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Abstract Background Bala is an important Ayurvedic drug used for the treatment of many diseases. Sida cordifolia (L.), Malvaceae family, is the genuine source drug of Bala as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. The other species of Sida like Sida acuta , Sida rhombifolia , Sida alnifolia and Sida cordata are also used as adulterants or substitutes of Bala. The objective of the present study is to identify a scientifically validated substitute for Bala ( Sida cordifolia ) by detailed phytochemical evaluation of its allied species. Results Preliminary analysis showed that all the selected species contain similar class of compounds like alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, etc. Quantitative estimation of major class of compounds such as total alkaloids, total phenolics and total flavonoids was done by spectrophotometric methods. Polyphenolic contents of selected species are almost comparable. In the case of alkaloids, variations have been observed among the species. Chemical profiles of selected species were compared by HPTLC and HPLC analysis. Major chemical constituents are found to be common for the selected species. HPLC profiles also showed similarity in their peak pattern. Conclusion Based on the phytochemical studies, the species like S. alnifolia , S. acuta and S. rhombifolia contain almost similar types of phytochemicals. However, the chemical constituents of Sida cordata are found to be different from other allied species. Further studies including pharmacological evaluation are required to ensure the therapeutic properties of allied species to confirm the substitute.
Sulaiman et al. (Sun,) studied this question.