Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC FINGER PRINTING PROFILE OF PUSHKARMULA AND KUTH

Dr. Kiran Vashisht*, Dr. Vivek Thakur and Dr. D.C. Singh

Abstract

Background: The quality assessment of herbal drugs is of vital importance in order to ensure their acceptability in current era. Objective: In this study, two drugs (Pushkarmula and Kuth) mentioned in Ayurvedic literature were selected on the basis of their high therapeutic value (the roots are bitter, acrid, cardiotonic, thermogenic, expectorant, digestive; used in alleviates cardiovascular and respiratory complaints) and mentioned as critically endangered in IUCN (International Union for Conservation of nature) status. Because of above grounds, the economic value of drug is quite high and the chances of adulteration are also high. Collected (genuine) and market samples of Pushkarmula (Inula racemosa Hook. F.) and Kuth (Saussurea lappa C. B. Clarke) were collected from their natural habitat and raw samples of both drug from market of India respectively. Material and Methods: These samples were then subjected to Organoleptic, Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Chromatographical study (HPTLC and HPLC). Result: Collected sample of Pushkarmula has pleasant and camphoraceous odour while Kuth has strong and characterstic odour. Cells of medullary rays are polygonal to round in Pushkarmula whereas in Kuth they are radially elongated. HPTLC study of collected and market samples of Pushkarmula at 254 nm wavelength showed 3spots and 2 spots respectively. While in Kuth and its market sample at 220 nm wavelength have 7 spots and 8 spots respectively. HPLC study of both samples of Pushkarmula and Kuth having identical peaks with allantolactone and costunolide with slight variations respectively. Conclusion: Based on the above findings we can differentiate both samples from their market ones.

Keywords: Pushkarmula Kuth, Pharmacognosy, Chromatography, Inula racemosa, Saussurea lappa.