Comparative Standardisation Study of a Siddha Source Herb Acalypha indica Linn. Aerial Parts and Marketed Raw Material - An Insight to Develop Monograph

Background: Acalypha indica Linn.(AI) is a herbaceous annual catkin-like inflorescences belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. AI has a wide range of therapeutic effects including laxative properties, anthelmintic, wound healing, antiseptic etc. Objectives: This study was to carry out the comparative standardisation study for a siddha source herb Acalypha indica(Linn) aerial parts and marketed raw material by collection and authentication of aerial parts of AI and to evaluate the physicochemical constants such as LOD, ash values, extractive values as per the standard methods. Materials and Methods: The preparation of hydro alcoholic and ethyl acetate extract was carried out by cold maceration extraction procedure for both fresh leaves and raw material of AI. Results: The preliminary physicochemical screening tests, quantitative determination of total flavonoid and phenolic contents, hydrogel preparation of AI was carried out. The HPTLC finger printing for ethyl acetate extract of fresh leaf was developed in comparison with three standards Quercetin, Gallic acid and Beta sitosterol and were scanned under UV light at 397nm, 280nm, 580nm respectively. The number of peaks obtained in AI extract were observed to be 3, 8 and 28 respectively. Pesticide analysis regulations often require chemical testing using confirmatory techniques such as GC/MS and about 26 compounds were identified under suitable gas chromatographic conditions. Conclusion: The presence of phytoconstituents were analyzed and the studies were performed to aid further investigations for the identification of therapeutic value.