Effect of Seasonal Variation on Euphadienol Content in Euphorbia antiquorum L. and Euphorbia tirucalli L. using High‑Performance Thin‑Layer Chromatography Method

Background: Ayurveda emphasizes that different parts of plants (both organized and unorganized) should be collected on a certain season to get their better yield and therapeutic value. In general, Kshira (latex) should be collected in Sharada rutu (autumn season). However, the latex of Snuhi has been stated to be collected at Shishiranta (end of winter). The latex of Snuhi has an important place in different therapeutic formulations. One of the important mentions is for the preparation of Ksharasutra, one of the widely used paramedical procedures in Ayurveda. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of seasonal variation on the quantity of euphadienol content (one of the major active constituents) in latex sample of Euphorbia antiquorum L. (EA) and Euphorbia tirucalli L. (ET). Materials and Methods: The latex was collected individually during six different seasons in a calendar year from two species i.e. EA and ET. Then, after suitable sample preparation, it was subjected to high‑performance thin‑layer chromatography study using euphadienol as a standard biomarker and scanned at 210 nm. Results: The euphadienol content was found to be present in all the six seasons across the calendar year. The content was found maximum in Hemanta rutu and Sharada rutu samples in case of EA and ET, respectively. Conclusion: The study proves that changes of seasons do have a certain effect on the phytoconstituents in the plants.