Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ashwagandha: A Preliminary Study in vitro

Introduction: ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important medicinal plant in Indian traditional system of medicine and traditionally has been used for several medicinal purposes in India. the present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ashwagandha against denaturation of protein in vitro. Methods: The test extract at different concentrations was incubated with egg albumin in controlled experimental conditions and subjected to determination of absorbance and viscosity to assess the anti-inflammatory property. Diclofenac sodium was used as the reference drug. Results: The present results exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation by the ashwagandha extract. The effect of diclofenac sodium was found to be less when compared with the test extract. Conclusion: Form the present findings it can be concluded that ashwagandha possessed marked anti-inflammatory effect against denaturation of protein in vitro. the effect was plausibly due to the alkaloid and withanolide contents of ashwagandha.