Phytochemical Analysis of <i>Salvadora oleoides</i> and <i>Withania somnifera</i>: An Insight into Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capabilities

Abstract

<i>Salvadora oleoides</i> and <i>Withania somnifera</i> are the commonly found plants of Pakistan that are known to possess various medicinal properties. Present study was designed to evaluate the presence of various phytochemicals in these plants both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study was concluded with accessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of these phytochemicals against <i>E. coli</i>, <i>Shigella Spp</i>, <i>Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus niger</i>. In addition qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents i.e. alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpanoids and quantitative analysis of total proteins, sugars, reducing sugars, phenolics and flavonoids was performed. Plant extracts were also checked for the existence of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Results revealed the presence of a wide range of phytoconstituents including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids in both the plants. Quantification of few pharmaceutically important phytoconstituents showed the diversified response. Presence of antioxidants was confirmed in <i>S. oleoides</i> (2.14±SD mg/mL) in methanol extracts of leaves and water extract of leaves of <i>W. somnifera</i> (1.97±SD mg/mL). Methanolic extracts of leaves, bark and roots of both the medicinal plants showed inhibitory effects against both fungal and bacterial strains used. Our findings provide strong evidence that these medicinal plants possess phytoconstituents of pharmaceutical importance and thus may serve as an effective alternative to routine therapeutics.