A HPTLC report on Desmodium gangeticum

Abstract

Traditional medicine also known as indigenous or folk medicine comprises medical knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine. Indian contribution to herbal market and emphasis on novel research is continuously increasing. The importance of phytochemical standardisation of herbal drugs and highly processed materials in herbal formulation has been well understood. Desmodium gangeticum is one such plant which is found all over areas that are up to the height of 5000 feet including lower Himalayan region and throughout the plains of India. The HPTL chromatogram helps in characterisation of active constituent of any herbal plant. D. gangeticum is used as anti-inflammatory, anti ulcer, anti oxidant, and febrifuge. The methanolic extract of Desmodium gangeticum (Fabaceae) leaf was found to contain simple indole base namely N, N dimethyltryptamine. The indole base was isolated and identified by Camag HPTLC. The coarse dry powdered leaves was first extracted with petroleum ether (60-80)^oC by soxhalation process and then with methanol for next 72 hrs. Solvent system was developed for this extraction and then TLC and HPTLC fingerprint were recorded by using silica gel G.F. as stationary phase.