Pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical investigation of Grangea maderaspatana

Abstract

Grangea maderaspatana is a popular Indian medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is commonly known as Madras Carpet. It has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for various diseases. Literature reveals that the phytoconstituents like steroids, terpenes, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, phenolics and tannins are present in the plant. Pharmacognostical standards on G. maderaspatana are not yet available for correct identification of plant material and to ascertain its quality and purity. The present study was therefore undertaken to determine the required pharmacognostical standards according to the Pharmacopoeial guidelines for evaluation of the plant. The study included examination of morphological, microscopical, physicochemical properties, phytochemical analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting. The standardization parameters presented in this paper may be suggested to establish the authenticity of Grangea maderaspatanaand can also help to distinguish the drug from its other species. The pharmacognostic profile of the plant presented here will contribute in standardization viz., quality, purity and sample identification.