Abstract

STUDY ON EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA

Ankita Kharya, A. Vinay Chandra and Arvind Kumar Sharma*

ABSTRACT

Withania somnifera is being extensively used from ancient times in India especially for rejuvenation of the body as well as longevity enhancement. This herb is considered as Indian ginseng in Ayurveda. As Ayurvedic preparations, various parts of the Withania somnifera are being used to treat variety of ailments that affect the human health. Presently phytochemicals screening and antimicrobial activity has emerged as extensive research area to develop new drugs to cure serious health concerns. In this study, Methanolic and aqueous extract of Withania somnifera were evaluated for phytochemical screening as well as antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella enterica), gram positive bacteria (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) and fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Candida albicans) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity.

Keywords: Withania somnifera, Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial activity.