Methanolic extracts of Withania somnifera leaves, fruits and roots possess antioxidant properties and antibacterial activities

Abstract

BackgroundWithania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, is an important herb in ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of an 80% aqueous methanolic extract of W. somnifera roots (WSREt), fruits (WSFEt) and leaves (WSLEt).MethodsSeveral assays were performed to determine the antioxidant properties of this herb including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous chelation and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching.ResultsThe values for DPPH, FRAP, ferrous chelation and inhibition of β carotene bleaching for the three types of extracts ranged from 101.73-801.93 μg/ml, 2.26-3.29 mM Fe/kg, 0.22-0.65 mg/ml and 69.87-79.67%, respectively, indicating that W. somnifera, particularly the leaves, possesses significant antioxidant properties. The mean ascorbic acid content was 20.60-62.60 mg/100 g, and the mean anthocyanin content was 2.86-12.50 mg/100 g. Antibacterial activities were measured using the agar well diffusion method and five pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The leaf extracts displayed the highest activity against S. typhi (32.00 ± 0.75 mm zone of inhibition), whereas the lowest activity was against K. pneumoniae (19.00 ± 1.48 mm zone of inhibition). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration value was 6.25 mg/ml, which was against S. typhi, followed by 12.5 mg/ml against E. coli.ConclusionIn addition to its antioxidant properties, W. somnifera exhibited significant antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly S. typhi.

Evolution of Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf Extract of Withania somnifera Against Antibiotic Resistanct Staphylococcus aureus

“…As the results of Pandit et al methanol extract of W. somnifera demonstrated a broad antibacterial rang against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus (MIC 0.125 -2 mg/mL) [22]. According to the study of Alam et al methanol extract of the plant displayed the highest activity against S. typhi (32.00 ± 0.75 mm zone of inhibition), whereas the lowest activity was against K. pneumoniae (19.00 ± 1.48 mm zone of inhibition) [23]. Different parts of this plant show antimicrobial effects against wide range of microorganisms including Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) strains.…”

<i>Withania somnifera</i> Extract Protects Model Neurons from In Vitro Traumatic Injury

“…[8][9][10][11] To determine whether treatment increases certain aspects of antioxidant signaling in our model system, we measured a regulator of phase II antioxidants, Nrf2. We did not observe activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway or downstream HSP70 or HMOX1.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] Historical use of this plant has been reviewed, 12 and traditional uses over millennia have included treatment of neurological problems. [13][14][15] W. somnifera has been used to treat several disorders, including neurodegeneration, [16][17][18] with no significant side effects.…”

Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on &lt;i&gt;Withania somnifera&lt;/i&gt; Root Extract and Its Effects on the Physical, Spectroscopic, Thermal and Behavioral Properties

“…From the ancient time, it is used as a tonic to arrest the ageing process, rejuvenate the body and boost the defense against infectious disorders and also promote the longevity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. As ashwagandha root extract contains a wide array of phytochemicals and it is used as a dietary supplement for the better quality of life [3]. The major active phytoconstituents of ashwagandha root extract are highly oxygenated withanolides.…”

“…Ashwagandha is widely used in the most of the Indian herbal medicine and nutraceuticals for the treatment of various diseases including sexual and nervous disorders, diabetes, infectious diseases, cancer, ulcer, stress, immunological disorders, arthritis, etc. From the ancient time, it is used as a tonic to arrest the ageing process, rejuvenate the body and boost the defense against infectious disorders and also promote the longevity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. As ashwagandha root extract contains a wide array of phytochemicals and it is used as a dietary supplement for the better quality of life [3].…”