Pharmacognostic Standardization and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Jalapippali (Phyla nodiflora)

Abstract

Phyla nodiflora is a medicinal herb widely used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for various therapeutic purposes. The present study was undertaken to establish its pharmacognostical, phytochemical, and HPTLC profile for proper identification, authentication, and standardization. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic studies of the root, stem, and leaf were carried out along with powder microscopy. Preliminary phytochemical screening of alcoholic and aqueous extracts was performed using standard qualitative methods. HPTLC analysis was conducted on silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates using toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (5:4:1) as the mobile phase, and chromatograms were scanned at 254nm and 366nm. Microscopic evaluation revealed characteristic anatomical features including epidermal layers, vascular arrangement, cortex, medullary structures, and trichomes. Powder microscopy showed diagnostic features such as epidermal fragments, vessel elements, fibers, stomata, and trichomes. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids in both extracts, while saponins were detected only in the aqueous extract. HPTLC profiling demonstrated multiple peaks, indicating diverse phytoconstituents. A major peak at Rf 0.34–0.36 suggested flavonoid compounds, while higher Rf peaks indicated possible phytosterols. The study establishes standard reference parameters for authentication and quality control of Phyla nodiflora.