Phytochemical standardization of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight and Arn. Root

Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Am. (Asclepiadaceae) is widely used in the traditional systems of medicine for many ailments. Roots are claimed to be useful as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, antiulcer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antifungal and antibacterial. Tuberous roots are used as a cooling agent and blood-purifier. Roots are used to cure indigestion, deficient digestive power, dysentery, cough, bronchitis, leucorrhoea, haemorrhage, skin diseases, fever, thirst, and vomiting, poisoning, chronic rheumatism, anemia, debility & blood diseases. In our market survey it was observed that the plant is sold as a substitute of Hemidesmus indicus.HPTLC, physico-chemical, fluorescence analysis and phytochemical evaluation presented in this paper may be proposed as parameters to establish the authenticity of Decalepis hamiltonii root. This possibly helps to differentiate the drug from its allied species. The present communication deals with the detailed phytochemical Standardization of the root sample.