Pharmacognostical Standardization and Phytochemical Profiling In Biophytum Reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch. (Oxalidaceae)

Abstract

Biophytum is an important medicinal herb used both in traditional systems of medicine as well as in Ayurvedha. The present investigation is concerned with the pharmacognostic standardization and phytochemical screening of a very common species of Biophytum, B. reinwardtii. A morphological study of the plant was conducted. The whole plant was shade dried and ground to fine powder and subjected to organoleptic, fluorescent and physicochemical analysis. The plant powder was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol. Phytochemical screening (Qualitative, Quantitative, Thin layer chromatography) of the methanol extract of the plant sample was done according to the standard biochemical procedures. Antiinflammatory activity of the plant extract was tested using inhibition of albumin denaturation assay. The organoleptic analysis revealed the characteristic colour, taste, odour and nature of powder of B. reinwardtii. In fluorescence analysis, on treatment with different solvents, colour changes could be noticed in the plant powder. The results of the physicochemical analysis provide an important parameter in detecting adulteration or improper handling of drugs. Qualitative and quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of many important phytochemicals in the plant. The presence of steroids was detected by thin layer chromatography. Bioactivity study indicated the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant comparable to that of the standard aspirin