GC-MS analysed phyto-chemicals and antibacterial activity of Withania somnifera (L.) dunal extract in the context of treatment to liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha in Sanskrit) is one of the important medicinal plants in Ayurveda with a wide spectrum of actions and applications against diseases including gastric, hepatic, cardiovascular and immunological disorders. The objective of this paper was to review and investigate the phytochemical constituents with GC-MS analysis and to establish the antibacterial property of the plant extract against the bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia (which are proven causal organisms for all forms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and also liver infections) for which Withania somnifera plant has been significantly used as a multidrug constituent. The qualitative phytochemical study of different parts of the plant confirms presence of 10 bioactive compounds like Alkaloids, Phenols, Steroids, Terpenoids, etc. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of whole plant crude extract further validates the qualitative phytochemical data. 11 compounds, importantly Oleic Acid, Phytol and n-hexadecanoic acid at molecular level were identified from the extract in the GC-MS analysis. These compounds are known for different therapeutic and antimicrobial effects. The extracts of the plant are found effective (showing larger zones of inhibitions) against these two bacteria. The findings and results of this paper could help to evaluate and assess the therapeutic multipurpose use of Withania somnifera more rationally and can create an awareness of the need of in situ conservation of this most wanted medicinal plant.