European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, CHROMATOGRAPHIC & HPLC STUDY OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF MUSALI IN UTTARAKHAND REGION

Sangeeta Kumari*, D. C. Singh, Suresh Chaubey, Ramesh Chandra Tewari

ABSTRACT

Rasayana is a unique concept of Ayurveda which means vital nourishment representing a holistic approach, responsible for preventive aspects against ageing as well as curative aspect against diseases. The plant Musali are described in Ayurveda as a Vajikarana, Rasayana, Brihana, Balya, property. In Samhita kala, Musali is described as Talamuli but there is no description about the types of Musali. Moving in Nighantu kala, Raj nighantu explain the types of Musali i.e Krishna musali (Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.) and Shweta musali 1& 2 (Asparagus adscendens Roxb. & Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker). This present study is an attempt to find out the difference in macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, phytochemical (Qualitative & Quantitative) and chromatographic activities between different varieties of Musali in Uttarakhand region. Musali contain carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponin and proteins which make it a natural medicine for improving immune system, blood flow to all parts of the body, essential amino acid supplementation, curing fatigue, stamina and vigor. Saponin & Stigmasterol are considered as the major chemical constituents and are responsible for its various biological activities. Maximum Saponin content and HPLC analysis showed that the highest content of Stigmasterol was found in sample S2 followed by the other sample of Musali.

Keywords: Rasayana, Vajikarana, Brihana, Balya, Musali, Saponin, Stigmasterol.