Free radical scavenging activity of different parts of withania somnifera

Antioxidants are the essential defense mechanism to protect the body against free radical damage. The objective of the study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of different parts of Withania somnifera (leaves, fresh tubers and dry tubers) towards free radical DPPH and the extent of inhibition of lipid peroxidation using hydrogen peroxide as prooxidant. The plant extracts exhibited significant antioxidant effect in the order as follows: leaves>fresh tubers>dry tubers. The results suggested that Withania somnifera could be a potential source of antioxidants and may be used in preparations to combat free radical mediated damage.