Abstract
Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) is widely known as the queen of Indian Ayurveda. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the different parts of the Ashwagandha. The antioxidant activity of different extracts from different parts of Ashwagandha was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging method. Ashwaghanda root inhabiting bacteria was isolated using pour-plate technique. The agar well method and filter paper method were followed to assess the antibacterial activity of the extracts. Ethanol-water extracts (1:1 v/v) gave higher yield of extractable matter than methanol extracts. The antioxidant activity of fresh root extract was significantly higher than other parts of the plant (stem and leaves) as well as the plant material bought from open market. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Ethanol-water extract against MRSA, Candida Sp. and Salmonella Sp. were >256 mg/L. The commensal bacteria (Bacilli Sp.) inhabiting Ashwagandha roots displayed mild antibacterial activity against pathogenic P. aeruginosa.
 Keywords: Ashwaghanda, commensal bacteria, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Crude extracts
Highlights
The medicinal plant, Ashwaganda (W. somnifera) is commonly known as “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” or “queen of Ayurveda” [1,2,3,4,5]
The antioxidant activity of fresh root extract was significantly higher than other parts of the plant as well as the plant material bought from open market
The aim of this study was to assess the biological properties of different parts of Ashwaghanda herb, the antibacterial aspects which studied into a lesser extent, previously
Summary
The medicinal plant, Ashwaganda (W. somnifera) is commonly known as “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” or “queen of Ayurveda” [1,2,3,4,5]. Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) has a history over 3000 years being used in Indian Ayurveda and indigenous medicine [6,7,8]. Ashwagandha is a valuable component for over 100 formulations in traditional medicine [9]. This herb is well known for its’ energy boosting properties whereas the supplements forms are commercially available [10]. According to Ayurveda Ashwagandha have various properties. Ashwagandha has effects of nourishing and strength promoters. It has been described in the Vrunhaniya Gana (Nourishing drugs) and Balya Gana (Strength promoting drugs) [11]
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