Phytochemical evaluation of root of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.)

The medicinal plant which is mentioned as Punarnava in Ayurvedic classics is a trailing herb that grows untamed in Kerala. Utilization of Punarnava's therapeutic properties started from the Vedic era. Punarnava is botanically identified as Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.- Nyctaginaceae. The root of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. can be administered internally as various dosage forms along with particular anupanas (vehicle) mentioned in classical textbooks. It is also used as an ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is therapeutically indicated in Pandu (anaemia), Hridroga (cardiac disorders), Gulma (abdominal tumor), Pleeha roga (splenic disorders), Vasthi soola (pain in urinary bladder) etc. In order to determine the purity and quality of the drug as well as to provide scientific validation for these traditional claims, a preliminary phytochemical assessment was conducted. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of high tannin content, phenol content, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids etc. and these are responsible for various therapeutic indications in different systems of the body. Previous phytochemical evaluation was conducted by some scholars about the Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. root. In addition to that, present study evaluated the hot water-soluble extractive value, hot alcohol soluble extractive values, water insoluble ash value and qualitative analysis of ash. Successive solvent extraction of the root was conducted in four solvents petroleum ether, cyclohexane, acetone and alcohol. The results contribute to ensuring the authenticity, quality and purity of Punarnava.