A Quality Assessment {Phyto, Physicochemical Profile} of root of Withaniasomnifera (Linn) Dunal

Abstract

Withania somnifera (Linn) Dunal belongs to Solanaceae family and is widely used in the traditional medicinal system of Sri Lanka. It is commonly called ‘Ashwagandha’ and is a member of generally regarded as safe (GRAS) category of plants that can be used for many therapeutic purposes such as a variety of musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis, rheumatism), general debility, low energy, tumours, cough and as a general tonic to increase energy, improve overall health, etc. For the quality assessment of root of W. somnifera, six samples of this root powder were used and organoleptic characters, physicochemical parameters such as ash values, loss on drying, pH and hot ethanol and water extractive values were carried out according to the World Health Organization guidelines. A preliminary phytochemical screening was done to detect different phytoconstituents in its hot ethanol and water extracts according to standard laboratory procedures. All samples were tested and mean values along with standard deviation were recorded. The quality assessment profile of root of W. somnifera obtained in the present study to be an immense value in identification and authentication of this plant and may help in preventing its adulteration (particularly when used in the powdered form).