Pharmacognostic and HPTLC study of Saá¹vartikÄ (Tender leaves) of Kamala (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate Macroscopic, Microscopic structures, Powder analysis and HPTLC study of Kamala Saa¹varikA (Tender leaves). Which is a well mentioned plant in all the Ayurvedic classics. Methods: The Pharmacognostic and Hptlc study was done based on the principles mentioned in Pharmacognosy of Kokate. Results: Macroscopic and Microscopic study showed distinct characteristics in the leaves of Kamala like Anomocytic type of stomata, Collenchymatous hypodermis, Vascular bundle covered with bundle sheath etc. Powder analysis revealed the presence of Rosette crystals of Calcium oxalate, few spherical to oval shaped starch grains etc. HPTLC Densitometric scan at 254nm shows 7spots with Rf 0.03 (has maximum area of 36.46%), at 366nm densitometric scan shows 8 spots with Rf 0.55 (which had maximum area 24.56%). Conclusion: Pharmacognostic study of leaves is helpful in sample identification and to ensure quality and purity standards. HPTLC is one of most important instrumental technique for the identification and Quantitative determination of the main Phytochemical constituents present in the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.