Assessing the Antioxidant Potential of Withania Somnifera Leaf Extract via DPPH Assay

Muhammad Waqas; Khadija Tul Qubra; Sehrish Bukhari; Naimat Ullah; Nasr Ullah Khan; Sumia Ali; Muhammad Matiullah

Assessing the Antioxidant Potential of Withania Somnifera Leaf Extract via DPPH Assay

Authors

Muhammad Waqas M.Phil. Student, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan
Khadija Tul Qubra M.Phil. Student, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan
Sehrish Bukhari M.Phil. Student, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan
Naimat Ullah Assistant Professor, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan
Nasr Ullah Khan Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Pakistan
Sumia Ali MPhil Stuent, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan
Muhammad Matiullah MPhil Student, Institute of Biological Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan

Keywords:

Vehicular pollution, Total phenolics, Flavonoids, Antioxidant activity, Roadside plants

Abstract

The rise of antimicrobial resistance has spurred interest in exploring natural sources for new antibiotics and antifungals. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial and antifungal potential of Withania somnifera extracts against common pathogens. Among various fractions (ethyl acetate, aqueous, hexane, and dichloromethane) obtained from Withania somnifera and tested using the agar well diffusion method, ethyl acetate extract proved to be the most effective one against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli by producing maximum zone of inhibition (10.5±1mm, 7.3±0.2mm, respectively). Similarly, strong antifungal activity was demonstrated against A. fumigatus, particularly by the ethyl acetate fraction (12.3±0.5mm). While these fractions showed promising activity, standard antibiotics generally displayed greater inhibition. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds like tannins, phenols, saponins, and flavonoids, which likely contribute to the observed antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Anti-oxidant DPPH assay showed that the values of DDPH inhibition of Withiana somnifera samples collected from forest site samples were higher (81.63±0.56) than those of roadside collected samples (54.25±3.44). Additionally, environmental factors influenced the phytochemical composition of Withania somnifera extracts, with roadside plants exhibiting higher levels of phenolics and flavonoids (100.10±0.90 and 92.88±1.12, respectively) due to vehicular pollution exposure. These findings underscore the potential of Withania somnifera as a source of natural antimicrobial agents and highlight the importance of cultivation practices for preserving medicinal properties.

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Assessing the Antioxidant Potential of Withania Somnifera Leaf Extract via DPPH Assay