Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Root and Leaf Extracts of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari)

Abstract

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) are well-known Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used for immune modulation and rejuvenation. This study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of their root and leaf extracts against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extracts of the root and leaf of W. somnifera and A. racemosus were prepared using Soxhlet extraction. The antimicrobial activity was tested against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, along with selected fungal strain, using the agar well diffusion method. A vehicle control was included to rule out solvent effects. Gentamycin and clotrimazole were used as positive control. Results: The leaf extract of W. somnifera exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, showing measurable zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa comparable to standard positive controls. The root extract of W. somnifera showed moderate activity. The vehicle control showed no activity, confirming the role of active phyto-constituents in microbial inhibition. No antimicrobial activity was observed for the root and leaf extracts of A. racemosus against the tested strains. Several strains also showed resistance, suggesting a degree of specificity in the antimicrobial action of W. somnifera. Conclusion: The findings establish that W. somnifera, particularly its leaf extract, possesses selective and effective antimicrobial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This supports its traditional use and highlights its potential as a source for plant-based antimicrobial agents. Conversely, A. racemosus did not show any antimicrobial activity under the tested conditions, indicating limited direct antimicrobial potential.