Soluble Extractive Value Research Articles

Pharmacognostical investigation of Clitoria ternatea L. leaves

Clitoria ternatea L. (Family: Fabaceae) is also commonly known as Aparajita or Shankapushpi. The folklore claims the use of whole plant for curing various ailments. The leaves are used for hepatic problems, otalgia and eruptions. Pharmacognosy is an indispensable aid in standardization of herbal drugs. For the present investigation, pharmacognostical evaluation of C. ternatea L. leaf is carried out for quality standards. The study involves the following parameters like macroscopic, microscopic, histochemical analysis, powder microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening, and physicochemical analysis. The keystone characteristic of microscopic studies under light and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of sclerenchyma ring around the vascular bundle in the midrib region and; two types of non-glandular bicellular trichomes, first type is smooth walled with curved apex, and second type is warty walled with blunt apex. The presence of wax crystalloids on the surface of the leaflets was clearly observed in ESEM. Powder study goes concurrent with microscopy. The physicochemical studies revealed i.e. total ash (8.15 %), water soluble ash (6.58 %), acid insoluble ash (1.88 %) and sulphated ash (9.05%); water soluble extractive value (14.92%) and alcohol soluble extractive values of (9.66%) which are comparatively higher to other solvents. The preliminary phytochemical and histochemical studies showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids etc. In the current studies, pharmacopeial standards are laid down for the leaves of C. ternatea L.

Analytical standardization of Shleshmantaka Agad

Background: To counter-act the action of visa,(poison) ancient Acharyas have mentioned the different types of Agada. Though Acharyas have mentioned various types of potent Agadas in various poisoning conditions, still these Agadas have neither undergone analytical study nor animal experiment. Shleshmantaka Agad is one of the drug remedy mentioned in Shushrut Samhita, kalpa sthan used for treatment of snake bite poisoning. Aim: In present work an attempt has been made to standardize Shleshmantaka Agad. Material & Methods: Physicochemical parameter was tested by Loss on drying, Acid insoluble Ash, Total ash value, Water & Alcohol soluble Extractive Value, HPTLC was used for phytochemical analysis. Result: In analytical study of Shleshmantaka Agad obtained value of Loss on drying, Total ash value, Acid insoluble Ash ,Water & Alcohol soluble Extractive Value are 12%, 10%, 2%, 13%, 1% respectively and in HPLC major constitute phytoamines was detected. Conclusion: Analytical findings of present study can be considered as reference standard for SA. As Shleshmantaka Agada is a combination of many phyto-constitutes but major constituent are phytoamines which may be possesses anti-snake venom property.

Isolation, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Plumbago indica L. Extract

The studies aimed to evaluate the preliminary parameter and Antioxidant potential of Plumbago indica. Standardization using various analytical techniques was also performed. P. indica was collected and studied for preliminary analysis and antioxidant activity and analyzed using the standard protocol using different analytical techniques. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was used to assess the antioxidant potential. The microscopy indicated the presence of periderm, cork and cortex, sclereids, cork, secondary xylem and medullary rays bordered pitted vessel, calcium oxalate crystal, starch grain, and cork with resin cell. The total ash, moisture, water-soluble, acid soluble ash, water soluble extractive and the alcohol soluble extractive value was 1.388, 5.146, 0.674, 0.19, 3.88, 3.6%, respectively. The presence of variety of phytoconstituents was discovered during phytochemical analysis. The total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extract was 533.83 and 46.667 mg/gm, respectively and 132.66 and 219.00 mg/gm, respectively. The thin-layer chromatography (TLC), fluorescence in suspension hybridisation (FLASH), ultraviolet (UV), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), analysis illustrated the presence of Plumbagin and antioxidant activities because of its bioactive compounds. The ethanolic extract gives higher antioxidant potential by DDPH free radical scavenging activity. The findings of this study may be useful in establishing botanical and analytical grades for the root of P. indica.

Pharmacognostic and Taxonomic Studies of the Leaf of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Compositae)

Ageratum houstonianum occurs as a common agricultural weed, it is managed in small and large cropping situation by tillage and can contribute to soil fertility as a waste mulch. The aim of this study was to employ the pharmacognostic and taxonomic parameters to evaluate the leaves of Ageratum houstonianum. The leaves were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized and subjected to microscopy, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence, soluble-extractive values, moisture content and ash values using standard procedures. The result obtained from the microscopy showed an irregular epidermal cell shape and a sinuous anticlinal wall pattern, anomocytic type of stomata, double armed trichome and amphistomatic stomatal distribution on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The stomatal index for the abaxial surface was 11.6% and for the adaxial surface was 25.6%.The micromeritic evaluation of the powdered leaf revealed a Carr’s index of 25.23%, Hausner’s ratio of 1.33 and an angle of repose of 38.8o indicating a poor flow. The result for chemomicroscopy showed the presence of oils, protein, lignin, mucilage and calcium oxalate crystals. For moisture content, the result was 12.7%w/w, the Total ash value was 14%w/w, Acid-insoluble ash value was 0.7%w/w,water-soluble ash value was 7.7%w/w, methanol-soluble extractive value was 17%w/w, ethanol-soluble extractive value was 16%w/wand the water-soluble extractive value was 21%w/w. The data obtained from the pharmacognostic and taxonomic studies provided information for the identity, quality and purity of Ageratum houstonianum.

Pharmacognostic and Taxonomic Studies of Leaf and Stem of Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd) Amin Ex C. Jeffrey (Compositae)

Launaea taraxacifolia from the family Compositae is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertention, cancer, malaria, bacterial infections and arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacognostic and taxonomic parameters such as microscopy, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence, soluble-extractive values and ash values of the leaves and stems of this plant. The plant was collected, identified, air-dried, weighed and subjected to evaluation using standard procedures. The results showed that, from microscopy: the stomatal distribution was amphistomatic and the stomatal type were anisocytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface and anomocytic on adaxial surface with T-pieces on the stomata. The stomatal index was 18.7% on the abaxial surface and 11.9% on the adaxial surface. The stomatal number on the abaxial surface was 13.2 (15.6±0.55) 18.1 and 18 (26.5±2.08) 36 for adaxial surface. Results of the micromeritics properties of the powdered leaf and stem samples were bulk volume of 38.67±0.17 and 51.33±0.33, tapped volume of 29.83±0.17 and 34.0±0.00, bulk density of 0.26±0.00 and 0.20±0.00, tapped density of 0.34±0.00 and 0.29±0.00, angle of repose of 36⁰ and 43⁰, Carr’s index of 22.7% and 33.78%, Hausner’s ratio of 1.30±0.01 and 1.15±0.01. The micromeritics indicated that the powder had a fair flow and for chemomicroscopy the powder contained lignin, mucilage, oil and protein. The fluorescence properties determined revealed different colours under different ultraviolet lights. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 35% w/w, 14% w/w and 16%w/w for leaf and 18% w/w, 8% w/w, and 9% w/w for stem respectively. The moisture content of the leaf and stem were 16% w/w and 11% w/w. Total, acid-insoluble and water- soluble ash values were 17.7% w/w, 1.3% w/w and 8.3% w/w for leaf and 6.3% w/w, 0.3% w/w and 4.7% w/w for the stem respectively. This data obtained from the pharmacognostic and taxonomic studies provide information for the identity, purity and quality of L. taraxacifolia.

Standardization and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Polypodium vulgare Linn.

Traditionally, Polypodium vulgare (family: Polypodiaceae) is used in the treatment of jaundice, dropsy, scurvy, and with the combination of mallows it is used to remove the hardness of spleen. The roots and rhizomes are also used as expectorant, laxative, stomachic, cholagogue, alternative and antistress. Current study has been performed to investigate the phytochemical and pharmacognostic properties of rhizomes of P. vulgare. Various physiochemical parameters evaluated were: Morphology, Microscopy, Ash value (4.54 ± 0.05), Water soluble ash (2.22 ± 0.06), acid soluble ash (1.25 ± 0.08), Petroleum ether extractive value (4.20 ± 0.10), Alcohol soluble extractive value (11.85 ± 0.18) and water-soluble extractive value (15.85 ± 0.12). Dried Powdered plant material were sequentially extracted via solvents in increasing order of polarity viz., n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water and all extracts were screened for presence of different classes of phytoconstituents. Lipids were found in hexane extract, triterpenoids in chloroform extract, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in methanol extract, and carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, and tannins in aqueous extract, according to the phytochemical investigation.

Significance of Kuttana in the preparation of Guggulu vati processed in Triphala kwatha

Background: Since vedic period, much importance is given for guggulu (Commiphora wightii, (Arn) Bhandari). One can get reference of guggulu as early as 3000 to 10,000 years ago in the veda, for treating human illnesses. References are available regarding usage of guggulu externally as well as internally during the period of charaka, sushruta and vagbhata for the treatment of medoroga and vatavikara. Śhodhana is a preliminary procedure which assist in removing or modifying the possible physical or chemical impurities from raw material and making them suitable for therapeutic use. It has been found clinically that guggulu kalpa usually pass in the faeces un-disintegrated or partially absorbed. To overcome this the kuttana (pounding) method is mentioned to facilitate quick disintegration which in turn helps in quick absorption of guggulu in the body. So present study was taken to know the effect of kuttana on the physico chemical properties of guggulu. Methodology: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Shodhana (procedure) was done in Triphala Kwatha and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) were prepared with and without Kuttana (pounding) method. The prepared samples were tested for analytical parameters like organoleptic character, pH, friability, hardness, disintegration time, uniformity of weight, total ash, loss on drying, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive and HPTLC was done. Result: The organoleptic characters of all the both samples were same. Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) prepared with Kuttana (pounding) showed less disintegration time. Pharmaceutical result revealed that the yield was increased in Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii). Conclusion: There was a decrease in pH, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value, water soluble extractive value, weight variation value, hardness, disintegration time and increase in Moisture content, Total ash value, Alcohol soluble ash value of Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) after Kuttana (pounding). From chromatographical analysis it is observed that a greater number of components were detected.

PHYSICO - CHEMICAL AND HPTLC STUDIES OF LIMONIA CRENULATA (ROOT)

Herbal medicines have gained popularity as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of many diseases due to their high efficacy and low side effects. With increasing demand for safer drugs, attention has been drawn to the identity, purity and strength of the herbal medicines. Hence, there is a need for standardization and development of reliable quality protocols using modern techniques of analysis for the herbal drugs. In the present paper an attempt was made to lay down the pharmacopoeial standards of Limonia crenulata Roxb. (Root) based on its physico-chemical and HPTLC analysis. Determination of physico-chemical parameters such as total ash, acid insoluble ash, water and alcohol soluble extractive values and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) studies of the chloroform extract of the plant material were carried out. The solvent system, Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (5: 2: 0.1) efficiently resolved the components present in the crude extract. The physico-chemical and HPTLC studies on root of Limonia crenulata yielded a set of qualitative and quantitative parameters or standards that can serve as an important source of information to ascertain the identity and to determine the quality and purity of the plant material. These studies enable the identification of the plant material for future investigation and form an important aspect of drug studies.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Establishment of Quality Parameters of Leaves of Prosopis cineraria

The present work focus to evaluate the physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the leaves of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (family: Fabaceae). The plants resources which are used in pharmaceutical formulation standardization was evaluated on the basis of various organoleptic properties, physical characteristics, and physico-chemical properties. Different Physicochemical parameters ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, foreign matter, fluorescence analysis, pH, TLC and HPLC were evaluated. Macroscopically seeds the total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found to be 7.06%, 3.14%, and 69.3% w/w respectively. Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water soluble extractive values (hot)were 4.865 %, 19.092 %, 12.19%, 24.82%w/w respectively. The pH of 1% and 10% aqueous solution was found to be 6.4 and 6.8 respectively. Primary phytochemical screening indicated the existence of sterols, tannins, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, saponins and alkaloids. Thin layer chromatographic studies also had been done on ethanolic and hexane extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting is a valuable method for the quantitative determination of phytochemicals present herbal medicine. HPTLC fingerprinting Showing the presence of Gallic acid in ethonolic extract.Rf value calculated and repoted.in plant organoleptic and physico-chemical properties changed due to geographical diversity and time of collection of sample. The present work therefore, attempts to report necessary pharmacognostical and standardization parameters the leaves of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (family: Fabaceae) which will help to identify and development of the drug.

Development and standardisation of Laghu Sudarshan Churna – An Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation

Laghu Sudarshan Churna, LSC is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation employed for different types of jvaras (fevers). The present study was undertaken to prepare its standardised formulation and to standardise the finished product using quality control procedures mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). For this, four batches of the finished products were prepared on a laboratory scale and performed the pharmacognostical parameters (macroscopic, microscopic and powder drug analysis); thin layer chromatography; quantitative physicochemical evaluation including loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol & water soluble extractive values, and pH; & measuring the level of aflatoxins, microbial load, heavy metals and pesticide residues of the finished product. This study is the foremost effort to develop the standardised formulation along with the evaluation parameters for LSC. Thus, obtained results would be beneficial and will act as the reference for the standardisation of LSC.

Taxonomic and Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Leaf of Mussaenda philippica. (Rubiaceae)

Mussaenda philippica Linn. (Rubiaceae) a very important medicinal plant in the treatment of appendicitis and hepatitis as the locals use the species with the white flower. The objective of the study determines various taxonomic and pharmacognostic standards helpful to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of the medicinal plant, M. phillipica. The leaves were collected, identified, air dried and pulverized. Standard procedures were carried out to obtain microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, flourescence properties, soluble extractive values, moisture contents and ash values. The results of the microscopy study of the fresh leaf revealed hypostomatic distribution of stomata with paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface of the leaf only, stomatal number of 56.8, stomatal index of 25.06%, and epidermal number of 169.8, while the adaxial surface had an epidermal number of 241.9. The plant sample of the leaf also possessed unicellular trichomes. Micromeritic properties of the powdered leaf samples showed bulk volume of 35.33±0.33, tapped volume of 28.00±0.00, bulk density of 0.28±0.00, tapped density of 0.35±0.00, angle of repose of 35.4°, Carr’s Index of 20.90±0.74, Hausner’s ratio of 1.26±0.01. Chemomicroscopy study on the leaf powder revealed the presence of lignin, starch, cellulose, calcium oxalate crystals, oil, mucilage and protein. The moisture content was 11 %w/w. Results for the total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble ash values were 9 %w/w, 1%w/w and 5 %w/w respectively. Results for the ethanol-soluble, methanol-soluble and water-soluble extractive values were 18%w/w, 17 %w/w and 25 %w/w respectively. The above results could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standard of fresh and powdered drug of M. philippica.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NARASIMHA CHURNA FOR AMYLOLYTIC ACTIVITY

Ayurvedic medicines play an important role in immune problems due to safety and efficacy in it. Hence Narsimha Churna meant for amylolytic activity has been formulated by standard procedures and evaluated by physical and analytical methods. The formulation consists of fine powder (sieve 60 size) of dried roots of Asparagus racemosus, fruits of Tribulus terrestris, rhizome of Dioscorea bulbifera, steam of Tinospora cordifolia and fruit of Semecarpus anacardium in appropriate proportions (2:2:1:1) and mixed well. Physical parameters viz, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water extractive values, alcohol soluble extractive values and crude fibre content besides heavy metal analysis were carried out. The microbial load of formulation for Escherichia coli was also determined. The efficiency of churna for finds the amylolytic activity. Ash values and extractive values were found to be within prescribed limits. The arsenic level was found to be 0.205 ppm. Churna did not show the presence of any Escherichia coli and other microorganisms. The churna showed pronounced amylolytic activity.

Micromorphological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Leaf and Stem of Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae)

Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae), it’s ethnomedical uses include anti-plasmodial, anti-pyretic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of the leaf and stem of Solenostemon monostachyus to aid in the identification and standardization of the medicinal plant. The plant leaves and stems were collected, identified, air-dried, pulverized and stored in separate glass containers. Standard procedures were employed to obtain the microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence properties, moisture contents, ash values and soluble extractive values. The results of the microscopic studies using fresh and powdered leaf samples revealed the presence of diacytic stomata on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces (amphistomatic), with stomatal index of 27.9% and 14.8% respectively. The result of the micromeritics properties of the powdered leaf and stem samples showed angles of repose of 38.0o and 46.0o, Carr’s index of 23.7% and 32.5% and Hausner’s ratios of 1.3 and 1.5 respectively. Results for the moisture content, total, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 11.7%w/w, 13.7%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.4%w/w for the leaf and 13.3%w/w, 17.3%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.2%w/w for the stem respectively. Extractive values for water-soluble, methanol-soluble and ethanol-soluble were 26.5%w/w, 32.3%w/w, 14.5%w/w and 15.5%w/w, 15.8%w/w and 14.5%w/w for the leaf and stem respectively. Chemomicroscopy indicated the presence of lignin, calcium oxalate crystals and protein in the leaf and stem. The results obtained therefore could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standard for the fresh and powdered drug products of Solenostemon monostachyus, thus preventing adulteration.

Aloin Content Determination In Aloe Vera With Its Physicochemical Properties Along With Its Physicochemical And Phytochemical Evaluation In Piper nigrum

Abstract-India has a vast diversity of herbs. Around 3,000 years before, these herbs were acknowledged and use as medicinal plants and helpful for treating people. New scientific research has established that some plants and herbs have presence of many active compounds and possess specific pharmacological properties. Aloe vera (ghritkumari) and Piper nigrum (black pepper or maricha) are the oldest plants which are used as a medicinal herb as well as in household. Aloe vera or Ghritkumari species are currently used by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Aloe vera has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties which help to treat skin-related problems. Piper nigrum is a species that is used in various medications since very old times. They have also been used as domestic medicine against various infections, a quality attributable to the existence of certain chemical moieties in them. Physicochemical analysis and bioactive compound evaluation of the medicinal plants in essence ofAloe veraandPiper nigrum was undertaken in this study.In physicochemical analysis of aloe vera, many parameters were tested against pulp extract and leave extract (i.e., pulp and leave); parameters are color, odour, taste, total solid, total ash value, total dissolved solid, specific gravity, PH, refractive index. For aloin content evaluation, High-Performance Layer Chromatography techniques were used in the Aloe vera plant. In physicochemical analysis, many standardization parameters like alcohol soluble extractive values, water-soluble extractive values, loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash and total ash value of P. nigrum fruits were analysed. For phytochemical screening, following a 6-stage extraction process is performed, the extracts collected fromP.nigrum were exposed to a number of preliminary biochemical and phytochemical tests. The presence of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids wastested in the chloroform and aqueous extract which is used in the following investigation. However, from the aggregation of all our results, we concluded that the presence of these phytochemicals and bioactive component in these medicinal plants indicates potential therapeutic properties for welfare of humans.

English

Many claims from herbal medicines have been developed to manage COVID-19. Tests for identity and purity are important parameters in the quality assurance of herbal medicines. The aim of this study is to confirm the presence of Artemisia annua as a component of COVID-ORGANICS, an acclaimed herbal product for the management of COVID-19 in comparism with A. annua cultivated at NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria. Pharmacognostic and physicochemical investigations, thin layer and high-performance Liquid chromatography of Covid-Organics along with A. annua were carried out using standard procedures. Similar microscopic features viz T-shaped, glandular, unicellular and uniseriate trichomes, wavy epidermal cells with anomocytic stomata and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of A. annua were observed. Moisture, total ash and sulphated ash contents ranged from 8.5 ± 0.0 to 10.4 ± 0.2%w/w; 7.8 ± 0.5 to 12.1 ± 0.1%w/w and 9.7 ± 0.3 to 15.9 ± 0.4%w/w, respectively while water and alcohol soluble extractive values ranged from 20.6 ± 0.5 to 33.7 ± 0.7%w/w; and 23.4 ± 0.6 to 38.2 ± 0.6%w/w respectively. TLC and HPLC profiles showed artemisinin in evaluated samples. The findings confirm that Covid-Organics contain A. annua. The domestication of A. annua in Nigeria along with studies carried out has shown the capacity and technical know-how to develop a phytomedicine from A. annua for management of COVID-19 associated symptoms. This is possible with the provision of the enabling environment in order to provide medicines’ security. Relevant policies are therefore needed to prioritise the development of the sector. Key words: Covid-Organics, Artemisia annua, pharmacognostic studies, chromatographic fingerprint

Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Dysoxylum binectariferum

BackgroundDysoxylum binectariferum is widely known for its medicinal properties. The leaves of this plant are major source of rohitukine, a precursor of the anti-cancer compound flavopiridol. PurposeTo provide standardization parameters for leaves of Dysoxylum binectariferum for identification of correct plant material and for preparation of monograph. MethodsMacroscopic evaluation, microscopic evaluation and powder characteristics of leaves of D. binectariferum were carried out. Physico-chemical parameters of leaves were also evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out using various chemical tests. HPTLC fingerprints were obtained using Silica gel 60 F254 plates as stationary phase and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:1.5: 0.5, v/v/v) as mobile phase. Heavy metals were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Pesticides were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Aflatoxins were evaluated using HPTLC studies. ResultsMacroscopy, microscopy and powder characteristics revealed presence of well-defined cellular structures. The ethanol soluble extractive and water-soluble extractive values were 11.2 ± 0.11 and 20.8 ± 0.23, respectively. The total ash, acid insoluble ash and water-soluble ash were found to be 10.73±0.95% w/w, 0.74±0.48% w/w and 3.35±1.07% w/w, respectively. The moisture content was found to be 19.0 ± 0.60% w/w. Extractive values of samples in different solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and chloroform were determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening of these extracts revealed the presence of steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides and carbohydrates. The heavy metals were found to be in permissible limits. The plant material under study was free from pesticides and aflatoxins. ConclusionThe parameters studied above can be useful for identification and authentication of plant material of D. binectariferum.

Evaluation of impact of Siddha Suthi (purification) processes on nut of Serankottai (Semecarpus anacardium L.)

Introduction: Serankottai (Semecarpus anacardium L.) is a Schedule E (1) drug and is considered for treating all kinds of Vatha diseases, venereal disease, skin disease and cancerous conditions. Suthi murai denotes the purification process before any drug is employed in medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of Siddha purification processes on macro-microscopical and physico-chemical characteristics of Serankottai so that a justification for such classical processes can be derived. Materials and Method: The raw (S1) and purified Serankottai (S2 to S6) samples were analyzed for their macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopic analysis followed by the physicochemical parameters like loss on drying (LOD), total ash (TA), water soluble ash (WSA), acid insoluble ash (AIA), water soluble extractive (WSE), alcohol soluble extractive (ASE) and pH values. Results: Prismatic crystals, oil globules, sclereids, resin, fiber were observed in the microscopical studies of raw sample and these are found in the purified samples except S2 which has revealed charred cell structure. Physical nature of Serankottai has been maintained in all the purification methods except for S2. The LOD was 5.53%, 2.90%, 6.47%, 5.03%, 4.6%, 5.05% in sampleS1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 respectively. The TA values were 3.44%, 18.90%, 2.59%, 2.54% 2.7% and 3.65% in sample S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 respectively. Significant differences in physico-chemical parameters were observed in different purification methods. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the Siddha purification processes have impact on physicochemical characters of Semecarpus anacardium. The need of the purification, as mentioned in Siddha texts is hereby justified.

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Family: Myricaceae) commonly known as Jamun is a widely used medicinal plant in Ayurveda. In spite of its numerous medicinal attributes, no published work is available on pharmacognostic characterization, physicochemical analysis of its leaves. The measures taken for pharmacognostic characterization were macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening. The microscopic evaluation showed useful characters for the recognition of leaf of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels . Transverse section, showed presence of single layer of wavy epidermal cells with striated cuticle single layer Palisade beneath upper epidermis in lamina region (contains compact elongated cells), Spheraphide in lamina region, collenchyma below the upper epidermis and above the lower epidermis in midrib region, Xylem and phloem in center, Sclerenchyma in between vascular bundle and collenchyma in midrib region. Wavy epidermal cell in the upper epidermis, anisocytic stomata in the lower epidermis, Bordered pitted reticulate vessels, Calcium oxalate crystal sheath in the lamina, fragment of fibers and Spiral vessels were observed in powder microscopy. Physicochemical studies showed total ash (3.1%), acid insoluble ash (0.7%), alcohol soluble extractive values (10.96 %), and water-soluble extractive values (12.32 %). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sugar, lipid, Glycoside, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, tri-terpenoids and steroids. The study forms the first report on pharmacognostic characters and a physicochemical parameter which could be useful for identification and authentication of the plant.

Phyto-Pharmacognostical Standardization with HPTLC Fingerprinting of Root of Citraka (Plumbago Zeylanica L.)

Background: Citraka or Sveta Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica L.) is an important medicinal plant mentioned in Ayurvedic classics, belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae. The root of the plant exhibits medicinal properties. It has a broad range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing and cytotoxic.
 Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate phyto-pharmacognostical standardization with HPTLC fingerprinting of root of P. zeylanica, one of the most accepted and beneficial medicinal plant in Ayurveda.
 Materials and Methods: P. zeylanica was collected from Konni, Kerala, India during the month of May 2018 and its root was studied for macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprinting following the standard protocol recommended by The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants.
 Results: The root is long, stout, cylindrical and reddish to dark brown in colour. The transverse section of root showed 5-7 rows of small cubical or rectangular celled cork with light yellow walls, polygonal or slightly tangentially elongated cortex cells containing starch grains and coloured contents, phloem containing small groups of fibres, radially arranged xylem vessels and narrow, 1-4 seriate medullary rays. Physico-chemical analysis showed water soluble extractive value as 26.11±0.01 w/w and alcohol soluble extractive value as 15.85±0.00 w/w. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of root decoction showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, resin and quinones.
 Conclusion: The information obtained from this research work may be useful to establish the botanical as well as analytical standards for the root of P. zeylanica.

Standardization and Phytochemical screening of Carica papaya seeds

The present work focus to evaluate the physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the seeds of family Caricaceae. The plants resources which are used in pharmaceutical formulation standardization was carried out on the basis of organoleptic properties, physical characteristics, and physico-chemical properties. Different Physicochemical parameters ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, foreign matter, fluorescence analysis, and pH were evaluated. Macroscopical characteristics and Physicochemical parameters like total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found to be 83.7%, 71.7% and 61.5% w/w respectively. Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water soluble extractive values (hot)were 7.6%, 11.6%, 27.4%, 37.5%w/w respectively. The pH of 1% and 10% aqueous solution was found to be 3.57 and 3.78 respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of Tannins, Proteins and amino acids, Glycosides, Phenolic compounds, Carbohydrates, Saponins, Alkaloids and Flavonoids. Thin layer chromatographic studies also had been done on ethanolic and hexane extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting is a valuable method for the quantitative determination of phytochemicals present in plant extract. These studies aim to investigating referential information for correct identification and standardization of this plant secondary metabolites.