Phytochemical evaluation of Withania somnifera extracts

Withania somnifera is popular perennial Indian medicinal plant belonging to family Solanaceae is commonly known as ‘‘Ashwagandha”, Asgand, Winter Cherry, Indian ginseng. It is one of the most valued medicinal plants which have been widely used as therapeutic agents such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antitumour, immunomodulatory, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, sedative, alterative and aphrodisiac. The roots are reported to contain natural bioactive constituent alkaloid, flavonoids and phenolic compound. The present study comprises phytochemical evaluation to estimate the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols and phenolic compounds in Withania somnifera locally available in Pantnagar, region of Uttarakhand. 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. Results revealed the presence of starch, amino acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin. The present investigation will helpful in assessing the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down pharmacopoieal standards for Withania somnifera. All studied standardization parameters like phytochemical screening provide the knowledge in the identification authentication of Withania somnifera.