Physico-chemical analysis of some temperate Himalayan Swertia species

Abstract

Swertia chirayita (Family Gentianaceae) source of Indian Ayurvedic drug “chirata’’, is an important medicinal plant of Western Himalaya known for its potent activity against malaria, liver-disorder, fever, gastrointestinal infection and diabetes. Due to its high demand and scarcity, several other species of Swertia viz. Swertia alata, Swertia angustifolia, Swertia cordata, Swertia purpurascens and Swertia paniculata etc. are being used as substitutes /adulterants for Swertia chirayita in India, Japan, China, Pakistan and other Asian Countries. In order to check this adulteration and to assure genuineness of ‘true chirayita’, it is essential to know the detailed physico-chemical features of a drug plant. The present study was carried out on some Swertia species i.e., S. chirayita, S. alata, S. cordata, S. angustifolia and S. purpurascens for discriminating Swertia chirayita from its adulterants.Various ash and extractives values observed in this study may help in differentiating “True Chirayita” from other allied species.