COMPARATIVE PROFILING OF DIFFERENT PLANT SOURCES OF VAASA (ADHATODA SPECIES) USING HIGH PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract

Vaasa, an important medicinal plant extensively utilized in Ayurveda for its therapeutic benefits. There is an increasing demand of this plant, resulting to the availability of both wild and cultivated sources. Experts have recognized distinct morphotypes of Adhatoda species in Kerala, pointing to differences in active constituents and clinical effectiveness. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of bioactive compounds in different plant sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda species) denoted as A1 (Valiyaadalodakam), A2 (Cheriyaadalodakam), A3 (Adhatoda species - Vasika), A4 (Adhatoda species - Ajagandhi), and A5 (Adhatoda beddomei C B Clarke) using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The research involved the extraction of bioactive compounds from the leaves of these plant sources, utilizing optimized parameters for methanolic extraction. HPTLC analysis was conducted using the solvent system Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid, and the chromatograms were observed under ultraviolet light at 254nm and 366nm. After derivatization, Rf values and the color of the bands were recorded. The analysis of different Vaasa sources involved assessing chromatograms for the number of peaks, peak area, and Rf values. The chromatographic profiles revealed the presence of similar compounds in all samples, albeit with varying quantities. Additionally, the detection of extra compounds suggests variations in phytoconstituents among different plant sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda species). These findings not only contribute to the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds across diverse Adhatoda species but also illuminate potential variations in different plant sources, providing valuable insights into the botanical and chemical diversity of Vaasa.

Keywords: Vaasa, Adhatoda Species, High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography