Abstract

Akanksha D. Patil*, Tanuja D. Gurnule, Aman S. Raut

ABSTRACT

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) also known as Indian ginseng, is a ancient branch of ayurveda that deal with preparation and use of herbal medicines. Ashwagandha is used for treatment of wounds, cough, asthma, diabetes, hemiplegia, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, insomnia, sexual debility, menstrual problems, scabies and leucorrhoea. Ashwagandha also used as an dietary supplement as it contains variety of nutrients and phytochemicals. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Our study focused on preparation of nutraceutical products from Ashwagandha root powder. We had formulated Ashwagandha churna and syrup. The raw drug is procured and subjected for further pharmaceutical process, 10 gm root powder of Ashwagandha was soaked separately in 100 ml of acetone, water and ethanol in a conical flask and kept at room temperature for 72 hours. The phytochemical study revaled that the Ashwagandha root extract of acetone, water and ethanol contains carbohydrates, proteins, amino acid, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds.