Vd. B.R. Patel
Dept. of Dravyaguna, Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat – 361 008. India.
Dr. Neha Kotak
Dept. of Dravyaguna, Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat – 361 008. India.
Preeti Pandya
Dept. of Dravyaguna, Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat – 361 008. India.
Abstract
Solanum dubium Fresen. is an erect shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of root including chromatographic evaluation. Solanum dubium Fresen. root is woody, cylindrical, branched with few wiry lateral roots. Root of the plant can be identified microscopically by the presence of starch grains, sclereids, stone cells, sandy crystals, biseriate medullary rays. Purity test shows loss on drying (2.8% w/w), total ash (3.8% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (20.70% w/w) and Water-soluble extractive value (17.40% w/w), pH 6.10. Preliminary analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, tannin and triterpenes. 1.32 % of total alkaloid content and on heavy metal analysis, lead, Arsenic, Mercury and Cadmium contents were not found. TLC study of alkaloid showed the presence of three spots in long UV rays. The information generated by this study provides relevant Pharmacognostical and Physico-chemical data needed for proper identification and authentication of root of Solanum dubium Fresen.
KEYWORDS: Solanum dubium, Starch grain, Alkaloid, Sclereid