Anti-inflammatory activity of aerial and root extracts of withania somnifera: A comparative experimental evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha) root is recognized as one of the medicinally important herbs for its antiinflammatory properties. Comparative study on both the parts i.e. aerial and root has not been studied yet from the perspectives of its anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the comparative anti-inflammatory activity of standardized methanolic and hydro-methanolic extract of both the roots and the aerial part of the plant in in-vitro models of TNF-α, Interleukin-1 beta and IL-6. Methods: Hydroalcoholic and methanolic extracts of Withania somnifera aerial part and root part were prepared. Respective assays were performed to estimate the cytokines by using Elisa Kit and absorbance was noted in the Multimode Microplate reader. Results: Both the methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial part was found to have more potential compared to that of roots in inhibiting the TNF –alpha cytokines and Interleukin 6 inhibition assay. Root Hydroalcoholic extract was better than aerial methanolic extract. In the interleukin beta inhibition assay, both root extracts were better than aerial extract. Conclusion: Both root and aerial parts of Withania somnifera possess anti-inflammatory properties. The aerial part has shown a promising activity vis-à-vis the roots. Therefore, this can be an alternative renewable resource as raw material for preparing medicines for arthritis.