Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of withania somnifera root

Dipankar Chaudhuri, Nikhil Baban Ghate, Rhitajit Sarkar, Nripendranath Mandal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Withania somnifera, also known as 'Ashwagandha', is an important medicinal plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine for over 3,000 years. In view of its varied therapeutic potential, it has also been the subject of considerable modern scientific attention. The present study was performed to evaluate the phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant activity of 70% methanolic extract of W. somnifera roots. The extract was used to determine the antioxidant potential using different tests including total antioxidant activity; efficiencies for scavenging of hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, singlet oxygen radicals, hypochlorous acid and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The results obtained indicate that although W. somnifera has been widely used for centuries as immunostimulants in different ailments including neurodegenerative disorders, the 70% methanolic extract of the same also has possibility as an antioxidant and free radical scavenging agent.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-199
Number of pages7
JournalAsian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Volume5
Issue numberSUPPL.4
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Phytochemical screening
  • Reactive oxygen species
  • Reducing power

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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