HPTLC FINGERPRINTING OF RUELLIA TUBEROSA L., A MEDICINAL HERB

Ruellia is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as Wild Petunias which belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It contains about 250 genera and 2500 species. Most of these are shrubs or twining vines; some are epiphytes. Some of these are used as medicinal plants. The phytochemicals constituents: glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids are present. The genus has been traditionally claimed to be used for the treatment of flu, asthma, fever, bronchitis, high blood pressure, eczema, and diabetes. Present study is an attempt to identify some phytochemical markers in R. tuberosa. HPTLC fingerprinting was carried out for various extract of leaf, stem and root of R. tuberosa. HPTLC fingerprint revealed 6 types of 12 phenolic compounds, 4 types of 8 flavonoids and 4 alkaloids. The identified compounds are possibly imparting medicinal value to the plant and this chemical screening will be helpful for developing pharmacopeial standards for R. tuberosa.

Keyword: Ruellia tuberosa, Acanthaceae, HPTLC, Pharmacopeial.