Development of quality control parameters for the standardization of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. F. leaf and stem

Abstract

Traditional therapeutic systems remain significant resources of healthcare worldwide that are reported to be safe and generate minimum side effects compared to synthetic medicines. However the main problem with herbal drugs is they are prone to adulteration and substitution. So, it is of utmost importance to lay down quality control parameters for plant under study. In the present work, Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. f. Red sanders an endemic, endangered species of India, an important traditional medicinal plant, was evaluated for its pharmacognostic, phytochemical, physicochemical and fluorescence analysis of leaf, stem and bark. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of maximum amount of saponins in leaf, saponins and triterpenes in stem, flavonoids and steroids in bark. Physicochemical evaluation included loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, sulphated ash and extractive values. These analysis will be valuable towards establishing pharmacognostic standards for identification, purity, quality and classification of the plant, which is gaining relevance in plant drug research.