Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract enriched shrikhand on Salmonella infected albino mice

Abstract

Herbs have long been utilized as food flavor, preservatives, and medicinal ingredients. The current study investigated the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) root extract enriched shrikhand on growth performance, blood lipid profile, liver enzyme activities, bacterial counts, serum immunoglobulin, and spleen lymphocyte activity in albino mice infected with Salmonella typhi. A total of 72 albino mice (20-25 days) were fed a basal diet for one week, followed by Salmonella infection. After one week, the mice were randomly distributed into three treatment groups for 23 days: T<inf>1</inf> (basal diet), T<inf>2</inf> (basal diet + 0.7 g/kg shrikhand), and T<inf>3</inf> (basal diet + 0.7 g/ kg Ashwagandha root extract enriched shrikhand). Compared with the other treatment groups, the T<inf>3</inf> group displayed the highest body weight, with no significant difference in feed intake across the treatments. However, compared to T<inf>1</inf> group, the blood lipid profiles in the T<inf>2</inf> and T<inf>3</inf> groups significantly improved. Lipid peroxidation was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in mice fed Ashwagandha root extract-enriched shrikhand accompanied by increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Salmonella counts in the small intestine and fecal matter were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the T<inf>3</inf> group than in T<inf>1</inf> and T<inf>2</inf> groups. Serum immunoglobulin and spleen lymphocytes and immunoglobulin production was significantly enhanced in T<inf>3</inf> group compared to others. According to the results of the present study, the Ashwagandha root extract-enriched shrikhand has immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and lipid-lowering effects in Salmonella-infected mice, highlighting its potential application as a functional food for immune enhancement and infection management. © 2025, Dr. Nasir Akbar Mir. All rights reserved.