Microscopical and Preliminary Physicochemical Studies of Two Important Endangered Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants Kutki and Trayamana to establish their Identity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Kutki is an important Ayurvedic drug native to the Himalayan region, and its official source is Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. The plant is a small, hairy perennial herb with creeping and woody rhizome and used in various Ayurvedic medicines. It is useful as a laxative, liver-stimulant, galactogouge, and appetite-stimulant and is beneficial in bronchial asthma. Due to its high demand, the plant is often adulterated/substituted with the roots of Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo Royle), as one of the source of the Kutki. The present study has focused to establish the identity of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth through microscopical investigations and comparison of the genuine drug with its substitute Gentiana kurroo Royle. Powder of the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. and roots of Gentiana kurroo Royle were subjected to microscopic characterization and physicochemical analysis, which would not only serve in the identification of both the drugs, but also contribute toward establishing pharmacopoeial standards. How to cite this article Mangal AK, Rath C, Tewari D, Dutta S, Srikanth N, Dhiman KS. Microscopical and Preliminary Physicochemical Studies of Two Important Endangered Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants Kutki and Trayamana to establish their Identity. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(1):18-22.