Withania somnifera extracts are known for their anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative
properties. One of their mechanisms of actions is to modulate mitochondrial function
through increasing oxidative stress. Recently ‘priming’ has been suggested as a
potential mechanism for enhancing cancer cell death. In this study we demonstrate that
‘priming’, in HT-29 colon cells, with W. somnifera root extract increased the potency of the
chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. We have also showed the W. somnifera root extract
enhanced mitochondrial dysfunction and that the underlying mechanism of ‘priming’ was
selectively through increased ROS. Moreover, we showed that this effect was not seen in
non-cancerous cells.