Q1082
Major Alkaloid in Ashwagandha is
A.
Vinblastine
B.
Barbalioin
C.
Andrographaloid
D.
Withanine
AnswerAnswer: Option D
Solution
Answer: Option D
Solution:
The major Alkaloid in Ashwagandha is Withanine.The biologically active chemical constituents of Withania somnifera (WS) include alkaloids (isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, anahygrine, etc.), steroidal lactones and saponins.
Withanine, a group of alkaloids isolated from the roots of the plant, forms 38% of the total weight of alkaloids. The principal withanolides extracted from W. somnifera in India were withanolide D and withaferin A which exhibited antitumor and cytotoxic properties.