Phytochemical and Chromatographic studies of two Ayurvedic source plants of Somalata, Cynanchum viminale and Ceropegia juncea

Soma is an important Ayurvedic drug used for various therapeutic aspects. Botanical identity of the source plant of Soma is a matter of controversy. Different plants are being used under the name Soma in different regions of India. Cynanchum viminale and Ceropegia juncea are being used as two important source plants of Soma. In this study, these two plants were compared phytochemically using various quantitative assays and chromatographic techniques like High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. On quantitative assays C. viminale showed higher flavonoid content whereas C. juncea showed higher percentage of phenolics, carbohydrates and amino acid contents. Presence of a terpenoid and a steroid was identified in plants using high performance thin layer chromatography and both plants showed similar steroids and terpenoids profile. Detailed chromatographic studies revealed that the source plants of Somalata such as C. viminale and C. juncea are almost similar in their phytochemical profiles. The study provided a scientific background for the traditional use of C. viminale and C. juncea as source plants of somalata.