Pharmacognostical studies on Solanum surrattence Burm f. Root.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate macroscopic, microscopic, qualitative phytochemical and pharmacognostic parameters of Kantakari (Solanum surrattense Burm f.) root, a plant species which is well mentioned in Ayurvedic classics and an important constituent of Ayurvedic combination forms i.e. laghupanchmula and dashmula. The plant is also used in preparation of variety of indigenous medicine. Methods: Macroscopic, microscopic, qualitative phytochemical analysis, physiochemical analysis, extractive values in ethanol and water of the root were done. Results: Macroscopic and microscopic study showed distinct morphological characteristics in the root. Physiochemical analysis of root powder revealed, moisture content 2.1%, total ash 10.4%, acid-insolubal ash 2.7%, sulphated ash 11.33%, alcohol soluble extractive7.5%, water soluble extractive 13.6%. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, resins, saponins, steroid, tannin, starch, glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenoids were present in root extracts. Conclusions: pharmacognostic study of root is helpful in sample identification and to ensure quality and purity standards of Kantakari (Solanum surrattense Burm f.). The qualitative phytochemical screening is helpful in further pharmacological approaches.