Pharmacognostic evaluation of selected species of Caralluma genus

Abstract

Objective: To establish a set of standardized parameters this will assist in identification of raw material of Caralluma species. Materials: The present study reports, detailed set of parameters from four species, Caralluma lasiantha, Caralluma umbellata, Caralluma attenuata and Caralluma diffusa, for powder characteristics, physicochemical evaluation, HPTLC fingerprint profile, and quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents that would contribute in the correct identity of the raw materials. Results: Various prominent cellular components were observed under the microscopic study, extractive values showed the presence of more water soluble compounds and phytochemical analysis revealed the presence nearly eight classes of phytoconstituents. HPTLC analysis showed the marked differences among species. Conclusion: The results of the present study serve as valuable information for correct identification of plant and determine its genuinity.