Vol. 7, Issue 1 (2018)

Author(s):
Nazneen Peerzade, Nida Sayed and Dr. Nivedita Das

Abstract:
The Withania coagulans L. Dunal, a small bush, belongs to the family Solanaceae and is widely spread in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and South Asia. It is commonly known as ‘Indian cheese maker’ or ‘vegetable rennet’ due to its milk coagulating property found especially in its leaves and fruits. In the present study phytochemical screening of methanolic fruit extract of Withania coagulans was performed. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis was performed for screening Withanolides, having potential for treatment of diabetes in natural way. Different withanolides are responsible for different therapeutic properties. It is widely used in treating cancer, diabetes mellitus, nervous exhaustion, disability, insomnia, wasting diseases and failure to thrive in children, etc. The antibacterial activity of methanolic fruit extract of W. coagulans was tested against various bacteria (Salmonella paratyphi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus), highest inhibitory activity of methanolic extract was observed against Bacillus subtilis (12 mm).