Abstract

STANDARDIZATION OF HARITAMANJARI (ACALYPHA INDICA LINN.) WHOLE PLANT: AN INSIGHT INTO ITS PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROFILE

Dr. Sakshi S. Pali* and Dr. Surekha T. Landge

.

Abstract

Acalypha indica Linn., known in Ayurveda as Haritamanjari or Muktavarcha, is a herbaceous weed belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, commonly found all over India. However, it is not mentioned in Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi; it has been introduced in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Nighantu Adarsha for its therapeutic properties, such as Kaphaghna, Vamaka, Krimighna, Mutrala, and Twakdoshahara. In this study we have executed phytochemical and physicochemical analysis of the whole plant of Haritamanjari in six different solvents. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, and steroids across various solvents, with flavonoids seen prominently in ethanol and methanol solvents. Saponins and starch were absent. Physicochemical analysis revealed moisture content of 6.7% (w/w), total ash of 9.5% (w/w), acid-insoluble ash of 1.9% (w/w), and water-soluble extractive of 24.5% (w/w), all within acceptable API limits. The study confirms the presence of multiple active constituents in the whole plant of Haritamanjari (Acalypha indica Linn.) and supports its traditional therapeutic claims. The physicochemical values indicate good quality and unadulterated plant material. The results assure its involvement in pharmacological research and standardization protocols for Ayurvedic formulations.

Keywords: Haritamanjari, Muktavarcha, Phytochemical screening, Physicochemical analysis, Standardization.