Article: PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC FINGERPRINTING OF TERMINALIA ARJUNA (ROXB. EX DC.) WIGHT & ARN. BARK

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.165176

Pages: 92-98

Author: Anjum Sabahat *, Varshney Shalini, Kumar Arun

Abstract: Background: Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.), widely recognized in Ayurveda for its cardioprotective and wound-healing properties, is a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents including triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins. Objective: To establish detailed pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical profiles of Arjuna bark, supported by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting for authentication and standardization. Methods: The bark was macroscopically and microscopically evaluated, including transverse and powder microscopy to document diagnostic features. Physicochemical analysis (total ash, acid-insoluble ash, extractive values, pH and moisture content) was performed according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and WHO guidelines. Preliminary phytochemical screening of alcohol and aqueous extracts was conducted using standard chemical tests. HPTLC analysis was performed on silica gel plates using a validated mobile phase and scanned densitometrically at 254 and 366 nm. Results: Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed characteristic cork tissue, phloem fibres, and abundant calcium oxalate crystals. Physicochemical parameters were within pharmacopeial limits, indicating appropriate quality raw material. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids. HPTLC analysis produced a consistent chromatographic pattern with distinct bands at Rf 0.408, 0.669, 0.785 and 0.956 at 254 nm, and 0.408, 0.668, 0.966 at 366 nm. Conclusion: The integrated pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and chromatographic findings provide reliable diagnostic markers for authenticating Arjuna (T. arjuna (Roxb. ex-DC.) Wight & Arn bark and may serve as a reference standard for quality control and further pharmacological research.

Keyword: HPTLC fingerprinting, Arjuna, Terminalia arjuna, Standardization