Development of pharmacopoeial standards and HPTLC chromatographic finger print analysis of the roots of Hibiscus vitifolius Linn

Abstract

Herbal medicines have a long therapeutic history and are still serving many of the health needs of a large population of the world. However, the quality control and quality assurance still remains a challenge because of the high variability of chemical components involved. Herbal drugs, singularly and in combinations contains numerous active compounds responsible for the overall efficacy. This creates a challenge in establishing the standardization of herbal drugs and finished products. Hibiscus vitifolius Linn., family Malvaceae, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The roots of the plant are demulcent, contraceptive and used in the treatment of pulsating anterior fontanelle in babies and kidney problems. In view of its medicinal importance it becomes necessary to evaluate the physic-chemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical analysis and TLC/HPTLC finger print analysis of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts. TLC and HPTLC finger print profiles for the various extracts of H. vitifolius can be used as a quality control tool. These profiles can be used for rapid identification, monitoring the purity and detection of adulterants. This will help in confirming the genuinity of the material.