Comparative physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC studies on root species used as Patala in Ayurvedic system of medicine

Objective

To establish the pharmacognostic parameters using pharmacopoeial standards for correct identity of Patala (Stereospermum chelonoides (L.f.) DC.) and to compare original species with recommended substitutes (Stereospermum tetragonum DC. and Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) K. Schum.).

Methodology

The pharmacognostic parameters include morphology, etymology, physicochemical properties, phytochemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprint and quantification of standard marker compound.

Results

The etymological characters mentioned are tree, mature leaflets being rough, and inflorescences with black peduncles, flowers picture-like, copper colour and eye ball-seed leads to relate the identity as S. chelonoides. The physicochemical properties match to S. tetragonum with respect to pharmacognostic limits prescribed for S. chelonoides. Phytochemical screening of all three species viz., S. chelonoides, S. tetragonum and R. xylocarpa collected from different biogeographic regions of India showed presence of carbohydrates, saponins, proteins, flavonoids, gums and resins. The standard marker p-coumaric acid is detected with Rf 0.37 in methanolic root extracts of all three species with different concentrations.

Conclusion

The developed HPTLC profile for the roots of Patala serves as an inexpensive qualitative tool in quality control for differentiating substitutes and adulterants from the authentic species of Patala and rapid approach to detect and quantify p-coumaric acid; similar studies concluded that the roots of S. chelonoides is the authentic Patala.