanically verified (morphology, DNA barcoding).

2. Preprocesamiento: Washing, drying (lyophilization or controlled air-drying), milling.

3. Extracción selectiva: Optimizado extracción por solventes (e.g., hydroalcoholic) using temperature/pressure control, or advanced techniques like Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE-CO2) for enhanced purity and solvent-free profiles.

4. Concentración: Vacuum evaporation or membrane filtration (UF/NF).

5. Purification: Multi-stage chromatographic techniques (p.ej, HPLC preparativa, adsorption chromatography) for selective withanolide isolation and enrichment.

6. Normalización: Precise blending or further concentration to achieve specified withanolide potency (e.g., 5% total withanolides).

7. Stabilization & Drying: Spray drying, freeze drying, or formulation into liquid concentrates with stabilizers.

8. Rigorous QC: Certificado de análisis (CoA) específico del lote generated via HPLC-UV/DAD, UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and microbiological assays against stringent internal specs exceeding pharmacopoeial standards.

10. Diversos escenarios de aplicación

• Nutracéuticos y suplementos dietéticos: Stress relief formulas, cognitive enhancers, immune support blends, sports nutrition products, general wellness capsules/tablets.

• Alimentos y bebidas funcionales: Fortified juices, health bars, teas, powdered drink mixes.

• Cosmecéuticos: Anti-aging serums/creams (antioxidant, collagen protection), soothing lotions (anti-inflammatory), hair growth serums.

• Intermedios farmacéuticos: High-purity Withaferin A or specific withanolides for drug discovery and development.

• Veterinary Applications: Pet calming supplements, animal health support.

11. Comprehensive Quality Control (QC)
Quality is paramount. Shaanxi Zhonghong implementa una estrategia de control de calidad de varios niveles grounded in ISO 9001 y cGMP principles:

• Incoming Raw Material Control: Strict botanical identification (macroscopic, microscopic, HPTLC, DNA), pesticide/heavy metal screening.

• Controles en proceso (IPC): Monitoring critical parameters (pH, temp, solvent conc., intermediate purity via TLC/HPLC) at every unit operation to ensure consistency and prevent deviations.

• Finished Product Testing: Exhaustive analysis per Table 1 specifications. Stability Studies (ICH Q1A) determine shelf-life under various conditions (temp, humidity). Method Validation (ICH Q2) ensures accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, range, LOD/LOQ for all analytical procedures.

• Trazabilidad y Documentación: Full batch record traceability from raw material to finished product. Electronic data capture (LIMS) ensures data integrity (ALCOA+ principles). Regular internal audits and readiness for external audits (regulatory, client).

• Advanced Analytics: Utilization of UPLC-QTOF-MS for comprehensive metabolite profiling and impurity identification, RMN for structural confirmation, ICP-MS for ultra-trace elemental analysis.

12. Embalaje y logística

• Embalaje: Food-grade, light-resistant materials: Double polyethylene bags inside sealed foil-lined fiber drums (25kg typical); smaller quantities in HDPE bottles or zip-lock bags within cartons. Custom packaging available (blister packs, sachets for finished goods).

• Almacenamiento: Guardar en un cool, dry place (<25°C), protected from light and moisture. Maintain controlled warehouse conditions.

• Logística: Efficient global shipping via air freight (DHL, FedEx) or sea freight (FCL/LCL). Expertise in despacho de aduana and regulatory documentation (CoA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificates where required) for seamless international delivery.

13. Deep Dive: Health Mechanisms, Applications & Research

• Mecanismos de salud:

  • HPA Axis Modulation: Reduces cortisol synthesis and blunts stress response via effects on CRH, ACTH.

  • Neuroprotección: Enhances GABAergic activity, promotes acetylcholine synthesis, reduces glutamate excitotoxicity, stimulates neuritogenesis (via ERK, PI3K/Akt pathways), modulates BDNF.

  • Inmunomodulación: Activates macrophages (phagocytosis, NO production), enhances Th1 response, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) via NF-κB, MAPK inhibition.

  • Antioxidante: Direct ROS scavenging, upregulation of endogenous antioxidants (SOD, GSH, catalase).

  • Anti-cancer (Withaferin A Focus): Induces apoptosis (ROS-mediated, p53 activation), inhibits angiogenesis (VEGF), anti-metastatic (MMP inhibition, EMT reversal), proteasome inhibition.

• Industrial Applications & Tech Innovation:

  • Biodisponibilidad mejorada: Development of nanoemulsions, liposomes, phospholipid complexes (Phytosome®), and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

  • Sustainable Extraction: Optimization of green chemistry techniques (SFE-CO2, subcritical water extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction) reducing solvent use and energy consumption.

  • Biología sintética: Exploring heterologous production of key withanolides in microbial hosts (yeast, bacteria) for sustainability and scalability.

  • High-Throughput Screening: Utilizing Shaanxi Zhonghong’s exclusive compound library for drug discovery against novel targets.

• Fronteras y desafíos de la investigación:

  • Fronteras: Clinical validation of specific withanolides for neurological disorders (AD, PD), cancer chemoprevention/adjuvant therapy, metabolic syndrome; deciphering structure-activity relationships (SAR) for targeted drug design; understanding gut microbiome interactions.

  • Desafíos: Complexity of the withanolide metabolome (>300 compounds); bioavailability limitations of major constituents; need for large-scale, long-term human clinical trials; standardization complexity across diverse extracts; sustainable sourcing and cultivation practices.

14. Preguntas frecuentes (FAQ)

• Q: What is Withanolide good for?

  • A: Primarily known for stress reduction, enhancing cognitive function, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, supporting muscle health, and providing antioxidant protection. Research explores wider applications.

• Q: Is Withanolide safe?

  • A: Generally safe at recommended doses for most adults. Crucial contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding. Consult a doctor if taking medications (sedatives, thyroid, immunosuppressants) or have autoimmune/hormonal conditions. Source high-quality products.

• Q: How much Withanolide should I take daily?

  • A: Dosage depends on the extract standardization. For Ashwagandha root extract (standardized to 1.5-5% withanolides), typical doses range from 250mg to 600mg daily, often split. Always follow the specific product label.

• Q: What makes Shaanxi Zhonghong’s Withanolide superior?

  • A: 28 years expertise, university partnerships (5 joint labs), 20+ patents, exclusive compound library, cutting-edge HPLC/NMR analytics ensuring purity >20% above industry norms, stringent GMP-compliant QC (see Table 1), global supply chain reliability.

• Q: Where can I buy high-quality Withanolide extract?

  • A: Tecnología de inversión Shaanxi Zhonghong Co., Ltd. supplies premium Withanolide extracts globally. Contact via email: liaodaohai@gmail.com or visit our website: aiherba.com.

15. Conclusion: Harness Nature’s Adaptogenic Power
Withanolides represent a pinnacle of botanical bioactivity, offering profound adaptogenic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory benefits backed by increasing scientific validation. Choosing a premium source like Tecnología de inversión Shaanxi Zhonghong Co., Ltd. is essential to access the full potential of these remarkable compounds. Leveraging advanced extraction technology, unparalleled QC rigor (purity exceeding industry standards by 20%), and 28 years of specialized expertise, Shaanxi Zhonghong delivers research-grade, highly efficacious Withanolide extracts for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical applications worldwide.

Experience the Zhonghong difference. Source superior Withanolide today:

• Correo electrónico: liaodaohai@gmail.com

• Sitio web: aiherba.com

16. References (Illustrative – Use Primary Sources)

1. Mirjalili, M.H., et al. (2009). Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Moléculas, *14*(7), 2373-2393.

2. Singh, N., et al. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, *8*(5S), 208-213.

3. Dar, N.J., et al. (2015). Pharmacologic overview of Withanolides. Bioactive Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements in Neurological and Brain Disease, 297-305.

4. Gupta, G.L., & Rana, A.C. (2007). Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A review. Pharmacognosy Reviews, *1*(1), 129-136.

5. White, P.T., et al. (2016). Natural Withanolides in the Functional Modulation of Cancer, Inflammation, and Immunity. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 102.

6. ICH Q2(R1) Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology.

7. USP-NF General Chapters: <61> Microbiological Examination…, <467> Residual Solvents, etc.

8. European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) Monographs and General Chapters. (Note: Always cite specific, relevant research papers and pharmacopoeial standards used for actual product specs).