Comparative Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Analysis of Nava and Purana Vidanga (Embelia ribes burm.f.) by using HPLC Method

Introduction: Vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm.f.) is an important medicinal plant widely employed in Ayurvedic practice for the management of Krimi and various other ailments. Classical Ayurvedic texts, particularly Sharangadhara Samhita, Mentioned the use of Purana Vidanga over Nava Vidanga, suggesting that the process of ageing enhances its therapeutic efficacy. However, limited scientific data is available to substantiate this traditional claim. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the Pharmacognostical, Physicochemical, Phytochemical, and Antibacterial profiles of Nava and Purana Vidanga. Methods: Samples of Nava and Purana Vidanga collected from the same geographical source were subjected to detailed organoleptic examination, powder microscopy, physicochemical analysis, phytochemical screening, ICP-OES analysis, and RPHPLC studies. Quantification of embelin, the major active constituent of Vidanga, was carried out using RP-HPLC. Antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method using different concentrations of the extracts. Results: Pharmacognostical observations confirmed the authenticity of both samples. Purana Vidanga exhibited lower moisture content and higher extractive values, indicating improved stability and extractability. Both samples contained important phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, phenols, phlobatannins, and terpenoids. RP-HPLC analysis revealed the presence of embelin in both samples, with marginally higher concentrations in Purana Vidanga. Antibacterial studies demonstrated better inhibitory activity of Purana Vidanga against Bacillus subtilis, particularly at higher concentrations. Conclusion: The findings suggest that ageing causes qualitative and quantitative changes in Vidanga that may improve its therapeutic efficacy. Both Nava and Purana Vidanga showed better extraction in alcohol than in water, with Purana Vidanga showing the highest extractive values. Purana Vidanga also exhibited better antibacterial activity than Nava Vidanga, indicating greater availability of active constituents and enhanced therapeutic potential. These findings provide scientific support for the Ayurvedic principles of Kalaprakarsha and Saveeryata Avadhi and support the classical use of Purana Vidanga in Preparations such as Asavaristas, where the alcoholic medium helps in better extraction of active principles.