Effect of solvent on the hydrothermal extraction of phytochemicals from Withania somnifera

Abstract

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional Indian medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy study of the root extract of Withania somnifera obtained using a hydrothermal technique in three different solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, and water. The hydrothermal technique used in this study involves the use of solvent under high pressure and temperature to extract the active compounds from the plant material. The study showed that FTIR analysis of Withania somnifera root extracts obtained in different solvents revealed distinct spectral characteristics indicating the presence of different functional groups and chemical compounds in the extracts. The FTIR spectra of the methanol and ethanol extracts showed intense peaks in the range of 2500–4000 cm−1, indicating the presence of –OH and –NH groups. The water extract showed peaks in the range of 3400–3500 cm−1, indicating the presence of –OH groups. The results of this study suggest that the choice of solvent used in the extraction of Withania somnifera roots has a significant impact on the chemical composition and functional groups present in the extract. The hydrothermal technique used in this study is a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant material. The findings of this study can be used to optimize the extraction process and to develop new herbal formulations for therapeutic applications.