In-vitro studies on the antioxidant assay profiling of Withania somnifera L. (Ashwagandha) Dunal root: Part 1

Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as Ashwagandha, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to increase longevity and vitality. Various groups of researchers support its polypharmaceutical uses by confirming anti.inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and antistress properties in the whole plant extract. The present investigation adds up the antioxidant assay profiling in this list. The Ashwagandha root extracts were prepared in different solvents of varied polarity in a sequential fashion. The maximum yield (5.8%) and total polyphenolic compounds (TPC, 88.58 μg GAE/mg extract) were recorded in methanolic fraction. All the extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant activities using tests such as free radical scavenging activity, metal chelation activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Results of study showed methanolic extract as the most potent fraction and a strong correlation could be established with its TPC. Overall, the study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract could be of great use for the preparation of antioxidant rich nutraceuticles to treat various human diseases and its complications. It is quite likely that the antioxidant capacity of plant/root is one of the reasons for its established anti-stress, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.