Withania somniferaChemical Constituents’ In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters

Abstract

Background: Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era.Objectives: The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of  Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen.Methods: The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of  W.  somnifera roots were determined using standard protocols.Results: The constituents included flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were reported. High-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determined a diverse array of biologically active chemical constituents in the extract. The extract of  W. somnifera exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H2O2 scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing potential ( P < .05). The analysis of essential natural minerals explored adequate levels determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant thrombolytic, RBC membrane stabilization, and DNA damage protection activity ( P < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against  Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of  W. somnifera extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant ( P < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL.Conclusion: The study concludes that  W. somnifera possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.