Abstract

Objective: The present study was attempted to evaluate the pharmacognostical and quality control parameters of Stellaria media Linn. Method: The plant was studied for taxonomic characters, standardization parameters viz. loss on drying, ash values, extractives values, foreign organic matter, crude fiber content, swelling index, haemolytic activity, foaming index, microbial contamination according to procedure mentioned in Indian Pharmacopoeia and the WHO Guidelines. The HPTLC studies were performed on pre-coated silica gel GF254 plates using Glycyrrizinic acid as a biomarker. Result: The present study provided taxonomic characters, pharmacognostical and physicochemical details, elemental analysis and microbial contamination of the plant which will help in laying down pharmacopoeial parameters. HPTLC profile developed for the plants will help in identification of the drug and also in isolating and identifying the biomarker compound responsible for the bioactivity. Conclusions: The pharmacognostical and quality control parameters presented in this paper may be helpful to establish the authenticity of Stellaria media. and can possibly differentiate the drug from its other species.

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