Water Soluble Extractive Value Research Articles

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and In Vitro antiglycation studies on the leaf extracts of Hibiscus micranthus Linn.

The aim of the present study was to carry out powder analysis, fluorescence analysis, microscopic study, physico chemical analysis, total flavonoid and phenolic content and in vitro antiglycation studies for the leaf aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Hibiscus micranthus Linn. by serum albumin assay. The results of powder analysis indicated that the powder with ferric chloride solution showed mustard green colour, under UV powder with ferric chloride showed brown colour. The total ash value 75%w/w, acid insoluble ash 25%w/w, water soluble ash 35%w/w and sulphated ash 15%w/w respectively. The water soluble extractive value 2.2%w/w, alcohol soluble extractive 19.3%w/w and the result of loss on drying were found to be 9.33%w/w. The microscopic study observations were presence of stellate 3–4 armed trichomes, anisocytic stomata, mucilaginous parenchyma, lignified libiform xylem vessels and Ca.oxalate druse crystals. The leaf constant values include stomatal index of upper and lower epidermis to be 4.66, 4.15, palisade ratio 9, vein islet number 12, veinlet termination number to be 9. The length and width of xylem vessels to be 15.75μ, 117.62 μ. The length and width of trichomes was found to be 30.6 μ and 2.87 μ. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, cardenolides, coumarin glycosides, reducing sugars, acidic compounds, inulin, waxes and reserpine. The total flavonoid content was more in methanolic extract 104±0.36 mg/g equivalents of rutin. The phenolic content was also more in methanolic extract 52.76±0.67 mg/g equivalents of rutin. The methanolic extract exhibited significant in vitro antiglycation activity at 1000 μg/ml 95.6%±0.0025** equivalent to standard drug rutin. Therefore the individual phytoconstituents from the extracrs can be further explored and studied for the activity.

Botanical and Chemical Fingerprinting of Medicinal Roots of Justicia gendarussa Burm f.

Background:Justicia gendarussa Burm f. of family Acanthaceae is medicinally important herb used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, asthma, hepatic injuries, pathogenic infection and also shows antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines.Materials and Methods:Pharmacognostical evaluation (macro-microscopy, physicochemical analysis and preliminary phytochemical analysis), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and chemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) of dried roots of J. gendarussa were done according to quality standard procedures.Results:Microscopic analysis revealed the compact arrangement of cells in cork region and thin-walled cortex beneath epidermis. Parenchymatous cells with xylem vessel were observed in the roots of J. gendarussa. Physicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.474%), total ash (2.990%), acid-insoluble ash (0.099%), water-soluble ash (1.528%), alcohol-soluble extractive value (0.564%) and water-soluble extractive value (4.11%) of the raw drug. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa showed the presence of alkaloid, steroid, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, saponin and quinone. Rf, color of the spots and densitometric scan were recorded by HPTLC fingerprinting using toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5.0:4.0:1.0). On photodocumentation, six spots were visualized under 254 nm, nine spots under 360 nm and six spots at 620 nm. Identification of components in ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa was done by GC-MS. GC-MS results in the presence of oleic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trein-17-β-ol in ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa.Conclusion:These specific identities will be useful in identification and authentication of the raw drug in dried form.SUMMARY Transverse section and powder of dried roots of Justicia gendarussa were examined microscopically. Microscopic observations showed the presence of well-developed cork and cortex. Presence of xylem vessels and parenchymatic rays were observed in transverse section. Parenchymatous cell and sclereids with vessel elements were found in powder microscopyPhysicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.474%), total ash (2.990%), acid-insoluble ash (0.099%), water-soluble ash (1.528%), alcohol-soluble extract (0.564%) and water-soluble extract (4.11%)Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa showed the presence of alkaloid, steroid, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, saponin and quinoneHigh-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting showed different peaks at different wavelengthChemical profiling of medicinal roots of J. gendarussa by gas chromatography. mass spectrometry revealed the presence of oleic acid, 9,12.octadecadienoic acid, 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and estra-1,3,5 (10)-trein-17-β-ol as bioactive compound. Abbreviations Used: TLC: Thin layer chromatography; HPTLC: High performance thin layer chromatography; GCMS: Gas chromatography-mass specrtometry; QSIMP: Quality standard of indian medicinal plant; LOD: Loss on drying; TA: Total ash; AIA: Acid insoluble ash; WSA: Water soluble ash; ASE: Alcohol soluble extractive; WSE: Water soluble extractive.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies of Helleborus niger L Root.

Background:Helleborus niger L (Ranunculaceae) is used Ayurvedic and Unani systems and other herbal medicine systems. The roots of H. niger have a good medicinal value.Aims:To conduct a pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of H. niger.Materials and Methods:The pharmacognostical studies on roots including parameters such as taxonomical, macroscopic, microscopic characters, physico-chemical, ultra-violet analysis and phytochemical studies are established.Results:Macroscopically, the roots are brownish-black in colour, cylindrical in shape, feeble odour, slightly acrid taste with irregularly branched. Microscopically the root showed the presence of epidermis, air-chambers, fissure periderm, periderm, inner cortex, pith, phloem, xylem, vessels and xylem vessels. Microscopic examination of the powder showed the presence of parenchyma cells, parenchyma mass, periderm, cell inclusion, laticifer, lateral wall pith, perforation, xylem bundle and xylem elements. Ultra-violet and ordinary light analyses with different reagents were conducted to identify the drug in powder form. Physico-chemical evaluation established, Ash values - Total, acid insoluble, water soluble and sulphated ash values were 7.3%, 4.1%, 3.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Extractive values - Alcohol soluble, water soluble and ether soluble extractive values were 22.8%, 7.4% and 5.6%, respectively. Loss on drying was 3.3%. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrate, glycoside, saponins, flavonoid, phytosterols, tannins and phenolic compounds.Conclusions:The results of the study can serve as a valuable resource of pharmacognostic and phytochemical information. This will serve as appropriate, standards for discovery of this plant material in future investigations and applications and also contribute towards establishing pharmacopoeial standards.

Pharmaceutical Standardization of Saptamrita Lauha

Shalakya Tantra is a one of the branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda and Netra Chikitsa is a part of Shalakya Tantra. There are so many formulations are mentioned in the treatment of Netra Roga by oral route as well as external application, Saptamrita Lauha is one of them. It is a very popular, very safe and effective formulation for eye diseases. In Ayurveda classics there are so many references are available for Saptamrita Lauha. These formulation are mainly described in Netra Roga and Shoola Roga in almost all the books. In majority references Saptamrita Lauha powder is taken with Anupana or Sahapana of honey and ghee. Sundar Ayurveda Teaching Pharmacy is also manufacturing many batches of Saptamrita Lauha with the reference from Bheshaja Samhita, chapter 4/54, Loha and Mandura Kalpana and follow the in house quality control parameters to standardized the medicine in large scale production. The particle size of Saptamrita Lauha is 3.2 µm to 3.8 µm, pH from 6.0 to 6.9, loss on drying from 1.2 % to 1.8%, ash value 16.2 %w/w to 24.5 %w/w, acid insoluble ash value from 2.6 %w/w to3.6 %w/w, alcohol soluble extractive value from 42.9% v/w to 47.7 %v/w, water soluble extractive value from 21.1 % to 26.8%. Phyto-chemical screening of Saptamrita Lauha shows Glycoside, Amino acid, Protein, Carbohydrate, Flavanoid, Tannin, Steroid, Saponin and Alkaloid were present in all batches. On the basis of this study it’s clear that, if we follow the same procedure with authentic drugs then large scale production also having Quality assurance.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE PLANT LEUCAS ASPERA

<p>ABSTRACT<br />Objective: Leucas aspera (Willd.) Linn. is a herbaceous annual distributed throughout India from the Himalayas down to Ceylon. This study was aimed<br />to investigate the pharmacognostical, phytochemical characteristics, and heavy metal content of the aerial parts of L. aspera.<br />Methods: The aerial parts of the plant were subjected to macroscopical and microscopical characterization, followed by physicochemical evaluations<br />using standardized procedures. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) of the dried plant powder was done to determine the metal and mineral<br />content. Preliminary phytochemical screening and metabolite analysis of the hydroalcoholic extract of L. aspera (HAELA) were also performed to<br />analyze the various phytoconstituents.<br />Results: In this study, the microscopic characteristics of L. aspera were found to be consistent with earlier reports. The total ash value was relatively<br />high (11.5% w/w). Alcohol soluble and water-soluble extractive values were found to be 6.5% and 9%, respectively. AAS indicated the plant to<br />contain insignificant quantities of heavy metals and considerable amounts of copper, sodium, potassium, and iron. Phytochemical analysis revealed<br />the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lignins, phenols, saponins, sterols, and tannins in HAELA.<br />Conclusion: The pharmacognosy - anatomical, physicochemical, heavy metal characteristics, and the preliminary phytochemical studies of the aerial<br />parts of L. aspera have revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and glycosides; insignificant<br />quantities of heavy metals and significant content of phenolics and tannins in the plant.<br />Keywords: Leucas aspera, Ash value, Heavy metal content, Atomic absorption spectroscopy.</p>

Macro-Microscopic evaluation, Physicochemical analysis and HPTLC Finger printing of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Rhizome

Introduction: Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Family Hypoxydaceae (Amaryllidaceae) is a perennial herb with finger like rhizome. Its rhizomes have been significantly used in treatment of various ailments including cancer. Methods: Macro-microscopic analyses, physico-chemical studies and HPTLC finger printing of rhizomes of C. orchioides were performed according to pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Microscopic analysis has shown rows of rectangular and conical cells in cork, thin walled cortex, parenchymatous cells, starch grains, crystal of calcium oxalate, mucilage cell and spiral xylem vessel in the rhizomes of C. orchioides. Physicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.469%), total ash (8.463%), acid insoluble ash (1.10%), water-soluble ash (2.163%), alcohol soluble extractive value (3.036%), and water-soluble extractive value (22.666%) of the raw drug. Ethanol extract of the plant were fingerprinted in petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (7.0:3.0) solvent system and scanned densitometrically after dipping in anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent followed by heating at 105°C. Conclusion: These specific identities will be useful in identification and authentication of the raw drug in dried form.

Physicochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Different Parts of Indian Kesar Mango–A unique variety from Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

The aim of the present study was to evaluate physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of different parts (ripe seed, unripe seed, ripe peel, unripe peel and stem) of Indian mango (var. ‘Kesar’) collected from Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The physiochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value and extractive values were carried out. The phytochemical properties such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phlobatanins, triterpenes, steroids, saponins and cardiac glycosides were also carried out. In phytochemical analysis, tannins showed maximum amounts in all five parts. The present study provides the details physicochemical and phytochemical properties of different parts of kesar mango which are useful in laying down standardization and pharmacopeia parameters.

Physicochemical Analysis ofAlocasia sanderiana W. Bull

The present investigation reveals standardization which includes moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value and loss on drying of Alocasia sanderiana W. Bull ethanolic leaf, stem and root tuber extracts. Total ash value is useful in determining authenticity and purity of drug and also these values are important quantitative standards. Total ash value of plant material indicated the amount of minerals, and earthy materials present in the plant material. Analytical results showed the total ash higher value was 3.30% w/w in ethanolic root tuber extract of Alocasia sanderiana. Percent weight loss on drying or moisture content of ethanolic leaf, stem and root tubers extracts is 63.69%, 73.35% and 75.63%. The less value of moisture content could prevent bacterial, fungal or yeast growth. Leaf ethanolic extracts having less value compared stem and root tuber extracts. Ethanolic leaf extracts shows more antimicrobial activity. The higher amount of acid-insoluble siliceous matter present in the tuber extracts of A. sanderiana was 0.95w/w%. The water-soluble extractive value indicated the presence of sugar, acids, and inorganic compounds. The ethanolic root tuber extract have higher value of water soluble extractive values.

Macro, Microscopic and Preliminary Analytical Evaluation of Root and Leaf of Globba Marantina Linn. - An Extrapharmacopoeial Drug of Ayurveda

Globba marantina Linn., an extra pharmacopoeial plant of Ayurveda, locally known as chhota rasna by tribal people of Orissa, belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Ethnomedicinally roots and leaves of G. marantina is claimed to be used in the management of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, cold, snakebite and others. Though used traditionally, no proper scientific evaluation of this plant for its pharmacognostical characters has been reported. Hence, the present study has been performed to establish the root and leaf of the plant for its microscopical and physicochemical characters along with different qualitative tests, as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Powder microscopy of the root shows ample amount of starch grain, prismatic crystal, lignified fiber, scalariform vessel whereas that of leaf shows monocot type III stomata, ample amount of prismatic crystal, fiber and covering trichome. Surface study shows presence of more number of stomata as well as stomatal index, in lower surface, in comparison to upper surface. Physicochemical parameters shows higher moisture content in leaf sample (9.8060±0.0265% w/w) than the root sample (9.505±0.465% w/w) and water soluble extractive value of both the samples has been found more in comparison to alcohol soluble extractive value. The observed data can be helpful to identify and standardize root and leaf of G. marantina.

Evaluation of the water soluble extractive of astragali radix with different growth patterns using 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Astragali radix (AR), known in China as huangqi, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Water soluble extractive (WSE) values play an important role in the quality evaluation of herbal drugs. In this study, WSE of wild and cultivated AR were compared systematically. The WSE value of cultivated AR was significantly higher than that of the wild AR, and their UV-absorbance in the range of 250-400 nm was also different. The chemical compositions of different WSE were further compared by 1H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis. Results from the principal component analysis and the hierarchical cluster analysis showed a clear separation between the WSEs of wild and cultivated AR. The differential metabolites responsible for the separation were identified by orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis and recursive support vector machine. The WSE of wild AR contained more arginine, valine, threonine, asparagine, succinate, and glutamine, while the cultivated AR contained more sucrose. Thus, the WSE can be used as a simple and reliable method for discrimination of wild and cultivated ARs, and the results obtained in this study extend the potential use of WSE in the quality evaluation of herbal drugs.

Pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical investigation of Bacopa monnieri L. stem and its anticonvulsant potential in laboratory animals

AimThe aim of present work was to study the pharmacognostic standardization, physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of the stem of Bacopa monnieri L. MethodStandard method was followed for pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical study. For quantitative analysis, HPTLC technique was employed. Maximal electroconvulsive shock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method was used for anticonvulsant evaluation. ResultMicroscopic study of the stem showed presence of epidermis and cortex having large intercellular spaces. The oval shaped starch grains were present in cells of cortex and endodermis. Total ash (5.98%), water-soluble ash (4.91%), acid-insoluble ash (3.96%), water soluble extractive (15.31%) and ethanol soluble extractive (6.74%) values were evaluated for physicochemical evaluations. Quantitative estimation of Bacoside A (marker compound) by HPTLC technique was performed. The linearity (100–600 ng), the % recovery (97.81% w/w) were estimated. The Bacoside A in the alcoholic extract was found to be higher than that of the other extracts. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be simple and accurate. The anticonvulsant activities of all the extracts were evaluated by MES and PTZ models in mice. ConclusionThe least anticonvulsant potential was recorded for acetone extract in dose of 100 mg/kg and maximum anticonvulsant action was recorded for ethanolic extract in dose of 300 mg/kg.

Pharmacognostical and preliminary physico-chemical profiles of Blepharispermum subsessile DC. root.

Introduction:Blepharispermum subsessile DC. is a folklore medicinal herb, found in Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. It is locally known as Rasnajhadi in Odisha and its roots are being used as Rasna in treating rheumatic, gynecological, nervous disorders. In spite of its high medicinal as well as market values, the pharmacognostical characters of its root is not reported till date.Aim:To evaluate pharmacognostical and preliminary physico-chemical profiles of B. subsessile root.Materials and Methods:Roots of B. subsessile were collected from Odisha; its macroscopic, microscopic, powder characters and preliminary physico-chemical characters were studied following standard procedures.Results:Microscopically, outer multilayered lignified cork cells, cortex, border pitted xylem vessels, tracheids, isolated or groups of thick-walled xylem fibees were seen. Physico-chemical parameters showed that water soluble extractive value (31.3%) is more than alcohol soluble extractive value (23.2%) and 5.5 pH value, etc.Conclusion:The findings of the study will be useful in the identification and standardization of the B. subsessile root.

Standardization of Sunth Powder Prepared Using Rhizomes of Zingiber officinales

Ginger consists of the fresh or dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Family: Zingiberacae). The dried rhizome powder of ginger is known as Sunth or Soonth. There are no standards available to determine the purity of the sunth powder which is sold in the local market. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Sunth powder (Dry ginger rhizome powder) and set standards to decide its purity. Pharmacognostic standardization was carried out to determine its microscopical characters, and also some of its quantitative standards. Microscopical studies were done by using the trinocular microscope. Total ash, water-soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol and water-soluble extractive values were determined using the standard procedures. A preliminary phytochemical screening was also done to detect the different phytoconstituents present in sunth powder. Phytochemical analysis of the sunth powder was done and the presence of Gingerol was confirmed by using TLC techniques. These findings might be useful to supplement information with regard to its identification parameters, which are assumed significant in the way of acceptability of herbal drugs, in the present scenario, which lacks regulatory laws to control the quality of herbal drugs.

EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SEAWEED, CAULERPA RACEMOSA

The aim of present analytical study was to evaluate the physicochemical and standardization parameters of Caulerpa racemosa , a green marine alga e or seaweed. This seaweed was collected and identified from Gujarat state coastal area of India. The shade dried samples of seaweed were s ubjected to a battery of analytical processes to determine the extractive values and various physicochemical parameters. Further, s eaweed was subjected to fluorescence and elemental analysis and quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents. The HPTLC of methanolic extract of seaw eed was also conducted. Overall screening of various extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrate, glyco side, alkaloids, tannins, saponin, steroid and triterpenoid. High water soluble extractive value (8.5 ± 1.28 %) indicates the possibility of presence of large quantity of water soluble constituents. The IR spectrum of seaweed showed an absorption band at 2 850.88 cm - 1 indicating the presence of aldehyde; 1745.64 cm - 1 for ester; 1462.09 cm - 1 for alkanes and 1018.45 cm - 1 for alcohol ester or carboxylic acid. In this study, several elements were determined in the marine alga by using Energy Dispersion X - Ray Flu orescence. In HPTLC findings, among the various solvent systems, pet ether: acetone (8:2 v/v) mobile phase was found to be more suitable for proper compound resolution. HPTLC study has narrowed - down the identification to possible compounds like steroids, s aponins and alkaloids; latter was confirmed by quantitative analysis too. The present analytical study of Caulerpa racemosa on physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical analysis, and elemental analysis provides importance information to support further on - going studies to evaluate structure of bioactive compounds and their pharmacology.

Proximate and Phytochemical Analysis of Cajanus Cajan (Pigeon Pea) Leaves

Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea) leaves from 'ita osu' market of Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, Nigeria, were collected and qualitatively analysed for identification of phytochemical constituents. The results showed the presence of bioactive constituents of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes. Phlobatannins, anthraquinones and sterols were not detected. The proximate analysis of the leaves revealed a composition of 11.20% moisture, 8.22% ash, 22.4% crude protein, 2.74% crude fat, 7.25% crude fibre, 63.39% NFE, 9.8% alcohol soluble extractive value, 4.32% water soluble extractive value and 0.65% acid insoluble ash value. The significance of this plant was discussed in relation to the presence of these metabolites as well as the proximate values. The presence of some phytochemicals like saponins and flavonoids explained the medicinal action of the plant encountered in its therapeutic uses.

Preliminary Qualitative Phytochemical Screening of Edible Mushroom <i>Hypsizygus ulmarius</i>

Mushrooms are white rot fungi regarded as one of the well known food and possessing various kinds of biopharmaceuticals compounds. The present study aimed for screening and determining the bioactive compounds present in edible mushroom Hypsizygus ulmarius. Hypsizygus ulmarius was analyzed for total ash, water soluble extractive value, alcohol soluble extractive value and moisture content and which was found to be 4.31, 2.8, 0.4 and 10.4% /5gm of the sample powder respectively with light flourescene characters. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, glycosides, carbohydrates and proteins. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of Hypsizygus ulmarius was found to be 30.5mg pyrocatechol and 32.24mg Quercetin equivalent /g of dry mushroom powder respectively. Hypsizygus ulmarius may be considered as good source phytochemicals that can be used in pharmaceutical, medical and food additives (antioxidant). Furthermore, screening and characterization of secondary metabolites is warranted.

Physico-chemical evaluation and phytochemical potential of a medicinal herb: Butea frondosa Koen. Ex Roxb (Leaves

Objective: The present work attempts to evaluate the physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the leaves of Butea frondosa Koen. Ex Roxb, family Fabaceae. Methods: The herbal standardization was carried out on the basis of organoleptic properties, physical characteristics, and physico-chemical properties. Physicochemical parameters including ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, foreign matter were evaluated. Results: Macroscopically leaves were observed to be compound. Lateral leaflets were obliquely ovate, obtuse, round at apex. Its texture was fairly tough. Microscopical leaves have single layered upper and lower epidermis, covered with thick cuticle. Xylem and phloem are arranged in ring. Calcium oxylate crystal were scattered throughout the cells. The total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found to be 10.16%, 2.83%, and 5.16% w/w respectively. Petroleum ether, Chloroform, ethanol and water soluble extractive values (hot)were 2.94%, 3.08%, 5.06%, 10.61%w/w respectively. The pH of 1% and 10% aqueous solution was found to be 6.06 and 5.76 respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of sterols, tannins, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, saponins and alkaloids. Thin layer chromatographic studies also had been done on ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Conclusion: These studies provided referential information for correct identification and standardization of this plant material.

English

Herbal products have become increasingly popular throughout the world; one of the impediments in its acceptance is the lack of standard quality control profile. This research was conducted to standardize Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) cultivated in Sudan. For this purpose, world health organization (WHO) monograph for medicinal plants was used to assess certain particulars of the plant including macro and microscopical characters, physical and chemical characteristics. Results obtained revealed that the macro and microscopical characters of H. sabdariffa were in accordance to those specified in WHO monographs. Results of purity tests were obtained as (16.3) water soluble extractive value (21.4%), 70% ethanol soluble extractive, (11.7%) the total ash, (3.8%) acid insoluble ash values and (8.5%) moisture content, respectively whereas value of foreign materials were calculated to be 2%. The heavy metal lead in the plant sample tested was found to be below the permissible limit (10 mg/kg) and the plant was found to be free from bacterial contamination. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of H. sabdariffa revealed the presence of quercetin as a major phytoconstituent in a total content of 12.96%. It can be concluded that the obtained data of H. sabdariffa could be taken as guidelines in its quality assessment and will contribute positively to establish standards for the quality assessment of herbal products in Sudan. Key words: Standardization, herbal medicine, Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Pharmacognostic specifications and quantification of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in Pentace burmanica stem bark.

Background:According to Thai traditional medicine, Pentace burmanica Kurz. stem bark has been used as crude drug for treating diarrhea. However, the crude drug is also found susceptible to adulteration.Objectives:To develop specific standardization parameters of P. burmanica stem bark in Thailand and to determine the (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin contents of P. burmanica stem bark by HPLC analysis.Materials and Methods:P. burmanica stem barks from various sources throughout Thailand were investigated according to WHO guideline of the pharmacognostic specification. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed for (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin quantification.Results:Macroscopic evaluation was demonstrated as whole plant drawing. Microscopic evaluation of stem bark powdered drug showed fragment of fibers, resin masses, tannin masses, starch grain, calcium oxalate, and fragment of parenchyma. Physico-chemical parameters revealed that total ash, acid insoluble ash, loss on drying, and water content should be not more than 3.58, 0.50, 8.40, and 9.70% of dry weight respectively; while ethanol and water soluble extractive values should not be less than 21.90 and 19.06% of dry weight respectively. Both (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin were existed in P. burmanica ethanolic extract. Owing to the small amount of (+)-catechin, quantitation of its content was omitted. However, (-)-epicatechin contents was found as 59.74 ± 1.69μg/mg of crude extract.Conclusion:The pharmacognostic investigations can be used to set the standard parameters of P. burmanica stem bark in Thailand. HPLC method can be applied to determine (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin content in plant materials.

In-house preparation and quality control of a traditional Unani formulation: Kushta Aqeeq

Aim: Till date no scientific work has been carried out regarding establishment of quality control of kushta aqeeq. This study was aimed to physicochemically evaluate the kushta aqeeq on classical as well as modern scientific tests to establish its quality control parameters. Methods: Aqeeq was first purified as per classical Unani literature then subjected to heat in furnace rather than cow dung cakes due to better temperature control. Finished product was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics including preliminary tests mentioned in classical literature. Results: Floating test, grain floating test and finger test were positive. These findings indicated correct preparation of kushta according to classical literature. Bulk density (1.09 ±0.00 gm/ml), tapped density (1.80.±0.01 gm/ml), Hausner’s ratio (1.65±0.01), compressibility index (44.72±0.02%), pH of 1 % and 10 % (9.13±0.03 and 10.21 ± 0.03), loss of weight on drying (0.005±0.00%), total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash (98.76± 0.04, 83.27± 0.05, 9.34± 0.03, 89.42± 0.17%) and extractive value (3.61± 0.04%) respectively were reported in kushta aqeeq. Conclusion: Since this study has not been reported earlier, hence the findings obtained could be considered as the standard quality control parameters of kushta aqeeq for future references. These findings would certainly help in ensuring batch to batch uniformity of kushta aqeeq.