Abstract:
Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (Solanaceae), commonly known as
Aswagandha, is one of the most valued medicinal plants with a number of
pharmaceutical applications. Root extracts of W. somnifera are commonly used as a
remedy for variety of ailments and a general tonic for overall health and longevity
in the Traditional medicine system. It is also reported to have anti-inflammatory,
anti-arthritic, antitumor, immunomoduatory and antioxidant effects. Although the
phytochemical screening of W. somnifera has been already published, the aim of
this study is to compile its phytochemical constituents in various extracts, which
were carried out using standard laboratory procedures. Quantification of some of the
active constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins were also carried out. The
preliminary phytochemical screening of hot and cold ethanol, methanol and water
extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins,
proteins, reducing sugar and coumarins and absence of quinones or anthraquinones.
Cold and hot water extracts indicated the presence of fat and fixed oil. The total
alkaloid and flavonoid content were found to be 0.81± 0.01% and 14.43±0.40%
respectively, and total saponin content was (Foaming Index) FI < 100. The findings
are consistent with the presence of biologically active constituents in the polar
extracts of W. somnifera.
