Analysis of Phytochemical Screening of Withania somnifera Extracts

Abstract: Withania somnifera is a popular perennial Indian medicinal plant belonging to the family Solanaceae is commonly known as ''Ashwagandha", Asgand, Winter Cherry, and Indian ginseng. It is one of the most valued medicinal plants which have been widely used as therapeutic agents such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, sedative, alterative, and aphrodisiac. The present study comprises a phytochemical evaluation to estimate the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds in Withania somnifera locally available in the local market of Samastipur, India. The aqueous and ethanolic extract samples were used for the phytochemical analysis by using standard chemical tests to find out the phytochemical constituents in the plants. The roots are reported to contain natural bioactive constituent alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The present study will help in assessing the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down pharmacopeial standards for Withania somnifera.

Keywords: Withania somnifera, ashwagandha and antibiotic