Modulatory Effect of Glycowithanolides on Salivary Amylase of Aged and Stressed Mice

Abstract

Modern medicines are unable to solve the problems caused due to old age and disabilities associated with it. Diminished salivary secretion is an important issue for the aged. For healthy and clean oral physiology it is essential to protect salivary glands during aging and stress. Glycowithanolides (WSG) extracts from Withania somnifera was tested to find out its effect on amylase activity in salivary glands of D-galactose stressed adult and old male mice (Mus Musculus). Adult and old mice were divided into protective and curative groups. Both groups were further divided into four batches viz. 1st is the control batch received 0.5 ml 0.9 % saline per day for 20 and 40 days for protective and curative group respectively. Mice from 2nd, 3rd and 4th batches of protective group received 0.5 ml D-galactose (Dg), Dg+ centrophenoxine(CPH) and D-galactose (Dg) + (WSG) respectively for 20 days. Mice from 2nd, 3rd and 4th batches of curative group received 0.5 ml D-galactose (Dg) for 20 days then followed by 0.5ml saline, CPH and WSG for further 20 days respectively. Amylase activity was demonstrated histochemically using substrate film method. Amylase activity was reduced significantly in naturally old and D-galactose stressed adults as well as old mice. But it was increased significantly in antioxidants treatment. More pronounced increase was observed in WSG treatment than CPH. Thus WSG is a powerful natural anti-aging agent.