A comparative pharmacognostical and prilimary phytochemical evaluation of Bharangi (Clerodendrumserratum (Linn) Kutz. and Tarkari (Clerodendrum phlomidis (Linn.) f. –root

Abstract

Ayurveda describes numerous drugs in classics. Bharangi is very important drug describe in various classics of Ayurveda. Which is widely used in Shwasa, Kasa, Granthi, Shotha etc diseases. Due to increased demand of Bharangi, it is adulterated by different plant. Thus, substitution of this plant is necessary. The drugs which have similar morphology and property are included in same family. Acharya Bhavprakash said that if two drugs having similar Rasapanchaka then one can takes as alternative of original source. Here, both drugs are used broadly in clinical practise. Clerodendrum phlomidis (Linn) F. used for Meda, Shopha, Shwayathu, Shwas, Kasa, Pratishyay etc. Root of both drugs have been used. Consequently, Clerodendrum serratum L. and Clerodendrum phlomidis L. both drugs belong to the same family i.e. Lamiaceae and similar Rasadipanchaka. Therefore, it may be Clerodendrum phlomidis L. used as a substitute of Bharangi. The study includes comparative investigations macro and microscopic characters, preliminary phytochemical analysis, physicochemical parameters and HPTLC fingerprinting of both sample drugs. Based on present phytopharmacognostical study Clerodendrum serratum (Linn) kutz. may be used in the scarcity of Clerodendrum phlomidis (Linn) F.