European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF NEELPUSHPI APAMARGA (STACHYTARPHETA JAMAICENSIS (L.) VAHL)

Rupesh Kumar Sanger*, Dinesh Chandra Singh and Suresh Chaubey

ABSTRACT

Nighantu Adarsha has mentioned a special variety of Apamarga i.e Neelpushpi Apamarga, which contains a very good amount of Kshara in it. Morphologically a plant named Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl seems to be very nearer to Neelpushpi Apamarga. But further Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical study of this very plant is required to establish the botanical identity of the Neelpushpi Apamarga. Botanical identity of Neelpushpi Apamarga was established as Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl as it contains a good amount of Kshara in it, even more than Achyranthes aspera Linn, which was proved by physicochemical study. It was further supported by the morphological features and ethnobotanical studies. Ethnobotanically Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is used in respiratory disorders like Asthma and Bronchitis. It was also used in digestive problems like constipation and said to be hypotensive. It is also abortive in nature just like Apamarga. Total ash present in Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl was 18.54%, Acid insoluble ash was 6.74% while Water soluble ash was 10.37%. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis can be taken as Ramatha (a type of Apamarga described by Kaideva Nighantu) or not it is not still clear but its morphological features, ethnobotanical uses and certain phytochemical study very much indicates that this plant is very nearer to Neelpushpi Apamarga described in Nighantu Adarsh. So Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl can be taken as the probable Latin name of Neelpushpi Apamarga.

Keywords: Neelpushpi Apamarga, Toyapamarga, Stachytarpheta jamaicenisis (L) Vahl.