Abstract

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA LINN (PUNARNAWA) ROOT

*Shiv Kumar Shukla, Nitin Mishra and Alok Kumar

Abstract

Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (family- Nyctaginaceae), commonly known as 'Punarnava' in the Indian system of medicine. It is found throughout India. Root and aerial parts of 'Punarnava were used in of diabetes, digestive system, heart diseases anemia, and respiratory distress, liver problems. The present paper provides a detail account of the Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. root. The study includes macroscopic, HPTLC fingerprinting, preliminary phytochemical screening, and physicochemical parameters. The information generated will be useful for proper identification and authentication of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. root.

Keywords: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn., Pharmacognostic evaluation, Preliminary phytochemical screening, Physico chemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting.