Protective effect of Withania somnifera (Solanaceae) on collagen glycation and cross-linking

Modification of collagen such as non-enzymatic glycation and cross-linking plays an important role in diabetic complications and age-related diseases. We evaluate the effect of Withania somnifera on glucose-mediated collagen glycation and cross-linking in vitro. Extent of glycation, viscosity, collagen-linked fluorescence and pepsin solubility were assessed in different experimental procedures to investigate the effect of W. somnifera. Tail tendons obtained from rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 250-275 g were incubated with 50 mM glucose and 100 mg of metformin or Withania root powder or ethanolic extract of Withania under physiological conditions of temperature and pH for 30 days. Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) was measured by fluorescent method whereas the cross-linking of collagen was assessed by pepsin digestion and viscosity measurements. Tendon collagen incubated with glucose showed an increase in glycation, AGE and cross-linking of collagen. The collagen incubated with W. somnifera and metformin ameliorates these modifications. The ethanolic extract of Withania showed more prominent effect than Withania root powder. The activity of ethanolic extract of Withania is comparable to metformin, a known antiglycating agent. In conclusion, Withania could have therapeutic role in the prevention of glycation induced pathogenesis in diabetes mellitus and aging.