Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of many diseases. W. somnifera leaves, fruits and roots have strong DPPH radical scavenging activities and antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial activity. W. somnifera is a plant with strong therapeutic properties thus further supporting its traditional claims. All major parts of W. somnifera such as the roots, fruits and leaves provide potential benefits for human health because of its high content of secondary metabolites especially phenolic compounds, flavonoids, ascorbic acids and anthocyanin as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. W. somnifera leaves contain the highest amounts of polyphenols specially catechin which has promising medicinal and pharmacological value.