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

Abstract

a b s t r a c tWithania 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.

Determination of Total Phenolics, Total Flavonoids and Evaluation of DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) Roots

“…Amongst solvents the mean value of total flavonoids content (mg CE/g) in ethanolic extracts (1.16) was higher than aqueous extracts (0.82). Our finding is in agreement with previous investigation which reported 0.38 mg/g flavonoids content in water extracts of ashwagandha roots [12]. Total flavonoids content ranged from 2.87 to 4.98 mg/g d.w.b.…”

Ashwagandha Root Extract Inhibits Acetylcholine Esterase, Protein Modification and Ameliorates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Lymphocytes

“…In present work, this assay was used to determine the effect of ARE on DNA damage in selected lymphocyte exposed to H 2 O 2 and protection of DNA damage by ARE clearly indicates its prophylactic potential at molecular level. As proved earlier by us, 13,14 ARE exhibited a scavenging effect on H 2 O 2 which might have contributed to inhibition of DNA damage in rat lymphocytes. Our results corroborate with previous work where Aherne and O'Brien showed that pre-treatment with quercetin and rutin had reduced DNA damage induced in Caco-2 and Hep G2 cells by a subsequent exposure to H 2 O 2 .…”

“…30 The novel herbomineral test formulation based on Ashwagandha might act as an effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory product, and this can be used as a complementary and alternative treatment for the prevention of various types of inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. 31 In continuation with our previous work 13, 14 we have examined ex-vivo model of stressed rat lymphocytes and observed AChE inhibitory and pro-antioxidant activities of ARE. According to Atta-ur-Rahman and Choudhary, 32 the use of antioxidants may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and minimize neuronal degeneration.…”

“…The ameliorating effect of ARE may be ascribed to its protective phytochemicals like total phenolic and flavonoids contents. [12][13][14] Earlier reports also advocate that flavonoids exert a stimulatory action on transcription and gene expression of certain antioxidant enzymes. 47 GPx catalyses the reduction of peroxides using reduced glutathione and converting into oxidized glutathione.…”

“…The information on the antioxidant potential and individual polyphenolic compounds of Ashwagandha root extracts has earlier been reported by us. [12][13][14] In continuation, an attempt has been made to delineate the AChE inhibitory, protein modification preventive and H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress ameliorating properties of the Ashwagandha root extract. …”