Identification of Patala (Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens roots) by pharmacognostic parameters - A plant drug in Dasamula

Abstract

Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens are known as "Patala" in Ayurveda and also a constituent of Dasamula. It is difficult to distinguish between the two species and hence it is difficult to identify genuine Patala. Both Stereospermum species looks alike in morphology with the exception of flower-color. So collection of the plant material from wild source as well as differentiating from the marketed sample is a challenge for the herbal industries to identify the genuine Patala. Hence, an attempt was made to compare the pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters of the roots of S. colais and S. suaveolens. Macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical analysis and elemental analysis were carried out to standardize the roots. The salient diagnostic features identified to distinguish the plant species are heterocellular periderm and calcium oxalate druses in S. colais and multitype (Rhytidome) periderm and calcium oxalate raphides in S. suaveolens. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and comparative HPTLC fingerprint analysis of various extracts of roots revealed their phytochemical composition. The standardization parameters developed here can be used as reference standard for correct identification of the plant. Further, it will act as a tool to detect adulterants and substituents consequently maintains the quality, reproducibility and efficacy of the plant material.