Journal of Environmental Biology

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, antibacterial potential and proximate composition of Withania somnifera root extracts using different solvents

N. Kashyap¹, E. Suresh¹*, D. Agarwal¹, A. Kathirvelpandian², P. Chidambaram³, J.R. Ramasre¹ and A. Vaishnav⁴     

¹Institute of Fisheries Postgraduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Chennai-603 103 India

²ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, CMFRI Campus, Kochi-682 001, India

³Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Vettar River View Campus, Nagapattinam-611 002, India

⁴College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University, Lembucherra-799 210, India

Received: 20 February 2025                   Revised: 28 April 2025                   Accepted: 03 October 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : suresh@tnfu.ac.in                        *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5953-6617

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the proximate composition, phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of Withania somnifera root extracts using eco-friendly solvents.

Methodology: Roots of W. somnifera were collected, dried, and ground into fine powder. Extracts were prepared using different solvents (aqueous, n-hexane, chloroform and ethanol) and subjected to proximate analysis, qualitative phytochemical screening, antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS), and antimicrobial activity tests. Additionally, FTIR and HPLC analyses were performed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds.

Results: Proximate analysis showed: moisture content (10.22 ± 0.25%), protein 7.87%, fiber 17.32%, fat 0.63 %, ash 5.22 % and gross energy 3547 kcal kg^-1 respectively. Phytochemical screening indicated that the ethanolic extract contained the highest concentration of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant assays showed strong dose-dependent radical scavenging activity, with the ABTS assay reported higher inhibition compared to DPPH. The ethanolic extract also exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with a maximum inhibition zone of 22 ± 0.6 mm against Escherichia coli. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of phenolic compounds, while HPLC analysis quantified withaferin A at 93.555 µg.

Interpretation: The ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots demonstrated superior phytochemical richness, potent antioxidant capacity and significant antibacterial activity. These findings highlight its potential application in the formulation of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.

Key words: Activity, Antibacterial, Bioactive compounds, Phytochemicals, Withania somnifera 

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