Comparative Pharmacognostical and Analytical Evaluation of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) and Pseudarthria viscida (Linn.) Wight & Arn. as a Substitute

Vijayalaxmi P.B; Reena Reena

Abstract

Shalaparni [Desmodium gangeticum (Linn)] is one among the Dashamoola and Pseudarthria viscida (Linn) is used as a substitute instead of Shalaparni in south India especially Kerala state. Macroscopic, microscopic and organoleptic results of the standard drug D. gangeticum (Linn.) and trail drug P. viscida (Linn.) Wight & Arn., when compared with each other with Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia of India showed no much difference. D. gangeticum (Linn.) has more of calcium crystals and stone cells as seen in Powder microscopy, while P, viscida (Linn.) Wight & Arn. also contain crystals of calcium oxalate and presence of colouring pigments. Taste determination of P. viscida (Linn.) Wight & Arn. by ‘Taste with Tongue Method’ was found to be Madhura Rasa pradhana Tikta Anurasa and that of D. gangeticum (Linn.) to be Tikta Rasa pradhana Madhura Anurasa. Phytochemical study showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycoside, tannin, steroids and phenol in both. By physicochemical study, it was observed that 8.27% water-soluble extract and 6.86% of alcohol-soluble extract was more in D. gangeticum (Linn.) than P. viscida (Linn.) Wight & Arn. that is 5.48% water extract and 3.59% alcohol extract. This substantiated that the trail drug can be used as a substitute for Shalaparni.

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