ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SOUTH INDIA MARKET SAMPLES OF BHARANGI (CLERODENDRUM SERRATUM LINN.)

Abstract

Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum Linn. Family - Verbenaceae) root is one of the most common herbs in Ayurvedic formulations used to treat respiratory disorders. It is identified with different names in different places. The issue in the present era is the roots of Bharangi are being adulterated with Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. Clerodendrum phlomodies Linn, and Quassia bark in the market. Hence, a humble effort has been made to identify and evaluate a genuine market sample of Bharangi root. Bharangi root samples were collected from different markets in South India: Chennai, Vijayawada, Hubli, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation was done using physicochemical analysis, phytochemical tests, TLC and HPTLC to know the genuine samples of Bharangi root in different markets, followed by comparing these samples with the standards of API. Among the five samples, four were genuine since their analytical values were nearer to the standards of API and one sample was found adulterated since it differed from the standard analytical values.