A Comparative Diagnostic account of the Roots of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. From Four Different Geographical Regions in India

Abstract

Boerhavia diffusa Linn (B. diffusa) belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae, commonly referred to as Punarnava. It is a rasayana plant that has anti-aging, disease prevention and life-building activities. In this study, B. diffusa Linn’s roots were collected from four different geographical locations in Indian territory i.e. Jhansi, Bangalore, Punjab and Delhi for comparative standardization. The study was carried out in accordance with WHO guidelines to determine the purity and correct identity of plant parts. It also helps detect adulterations, botanical verification, and physical and chemical parameters, and gives the notion of drug quality. In the present work, detailed comparative Pharmacognosy, morphology, anatomy and phytochemical studies of root of B.diffusa Linn from Four different geographical regions in India have been carried out. The results show that all four B.diffusa from different geographical regions revealed that all are very distinct. The anatomical parameters and physicochemical constants carried out in the present investigation serves as measures of a quality control for all the four plants i.e; Boerhavia diffusa Linn.(Jhansi, Bangalore, Pune and Delhi).