Efficiency of root extract of withania somnifera grown in black soil in enhancing fertility of male drosophila melanogaster.

Male infertility is a worldwide problem. Oxidative stress can damage the membrane of sperm, affecting motility and morphology. The alternative and complementary medicine for oxidative stress and infertility problems is antioxidant rich herbal medicine. Medicinal plants are considered to be the best source for antioxidant compounds, as plants produce significant amount of antioxidants to prevent the oxidative stress. One of the well-known herb extensively used in Indian Ayurveda for the treatment of male infertility is Withania somnifera (WS) commonly known as Ashwagandha, that has been studied for its potential effects on various aspects of health. The present study evaluates the antioxidant potential of ethanolic root extracts of Withania somnifera grown in black soil and red soil through in vitro analysis. A comparative phytochemical analysis has been carried out in W. somnifera grown in red and black soil. The bioenergetics molecules estimation and oxidative stress resistance ability has been done in extract fed group of Drosophila melanogaster. WS extract grown in black soil fed D. melanogaster increases the total antioxidants by 27%, increases 2.41 folds of resistance ability against oxidative stress with the increase of bioenergetics molecules in the flies. Further it increases testis size and sperm count in male D. melanogaster. This is due to high degree of antioxidants and natural polyphenols found in Withania somnifera grown in black soil compared to WS grown in red soil.