Phytochemical Analysis and Genetic Characterization of Genus Blepharis in Rajasthan, India

Nature has been a source of therapeutic agents for thousands of years and a remarkable number of modern medications have been secluded from ordinary sources. Higher plants, as sources of therapeutic compounds, have sustained to play a leading role in the conservation of human health since pre-historic times. Blepharis is an Afro-asiatic genus including 129 species, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, widely distributed in dry and semi-dry habitats. The aim of this study was to identify primary metabolites quantitatively and flavonoid compounds qualitatively using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) from the leaves of two species of the Blepharis genus, and also to investigate the genetic analysis of these species using the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). In quantitative analysis, primary metabolites such as protein, carbohydrates, lipid and phenol were found with significant values. In TLC characterization, Kaempferol and Rutin were identified as flavonoid compounds from both leaves samples. A total of 4 and 3 polymorphic bands were observed from OPA-2 primer in RAPD Profile of B. repens and B. repens var. rajasthanensis (a new varieties) leaves. The result concluded that these two different varieties of genus Blepharis can be used as an alternative to the conventional medicines due to having wide range of phytocemical activities. This study suggests that there is a need to know the possibility of using extracts and bio-active mixtures derived from Blepharis genus for the control of lasting ailments as claimed by traditional therapists.