Plant part substitution in Litsea Chinensis for medicinal use: A comparative phytochemical approach

Background: Medasakha (Litsea chinensis) is a medium sized tree, heartwood of which is extensively used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases. Count of this species is declining in the wild and in future this species may be difficult to obtain for use in Ayurveda and other traditional sy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ancient science of life 2017-04, Vol.37 (2), p.57-62
Main Authors: Srivastava, Bhavana, Sharma, Vikas, Verma, S, Singh, R, Jadhav, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ayurvedic medicine
Chemical properties
Comparative analysis
Equipment and supplies
Health aspects
HPTLC profile
Lauraceae
Laurel
Litsea chinensis
Medicine, Ayurvedic
phytochemical analysis
Phytochemicals
Plant organs
Testing
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Summary:Background: Medasakha (Litsea chinensis) is a medium sized tree, heartwood of which is extensively used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases. Count of this species is declining in the wild and in future this species may be difficult to obtain for use in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. It is exploited mainly for its medicinal heartwood. Hence the use of alternative parts of this plant in place of its heartwood would be beneficial for its survival. Objective: Present study is carried out on L. chinensis to phytochemically evaluate the possibilities of using its small branches as a substitute to its heartwood. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically using Folin-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method, respectively. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of heartwood and small braches were developed in suitable mobile phase using standard procedures and visualized in UV 254, 366 nm and in white light after derivatization with anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent. Results: Phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of different extracts of heartwood and small branches showed the presence of almost similar phytochemicals in both the parts of this plant which suggests that small branches may be used in place of heartwood and vice-versa after comparison and confirmation of same for pharmacological activities. Conclusion: This study provides the base for further study to use small branches of L. chinensis as a substitute to its heartwood.
ISSN:0257-7941
2249-9547
DOI:10.4103/asl.ASL_168_16