Comparative physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC study of stem bark versus small branches of Flacourtia indica

Abstract

Flacourtia indica commonly called sruvavrksa is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda. As per the Ayurvedic literature, stem bark of this plant is used in raktavikara, sopha, dusta, vrana. Removal of stem bark from trunk of this tree may make this plant weak and susceptible to damage by insects and natural elements. Due to which availability of this plant may be difficult in near future for use in Indian system of medicine. Present study is carried out in Flacourtia indica to evaluate the possibilities of using small branches in place of stem bark which will help sustainable utilization. Stem bark and small branches of Flacourtia indica are compared on the basis of physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). On phytochemical analysis, both stem bark and small branches showed presence of almost similar phytochemicals in different extracts tested. Total phenolic contents of stem bark and small branches in terms of gallic acid equivalent were 39.62 ± 0.93 and 17.41 ± 0.94 mg/g, respectively and total flavonoid contents in terms of querecetin equivalent were 94.57 ± 2.81 and 43.68 ± 1.11 mg/g, respectively. HPTLC profile of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of stem bark and small branches also showed almost similar phytochemical profile. Almost similar results of phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profiles suggest that small branches may be used in place of stem bark and vice-versa after comparison and confirmation of same for pharmacological activities.