Original Articles: 2010 Vol: 2 Issue: 5
Pharmacognostic validation of root of Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R.Br.
Abstract
Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R.Br. Family: Asclepiadaceae, is commonly known as ‘Indian
sarasaparilla’. A perennial climber and growing widely in upper Gangetic plains and
eastwards of Bengal and from central to southIndia. It is traditionally used for curing
various ailments like stomach pain, fever, veneral disease, rheumatism and also act as a
blood purifier. This traditionally useful part was standardized based on the macroscopic,
microscopic, physico-chemical and chromatographic. And also estimated for its microbial
limits ,pesticides, Aflatoxin and heavy metals. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirms
the presence of sapnonins, tannins, resins, essential oils, sterols and glycosides
determination of total saponin content.