Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Oxford Conference Center
Event Website
https://oxfordicsb.org/
Start Date
23-4-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
23-4-2026 11:50 AM
Description
Conventional Ashwagandha standardization is largely focused on total withanolide quantification, without insights on the functional contribution of other phytochemical fractions. In this discovery-driven development program, orthogonal array–based model combined with predictive transcriptomics was used to delineate the relative biological roles of withanolide and other bioactive components within Withania somnifera extracts. Validated animal models showed that withanolide-enriched fractions significantly reduced serum cortisol (p< 0.05), while other bioactive-enriched fractions significantly increased run-time to exhaustion (p< 0.05), confirming anti-stress and endurance mechanisms. By linking the phytochemical profile with predicted biological pathway activity, the composition of the extract is rationally optimized for the development of a standardized extract (Ashwa.30), designed to deliver both anti-stress and endurance benefits at a dose of 30 mg. Clinical evaluation of the Ashwagandha extract demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress scores and circulating cortisol levels, alongside measurable improvements in endurance parameters compared to placebo (p< 0.05), confirming translational alignment from preclinical discovery to human outcomes. Untargeted metabolomic profiling revealed enrichment of glycine and serine metabolism, methionine metabolism, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and homocysteine degradation pathways. These integrated metabolic changes worked together to improve energy production, support mitochondrial repair, maintain antioxidant balance, and help reset the body’s stress response system. This work presents a systems-biology–based approach to holistic Ashwagandha standardization, integrating withanolides and complementary bioactivities. It establishes a precision-driven framework for clinically validated adaptogenic efficacy.
Recommended Citation
Mundkinajeddu, Deepak, "Multi-Omics Systems-Guided insights of Withanolide and other bioactives Contributions to Anti-Stress and Endurance Outcomes in Withania somnifera" (2026). Oxford ICSB. 32.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icsb/2026_ICSB/Schedule/32
Publication Date
April 2026
Accessibility Status
Searchable text
Included in
Multi-Omics Systems-Guided insights of Withanolide and other bioactives Contributions to Anti-Stress and Endurance Outcomes in Withania somnifera
Oxford Conference Center
Conventional Ashwagandha standardization is largely focused on total withanolide quantification, without insights on the functional contribution of other phytochemical fractions. In this discovery-driven development program, orthogonal array–based model combined with predictive transcriptomics was used to delineate the relative biological roles of withanolide and other bioactive components within Withania somnifera extracts. Validated animal models showed that withanolide-enriched fractions significantly reduced serum cortisol (p< 0.05), while other bioactive-enriched fractions significantly increased run-time to exhaustion (p< 0.05), confirming anti-stress and endurance mechanisms. By linking the phytochemical profile with predicted biological pathway activity, the composition of the extract is rationally optimized for the development of a standardized extract (Ashwa.30), designed to deliver both anti-stress and endurance benefits at a dose of 30 mg. Clinical evaluation of the Ashwagandha extract demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress scores and circulating cortisol levels, alongside measurable improvements in endurance parameters compared to placebo (p< 0.05), confirming translational alignment from preclinical discovery to human outcomes. Untargeted metabolomic profiling revealed enrichment of glycine and serine metabolism, methionine metabolism, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and homocysteine degradation pathways. These integrated metabolic changes worked together to improve energy production, support mitochondrial repair, maintain antioxidant balance, and help reset the body’s stress response system. This work presents a systems-biology–based approach to holistic Ashwagandha standardization, integrating withanolides and complementary bioactivities. It establishes a precision-driven framework for clinically validated adaptogenic efficacy.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icsb/2026_ICSB/Schedule/32
Comments
Deepak Mundkinajeddu, PhD, brings his deep expertise of 25 plus years in chemistry and the bioactivity of natural products to lead the Human Health division and its R&D initiatives. His core interests lie in the world of botanicals—specifically in quality and standardization, identification of bioactive compounds, clinical validation, and regulatory compliance. He has been instrumental in the development of clinically studied, standardized botanical ingredients derived from Indian medicinal plants. Under his leadership, the team has also developed a range of phytochemical reference standards that are now widely used by industries, research institutions, and academic bodies around the world. Deepak Mundkinajeddu, PhD, a Doctoral degree in Pharmaceutical sciences (specialization: Phytochemistry) from Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu and Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi. He earned his Master of Pharmacy from Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi and Bachelor of Pharmacy from Government College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India. He has authored multiple research papers on phytochemistry, analytical, and biology research