Authors : A. V. Dusane, K. M. Bohara, and S. A. Dusane
Page Nos : 53-56
Description :
Spilanthes acmella L. (Asteraceae) is a medicinally important plant commonly known as ‘Akarkara’. S. acmella is a rich source of phytochemicals. In ayurvedic system of medicine S.acmella is used for the treatment of scabies, psoriasis, scurvey, toothache, infection of gums, paralysis of tongue and for stammering. Leaf of this plant contains valuable bioactive phytochemicals viz. alkamides (Spilanthol), isobutylamide derivatives, saponins, amino acids, tannins, sesquiterpens and alkaloids. This plant has been well documented for its uses as anti-flammatory, analgestic, antipyretic, anesthetic and immuno-stimulent. S. acmellahas antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. In the present investigation exomorphic, anatomical, pharmacognostic, physico-chemical and chromatographic (fingerprinting) standards have been evolvedfor S. acmella. The parameters such as quantitative microscopy, fluorescence analysis, powder analysis and fingerprinting served as quality standards. The physico-chemical analysis of leaf podwer shown total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash values as 7.9%, 4.0% and 2.5%w/w respectively. While extractive values of leaf powder with water, ethanol and petroleum ether yielded 9.58%, 15.1% and 4.98%w/w respectively. The fluorescence studies of leaf revealed distinctive pattern. The characteristic TLC pattern of leaf extract using solvent systems, chloroform: methanol (3:7) served as the fingerprint for S. acmella.
Keywords: Ash values, finger printing, quality standards, pharmacognostic standards, physico-chemical studies, Spillanthes acmella and Thin Layer Chromatography.
