Identification of the Botanical Sources and TLC/HPTLC Pattern of ‘Ajamoda’ In Trade

Abstract

Ajamoda’ is an important drug of the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine, which consists of umbelliferous fruits. The drug to be used in the formulations are fruits of Apium leptophyllum. Confusion exists in literature regarding its botanical identity. Ajamoda and similar names have been very freely used for several related umbelliferous fruits viz. Apium leptophyllum, Apium graveolens, Trachispermum roxburgianum. However, an examination of the various market samples of ajamoda revealed the presence of only three of the umbelliferous fruits viz. Apium leptophyllum, Apium graveolens, Trachyspermum roxburgianum. The present study revealed the botanical identity and TLC/HPTLC aspects of three ajamoda fruits, which will be useful in identification of the particular drug.