Manjoosha Srivastava

HPTLC method for chemical standardization of Sida species and estimation of the alkaloid ephedrine

The roots of Sida cordifolia, known as ‘Bala’ in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, are used to treat a variety of ailments, including pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatism, hematuria, urinary and heart diseases. The roots have recently been used to cure Parkinson’s disease and as a food supplement for fat loss. During a survey of Indian herbal drug markets it was observed that the roots and whole plants of other species of Sida, viz. S. acuta, S. cordata and S. rhombifolia, were being sold under the same vernacular name. In this context, HPTLC markers and a method for quantitative estimation of ephedrine, one of the therapeutically active constituents of this genus, have been developed. The study concluded that common and distinguishing bands were observed for all four Sida species in UV light at λ = 366 nm. The roots of S. cordifolia and S. rhombifolia had a similar HPTLC profile but the whole plant of S. cordifolia had characteristic blue bands at RF 0.60 and 0.81 and a red band at RF 0.87. Similarly, the whole plant of S. acuta can easily be differentiated on the basis of blue bands at RF 0.15 and 0.67; the roots can be differentiated by blue bands at RF 0.84 and 0.90. Although no characteristic bands were observed for S. cordata whole plant, the roots of this plant could also be identified by the presence of yellow and blue bands at RF 0.18 and 0.79, respectively. Amount of ephedrine varied in the four species studied. The maximum amount (0.112%) was found in S. cordifolia whole plant and the minimum amount (0.005%) in the roots of S. cordata k]Ephedrine k]HPTLC k]Sida species

A review on biological and chemical diversity in Berberis (Berberidaceae).

Berberis is an important genus and well known in the Indian as well as European systems of traditional medicine. It is used since ancient times for curing eye disease, fever, jaundice, rheumatism, vomiting during pregnancy, kidney and gall balder stones and various other ailments due to the presence of biologically active alkaloid berberine. Action of the root extracts of few species are believed to be as powerful as quinine in the treatment of malarial fever. A plethora of literature pertaining to the taxonomy, biology, chemistry, traditional and ethnic uses of Berberis in different countries and indigenous cultures was collected by both offline (library, journals, textbooks etc.) and online mode (electronic search of available databases). In addition to this, books on traditional medicine and ethno pharmacological knowledge were also referred to extract ancient uses of Berberis in different traditional medicine systems. Most of the folklore, traditional and ethno botanical claims about Berberis species were validated by broad spectrum in vitro and vivo pharmacological studies. The present article summarizes its usage in eye and liver disorder, fever, kidney and gall stones along with anticancer activity. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations.

Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Cassia angustifolia. Seeds

Abstract Cassia angustifolia. Vahl (Leguminosae), commonly known as “sanaai,” is employed in various indigenous systems of medicine against several diseases, and almost every part of the plant has diverse medicinal properties. The seeds are used as an anthelmintic, digestive, and to treat piles, skin diseases, and abdominal troubles. According to Ayurveda, it has the property of reducing “kapha” and “Vata.” The current communication provides a detailed account of the pharmacognostic investigation carried out on the seeds of C. angustifolia.. The study includes macro- and microscopical details, SEM studies, fluorescence study of powder, physicochemical studies, and HPTLC fingerprinting. The seed is characterized by a finely ridged seed coat and palisade-like malpighian cells, discontinuous transparent linea lucida in the upper half of the malpighian layer, hilum simple and oblong. The study revealed that the seed samples procured from different places have similar morphological and physicochemical values. These observations are supported by TLC profiles. It was noted that the percentage of active principles (sennoside A and B) varied significantly in samples procured from different parts of the country.

Chemical standardization of Cassia angustifolia Vahl seed.

Abstract Cassia angustifolia Vahl, commonly known as ‘Sanaai’, is employed in various indigenous systems of medicine against several diseases. Almost every part of the plant has diverse medicinal properties. The seeds are used as anthelmintic, digestive, to treat piles, skin diseases and abdominal troubles. The present communication deals with the chemical standardization of the seeds of C. angustifolia. The study includes physicochemical studies and development of chemical markers by HPTLC fingerprinting of seed samples from different geographical zones. The study revealed that the seed samples procured from different zones have similar physico-chemical values and chemical profile. However it was noted that the percentage of active principles (sennosides A & B) varied significantly in samples procured from different parts of the country. Detailed chemical studies are useful in establishing physicochemical standards and biologically active chemical markers for correct identification and authentication. Studies also better characterize the plant matrix through componential analysis of active principles for feasible, acceptable, specific and sustainable value added utilization of plant or their individual components. Studies not only explore the possibility of utilization but also co-relates/authenticates the materials with the commercial formulation for market acceptability and competency.

Fatty acid composition of some medicinally useful seeds.

Fatty acid composition of seeds from the fruits of Butea monosperma, Jatropha glandulifera and Portulaca oleracea of three different families, namely Papilionaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Portulaceae were determined through Gas Liquid Chromatography to find novel natural sources of essential fatty acids for human health and of economic interest. Comparative studies were also performed to ascertain the utilization of each species for domestic as well as industrial purpose and the quality parameters developed can be utilized as marker characters for theaforesaid seeds used by the pharmaceutical industries.