Quality control standardization of the roots of Potentilla fulgens Wall.: A potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas and North-eastern India

Abstract

Background & aims Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. (PF) (Family: Rosaceae) is a shrub growing at high altitudes (1800-4350 m ASL) of the Western Himalayas. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat diabetes, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, anthelmintic and cancer. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PF on the basis of the pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods The quality control standardization was performed as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Results Morphologically, the roots are cylindrical, elongated and tapering towards the end, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the matured root showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation. Physicochemical standards quantified are foreign organic matter (1.50%), loss on drying (14.43%), total ash (8.60%), acid insoluble ash (3.02%), water soluble ash (1.37%), alcohol soluble extractive (30.80%), water soluble extractive (18.40%), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (5.5), haemolytic index (89.47) and pesticide residue content was also estimated. The powdered drug characterization showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with annular and reticulate thickenings, bordered pit tracheids, simple, druse type calcium oxalate crystals, compound starch grains and slender shaped fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenolics (phenolics, tannins, flavonoids), steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents in the extract was done spectrophotometrically which includes total phenolics (177.4 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (115.3 mg/g TAE), flavonoids (21.4 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (5.7 mg/g RE), saponins (41.2 mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (20.3 mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (52.6 mg/gD-fructose equivalent). Quantification of epicatechin in the root extract by HPTLC analysis was also carried out and was found to be 9.52% (w/w). Conclusion In conclusion, the present study will provide necessary information for the proper identification of the crude drugs. Copyright © 2013, Phcog.Net, Published by Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.