Pharmacognostic Parameters for Evaluation of the Roots of Echinops echinatus marketed as Brahmadandi

In ethnomedicinal practices the traditional healers use the roots of E. echinatus (Brahmadandi) in the treatment of various ailments related to reproductive disorders. Plants from other genus are also reported to be sold under the common trade name ‘Brahmadandi’. Scientific parameters are not yet available to identify the true plant material and to ensure its quality. Therefore the present work has been undertaken to establish the necessary pharmacognostic standards for evaluating the plant material. Various parameters like morphology, microscopy, physico chemical constants and phytochemical profiles of the roots were studied and the salient diagnostic features are documented. The characteristic HPTLC finger print profile of the major chemical constituents like terpenoids and phenolic compounds in the crude extract along with their Rf values and relative percentage in the extract were recorded.