An exploratory study on Shirisharishta with leaves as alternative for bark, wood and heartwood of Albizzia lebbeck Benth

Abstract

Background: Lack of alternative part of use and unscientific harvesting are the two main causes for the medicinal plants becoming rare, endangered and threatened (RET). Now, there is a need to find out alternative part of use to save medicinal plants. Shirisharishta is a popular and commonly used Ayurvedic formulation prescribed to the patients of Shwasa (breathing difficulties), Kasa (cough) and others. Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.) is the main ingredient of Shirisharishta; and the part of use of Shirisha is Sara (heartwood). Many a times collection of the heartwood from stem of the plant causes death of the plant. Aims and Objectives: This study is an attempt to explore leaf as an alternative for bark, wood and heartwood of A. lebbeck for preparation of Shirisharishta. Methods: Shirisharishta was prepared from heartwood, wood, bark and leaf of A. lebbeck. pH, specific gravity, total solid content, alcohol content and HPTLC profile of the prepared four samples were determined. Result: Alcohol content was more in Shirisharishta (heartwood) sample than other samples. HPTLC analysis revealed more band area in Shirisharishta (heartwood) sample and HPTLC fingerprint of Shirisharishta (heartwood) was completely different from Shirisharishta (leaf). Conclusion: The results of this reveal that heartwood the best part of use of A. lebbeck for preparation of Shirisharishta and leaf could not be an alternative of heartwood.