Influence of phytochemical composition on in vitro antioxidant and reducing activities of Indian ginseng [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] root extracts

Abstract

BackgroundRoots of Withania somnifera (WS) are a celebrated medicinal ingredient in Ayurvedic and many other indigenous systems of medicine. The present study investigates the effect of the phytochemical composition of the extracts on their antioxidant and reducing activities.MethodsWS roots were extracted with water, acetone, aqueous methanol (1:1), and methanol:chloroform:water (1:1:1) to obtain aqueous, acetone, hydro-methanolic, and methanol–chloroform–water extracts. Thereafter, phytochemical constitution and antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts were compared using different qualitative and quantitative tests.ResultsMaximum extraction recovery was obtained with 50% aqueous methanol whereas extraction with acetone yielded the poorest recovery. Methanol–chloroform–water extract had the highest content of phytochemical constituents, except tannins, and also exhibited the highest antioxidant and reducing activities.ConclusionPhytochemical composition and antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts were positively associated with the use of organic solvents during the extraction process. Alkaloids and flavonoids were the most important contributors in the antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts.

Environmentally Friendly Methods for Flavonoid Extraction from Plant Material: Impact of Their Operating Conditions on Yield and Antioxidant Properties

“…The roots also contain small amounts of resins and essential oils, which can be easily removed with petroleum ether and an aqueous solution of potassium, respectively [ 7 ]. Withania somnifera [ 29 ], Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi [ 30 ], Pueraria lobatae [ 31 ], and Asparagus officinalis [ 32 ] are some examples of roots that have been used as natural sources for the obtention of flavonoids.…”

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males

“…Traish, Bolanos, Nair, Saad, & Morgentaler, 2018; Wang, Chen, Ye, Zirkin, & Chen, 2017). Ashwagandha has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, thereby potentially contributing to its influence on DHEA and testosterone (Ganguly, Kumar, Ahmad, & Rastogi, 2018; Mishra, Singh, & Dagenais, 2000). Finally, it is important to note that although there was no statistically significant change in estradiol concentrations from ashwagandha supplementation, there was a trend signifying reduced levels.…”

Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytochemicals of ayurvedic medicinal plants – Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) – a molecular docking study

“…For the documentation of potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M pro , total 102 active phytochemicals comprising of 28 from medicinal plants W. somnifera (Ashwagandha) (Dhar et al., 2006 ; Ganguly et al., 2018 ) ( Table S1 ), 28 from T. cordifolia (Giloy) (Chaudhary et al., 2020 ) (Sharma et al., 2019 ) ( Table S2 ), and 46 from O. sanctum (Tulsi) (Chaudhary et al., 2020 ) (Table S3) were retrieved from literature. PubChem compound database ( https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ ) was used for the retrieval of structures in 2 D SDF (Two Dimensional Structure Data File) format.…”