Seasonal variation of boeravinone B content in plant parts of Boerhaavia diffusa L.

Boerhaavia diffusa (family: Nyctaginaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant of rasayana category as per ayurvedic claims, commonly known as ‘Punarnava’ in Indian system of medicine. It is used as a green leafy vegetable in many Asian and African countries besides possessing anticancer, antiestrogenic, immunomodulatory and antiamoebic activities. Its phytochemicals like flavanoids, alkaloids, phenols, polyphenols etc. have been extensively explored to gain insight into its wide range of bioactivities and medicinal attributes, and boeravinone B has been reported as most potent and interesting flavonoid for its therapeutic properties. In present investigation high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was done on monthly basis for two consecutive years to check the influence of temperature, humidity and rainfall on production and quantification of boeravinone B in various plant parts of field grown B. diffusa. Throughout the year, variation in the concentration of boeravinone B was observed and highest yield was observed in July, which is also the best time for Boerhaavia multiplication and growth. Amongst the plant parts, maximum concentration of boeravinone B was obtained in root parts (6.63%) followed by leaves (4.28%) and minimal content was obtained in shoot parts (3.08%). These results indicate the ideal time for harvesting of the whole herb for its better utilization as a herbal therapeutic for commercial purposes.