ABSTRACT
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells identified in a variety of tumors that are capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and have the unique property to evade radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CSCs are a very likely cause of resistance to current cancer treatments, and relapse in patients. ATP-binding cassette transporters and DNA repair capacity of CSCs determines the drug resistance in these cells. Withania somnifera (Solanaceae) also known as ashwagandha is a medicinal plant that has been utilized in traditional medicine. Different studies revealed various medicinal properties of this herb including anticancer. W. somnifera has the ability to modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, reduce inflammation, and enhance endothelial function. There is no significant literature available regarding the role of W. somnifera phytoconstituents in cancer cell stemness and chemotherapy drug resistance. Keeping this in our mind we did in silico study to find out the potential of W. somnifera phytoconstituents against cancer cell stemness.
