Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological Evaluation of Withania somnifera Herbal Formulations

Microscopic, physiochemical and pharmaceutical parameters of herbal formulations of Withania somnifera were evaluated. Both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted on the extracts prepared from these formulations. The anti-stress and locomotor activities of these formulations were also investigated. Results from the study showed that the ischolar_main powder, powdered preparation and capsules contain withanolides including withaferin A as active constituents. Microscopic examination of the capsule formulation, which was labeled as dry extracts of W. somnifera, revealed that it contains phloem fibers, starch and parenchyma cells indicating that the capsules were not prepared from only genuine extracts of W. somnifera.