Plant part substitution in Litsea Chinensis for medicinal use: A comparative phytochemical approach

Background: Medasakha (Litsea chinensis) is a medium sized tree, heartwood of which is extensively used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases. Count of this species is declining in the wild and in future this species may be difficult to obtain for use in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. It is exploited mainly for its medicinal heartwood. Hence the use of alternative parts of this plant in place of its heartwood would be beneficial for its survival. Objective: Present study is carried out on L. chinensis to phytochemically evaluate the possibilities of using its small branches as a substitute to its heartwood. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically using Folin-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method, respectively. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of heartwood and small braches were developed in suitable mobile phase using standard procedures and visualized in UV 254, 366 nm and in white light after derivatization with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent. Results: Phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of different extracts of heartwood and small branches showed the presence of almost similar phytochemicals in both the parts of this plant which suggests that small branches may be used in place of heartwood and vice-versa after comparison and confirmation of same for pharmacological activities. Conclusion: This study provides the base for further study to use small branches of L. chinensis as a substitute to its heartwood.