“Phytochemical and in Vitro Antioxidant Assessment of Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) and Shilajit via DPPH and DMPD Assays”

Abstract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shilajit are widely recognized Rasayana (rejuvenating) substances in Ayurveda, known for their adaptogenic, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. Oxidative stress plays a major role in chronic diseases, and natural antioxidants from traditional medicinal systems have gained significant interest. The present study aimed to extract bioactive compounds from Ashwagandha roots and Shilajit resin using Soxhlet-assisted ethanolic extraction and evaluate their phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity. Qualitative screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides in both extracts. Quantitative estimations confirmed that both extracts contained considerable levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and DMPD radical scavenging assays. Both extracts demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity with significant inhibition percentages, indicating strong antioxidant potential. These findings support the traditional use of Ashwagandha and Shilajit as potent natural antioxidants and justify their application in stress management, anti-aging formulations, and oxidative-damage-related disorders.