Ayurveda - The Science for Next Generations

Authors

  • Prakash L Hegde Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, 573201
  • Harini A Associate Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, 573201
  • KN Sunil Kumar Senior Research Officer, Department of Pharmacognosy, SDM Center for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Udupi, Karnataka 574118
  • Prasanna N Rao Principal and Professor, Department of Shalya tantra, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hassan, Karnataka, 573201

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5530/jams.2016.1.3

Keywords:

Costus igneus Nak, HPTLC, Insulin plant, Pharmacognosy, Quality control, Standardisation

Abstract

Introduction: Costus igneus Nak., commonly known as Spiral flag, is a member of Costaceae and a newly introduced plant in India from South and Central America. In southern India, it usually is grown as an ornamental plant and its leaves are used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Recently, a number of researches have been carried out and it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Methods: Macro-microscopy and TLC investigation for the leaves of C. igneus were done using standard methodology. Results: The chief microscopic characters of leaves include epidermis with anomocytic stomata, mesophyll cells with calcium oxalate crystals and fibres associated with parenchyma cells. TLC of ethanolic extract showed 7 and 12 spots at short UV nm and long UV respectively. Conclusion: This study will serve as a standard reference for identification of Costus igneus Nak. leaf.

Photograph from natural habitat

Downloads

Published

2016-07-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2016): Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences

Section

Original Article