CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTING OF ROOT EXTRACTS FROM WITHANIA SOMNIFERA

Abstract [English]

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a medicinal plant of high therapeutic value, traditionally used in Ayurveda for stress management, immune modulation, and neuroprotection. Its pharmacological potential is largely attributed to diverse phytochemicals, particularly withanolides, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. In the present study, root extracts of W. somnifera were subjected to chemical fingerprinting using advanced analytical techniques to establish a comprehensive phytochemical profile. Standardized chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were employed to identify key bioactive constituents and to generate reproducible chemical patterns. The results revealed the presence of characteristic secondary metabolites that can serve as quality markers for authentication and standardization. This study highlights the importance of fingerprinting approaches in ensuring consistency, efficacy, and safety of herbal preparations derived from W. somnifera. The findings also provide a foundation for future pharmacological investigations and the development of standardized formulations.