Pharmacognostical Characterization and Phytochemical Profiling of Mudgaparni (Vigna trilobata Linn.) using HPTLC Fingerprinting
Manaswini Singh *
Dravyaguna Vigyana, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Karol Bagh, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
Rajesh Sharma
Dravyaguna Vigyana, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Karol Bagh, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
Sakshi Sharma
Central Ayurvedic Research Institute, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, India.
Mradu Gupta
Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi (South Campus), Delhi, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Mudgaparni (Vigna trilobata Linn.) is an important medicinal plant described in Ayurveda and included in Laghu Panchamoola. Although it is traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, published information on its pharmacognostical and physicochemical characteristics remains limited.
Aim: To evaluate the pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical and chromatographic characteristics of Mudgaparni (Vigna trilobata Linn.) and to generate baseline data for its identification and quality assessment.
Materials and Methods: Authenticated whole plant material was subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination. Physicochemical parameters were determined according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using aqueous and alcoholic extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting was carried out using a methanolic extract with silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates and chloroform:ethyl acetate (4:6 v/v) as the mobile phase.
Results: Macroscopic and microscopic examination revealed characteristic features useful for plant identification. Physicochemical parameters were found to be within the limits prescribed by the API, where available. Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, phenolic compounds and proteins in both extracts. HPTLC analysis produced a reproducible chromatographic profile with several distinct peaks at 254 nm and 366 nm.
Conclusion: The present study provides pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC data for Mudgaparni (Vigna trilobata Linn.). These observations may serve as reference information for the identification and quality evaluation of the plant and may be useful in future standardisation and pharmacological studies.
Keywords: Mudgaparni, Vigna trilobata (Linn.), phytochemical screening, pharmacognosy, HPTLC, standardisation