Some quality standards for Dronapushpi Panchanga (Leucas aspera Spreng) Powder

Abstract

Background: Dronapushpi (Leucas aspera Spreng) of Lamiaceae is found as a weed throughout the country. It is described in various Nighantus. To maintain the effectiveness of crude drugs, the standardisation and proper identification of the plant is very important.  Fresh juice of Dronapushpi is efficacious in malarial fever, collyrium prepared from the juice is used in jaundice, the decoction of the herb is used to ulcer as wash liquid, also applied externally to poisonous insect bites and also useful in worm infestation, inflammation, bronchitis, asthma and cough. In this study Dronapushpi panchanga (whole plant) was studied systematically to evaluate its quality standards. Methods: Macro-microscopic features, physico-chemical and phytochemical investigation were performed as per Pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: The pharmacognostic study revealed the macroscopic characters, physicochemical constants and phytochemical nature of Donapushpi. The extracts which were screened for its phytochemicals showed the presence of constituents like coumarin, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols and tannin in both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. HPTLC profile was developed as fingerprint of extracts. Conclusion: Results of the present investigation L. aspera plant will help in validation of this crude drug.