Phytochemical And Biological Studies On Aerial Parts Of Withania Coagulans (Stocks) Dunal (Solanaceae)

Abstract

Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal, a medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family, has long been used in South Asia for treating diabetes, inflammation, and infectious diseases. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of its aerial parts (leaves and stems). Sequential extraction with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water yielded extracts that were evaluated through phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and chromatographic profiling (HPLC, GC–MS). Biological assays included antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), antimicrobial activity (agar well diffusion, MIC determination), and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) against HepG2, MCF-7, and normal fibroblast cells. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest TPC (138.4 ± 3.2 mg GAE/g) and TFC (96.2 ± 2.9 mg QE/g), along with potent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 52.8 µg/mL). GC–MS analysis identified phytosterols, fatty acids, and terpenoids, while HPLC confirmed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, and withaferin A. Methanolic and aqueous extracts displayed moderate antimicrobial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (MIC = 125–500 µg/mL). Selective cytotoxicity was observed for methanolic extracts toward HepG2 and MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 95–103 µg/mL), with lower toxicity in normal fibroblasts. These findings highlight the aerial parts of W. coagulans as a sustainable source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Further bioassay-guided isolation and in vivo validation are warranted.

Keywords:

Withania Coagulans; Aerial Parts; Phytochemical Screening; Antioxidant Activity; Antimicrobial Activity; Cytotoxicity; Withanolides