<i>Withania somnifera</i> Chemical Constituents’ In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era. <b>Objectives:</b> The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of <i>Withania somnifera</i> (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen. <b>Methods:</b> The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of <i>W</i>. <i>somnifera</i> roots were determined using standard protocols. <b>Results:</b> 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 <i>W. somnifera</i> exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H₂O₂ scavenging, and Fe³⁺ reducing potential (<i>P</i> < .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 (<i>P</i> < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against <i>Salmonella typhi</i> TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of <i>W. somnifera</i> extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant (<i>P</i> < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study concludes that <i>W. somnifera</i> possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.