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Phytochemical and antimicrobial study of Oroxylum indicum
L G Radhika1, C V Meena, Sujha Peter
1Research Officer, Drug Standardization Unit, Ayurveda College, Trivandrum, India.
Ancient Science of Life
|May 5, 2012
Summary
This study differentiates Oroxylum indicum root and stem using phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity. Findings confirm distinct properties, aiding in identifying the correct plant part for Ayurvedic medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacognosy
- Phytochemistry
- Ethnomedicine
Background:
- Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent is a key component of the Ayurvedic Dasamoola formulation.
- The root bark is often adulterated with stem material, necessitating differentiation.
- Distinct therapeutic uses of root and stem are documented in Ayurvedic literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively analyze the physico-chemical and phytochemical profiles of Oroxylum indicum root and stem.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Oroxylum indicum root and stem extracts.
- To establish methods for distinguishing between the root and stem parts of Oroxylum indicum.
Main Methods:
- Physico-chemical parameter analysis.
- Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) of isolated fractions (lipids, glycosides, alkaloids).
- Agar well diffusion method for assessing antibacterial activity of alcoholic extracts.
Main Results:
- TLC and HPTLC revealed distinct phytochemical profiles for root and stem.
- Phytochemical fractions differed significantly between the root and stem.
- Stem extract exhibited superior antibacterial activity against diarrhea-causing organisms compared to the root extract.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemical analysis effectively distinguishes Oroxylum indicum root from stem.
- The observed differences in antibacterial activity support distinct therapeutic applications mentioned in Ayurveda.
- This research validates the importance of using the correct plant part in traditional medicine.