Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Centella asiatica Linn.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Centella asiatica Linn.
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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G.V.R. Joseph, Sachin Chaturvedi, S.S. Deokule
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Centella asiatica Linn.
Year: 2001
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Centella asiatica Linn., commonly known as Brahmi, is a well-established medicinal herb renowned for its therapeutic effects, particularly on cognitive function. However, the herb has become increasingly subject to adulteration with cheaper substitutes that lack its beneficial properties. This study investigates the current market status of C. asiatica by analyzing both authentic samples from a Regional Research Institute and various market samples. The findings indicate significant discrepancies in quality, composition, and pharmacological value among these samples, highlighting the need for stricter standards and quality assessment in herbal products.
Evidence of Adulteration in Market Samples
The analysis revealed that the market samples of C. asiatica exhibit substantial adulteration characterized by the presence of non-authentic substances. Microscopic examination of the powdered materials from market samples showcased fragments of sclerenchymatous tissue and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, traits not typically associated with the authentic plant. Quantitative measurements of Asiatic acid, a key bioactive compound, revealed stark differences, with authentic samples containing 3.25% compared to market samples with values as low as 0.12%. Additionally, fluorescence analysis and ash content tests further confirmed the reduced quality of the market samples, indicating that these adulterated herbs fail to deliver the expected health benefits.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the critical issue of adulteration in the herbal market, specifically concerning Centella asiatica Linn. It is clear that many commercial samples do not meet the quality standards of authentic products, raising concerns for consumers seeking the therapeutic benefits of this herb. To ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, there is an urgent need for rigorous standardization and comprehensive evaluation of herbal products available in the market. This study serves as a foundation for future research aimed at developing reliable quality control measures for medicinal herbs, thereby protecting consumer interests and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Centella asiatica and its common uses?
Centella asiatica, also known as Brahmi, is a medicinal herb used for various ailments, particularly for its benefits on the brain and CNS effects. It contains active constituents like Asiatic acid, which contribute to its therapeutic properties.
What types of adulteration were found in market samples?
Market samples of Centella asiatica were found to be heavily adulterated with cheaper substances, such as fragments of other plant materials, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, and a significant presence of starch grains, indicating a lack of quality.
How do authentic and market samples compare in chemical composition?
Authentic Centella asiatica contains a higher percentage of Asiatic acid (3.25%) compared to market samples, which ranged from 0.12% to 1.73%. The analysis also showed differences in water extractive values and crude fiber content.
What methods were used for analyzing Centella asiatica samples?
Various methods were employed, including macroscopy, microscopy, powder analysis, fluorescence analysis, and chemical tests. Techniques such as TLC and histochemical tests were also used to determine the identity and quality of the samples.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淪tandardisation and Quality Evaluation of Centella asiatica Linn.鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The term 'Drug' refers to a substance used for medical treatment, which in this context is Centella asiatica Linn. Known for its medicinal properties, it underscores the need for standardization and evaluation of herbal products to ascertain authenticity and efficacy in therapeutic applications.
2) Water:
In the context of herbal studies, 'Water' relates to extractive values, which indicate the ability of a plant to yield pharmacologically active constituents when extracted with water. Water extract values for authentic and market samples emphasize differences that challenge the quality of herbal medicines.
3) Substance:
'Substance' refers to any material with distinct properties. In this study, it pertains to the authentic herbal material under evaluation, highlighting issues of adulteration with cheaper substances that lack medicinal benefits, which impacts the therapeutic efficacy of Centella asiatica.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term 'Antibacterial' pertains to the ability of a substance to inhibit bacterial growth. The study mentions the antibacterial activity of Centella asiatica, indicating its potential as a natural remedy for bacterial infections, reinforcing the need to study its pharmacological properties thoroughly.
5) Activity:
'Activity' in this context refers to the biological effects exhibited by Centella asiatica and its constituents, such as CNS effects and antibacterial properties. Understanding these activities is crucial for establishing therapeutic applications and efficacy in healthcare settings.
6) Bitter:
The term 'Bitter' describes a taste characteristic of many medicinal plants, including Centella asiatica. Bitter taste may correlate with the presence of active compounds, influencing their medicinal properties. The assessment of taste is significant in determining plant quality and consumer acceptability.
7) Discussion:
'Discussion' is a section where the authors interpret findings and offer insights from their research. It synthesizes information about the adulteration of herbal samples, emphasizing the need for quality control and the implications of variation in active constituents for medicinal efficacy.
8) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to substances used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. Centella asiatica is highlighted as a traditional medicine, illustrating the importance of evaluating herbal products to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards necessary for clinical use.
9) Aushadhi (Au峁dhi, Aushadhin, Au峁dhin):
'Aushadhi' is a Sanskrit term meaning 'medicine' or 'herb' commonly used in Ayurvedic texts. This word emphasizes the traditional knowledge surrounding herbal remedies and the importance of evaluating such practices to ensure the holistic benefits of medicinal plants like Centella asiatica.
10) Quality:
'Quality' refers to the attributes that determine the value and efficacy of a substance. The study addresses the quality of Centella asiatica, indicating issues with adulteration and the importance of quality control measures in the herbal market to ensure therapeutic integrity.
11) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context signifies the systematic study of herbal medicines through research, aimed at understanding their biological, chemical, and pharmacological properties. It underscores the importance of adopting scientific methods in validating the healing effects of plants like Centella asiatica.
12) Siddha (Siddh膩):
'Siddha' refers to a traditional system of medicine from South India, which emphasizes natural remedies and holistic health. This term is relevant in discussions surrounding Ayurveda and herbal medicines, reinforcing the cultural context and therapeutic practices related to plants like Centella asiatica.
13) Shukla (艢ukla, 艢ukl膩, Sukl膩, Sukla):
'Shukla' is relevant as it may refer to the authors listed in the study or contributors to Ayurvedic research. It underscores the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry and the importance of local scholars in advancing the understanding of traditional medicinal plants.
14) Botany:
'Botany' is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. In this context, it emphasizes the botanical characteristics and identification of Centella asiatica, which is crucial for ensuring accurate usage in herbal medicine and understanding its ecological significance.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Standardisation and Quality Evaluation of Centella asiatica Linn.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal herb, Microscopic observation, Ash value, Stomatal index, Thin Layer Chromatography, Starch grains, Fluorescence Analysis, Anatomical studies, Market sample, Extractive value, Authentic sample, Botanical aspect, CNS Effects, Chemical test, Triterpenoid, Calcium oxalate crystal, Crude fibre content, Asiatic acid, Commercial name.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.