Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key mechanism in most of chronic diseases’ pathogenesis. Medicinal plants are also an excellent source of natural antioxidants which can reduce the damage level caused by free radicals. In this present study, aims to assess in-vitro antioxidant properties of Withania somnifera methanolic root extract by employing DPPH assay. Withania somnifera has rich profile of nutritional and phytochemical, thus enhancing its pharmacological and therapeutic significance. It is rich in various biologically active components including withanolides, alkaloids, steroidal lactones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, amino acids, as well glycosides. Ashwagandha also contains other secondary metabolites including naturally occurring sugars, fatty acids, which are important for metabolic and physiological functions, as well as minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. The dried root powder was extracted with methanol and then used at concentrations ranges from 50 to 300 µg/mL. A dose dependent rise in radical scavenging activity was seen which was maximum at 300 µg/mL, 69%. The IC₅₀ value was found to be about 140 µg/mL, which means it has high antioxidant potential. It has been concluded from this study that the local source Withania somnifera can be considered as natural antioxidants and further research with multi-solvent-extraction and multi-assay approach should be carried out.