Standardization, Fingerprinting and Quality Control of Spilanthesacmella(l.) Murr.

Abstract

Spilanthes acmella L. (Asteraceae) is a me dicinally important plant commonly known as 'Akarkara'. S. acmella is a rich source of phytochemicals. In ayurvedic syste m of me dicine S.acmella is used for the treatment of scabie s, psoriasis, scurvey, toothache , infection of gums, paralysis of tongue and for stammering. Leaf of this plant contains valuable bioactive phytochemicals viz. alkamides (Spilanthol), isobutylamide de rivatives, 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 prope rties. In the present investigation exomorphic, anatomical, pharmacognostic, physico-chemical and chromatographic (fingerprinting) standards have been e volvedfor S. acmella. The parameters such as quantitative microscopy, fluorescence analysis, powde r analysis and fingerprinting served as quality standards. The physicochemical 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 powde r with water, ethanol and petroleum ether yielde d 9.58%, 15.1% and 4.98%w/w respective ly. The fluorescence studies of leaf re vealed distinctive pattern. The characteristic TLC pattern of leaf extract using solvent systems, chloroform: me thanol (3:7) served as the fingerprint for S. acmella.