Quality control tests on Andrographis paniculata nees (family: acanthaceae) - An Indian 'Wonder' plant grown in Nigeria

• Published in: Tropical journal of pharmaceutical research Vol. 9; no. 4
• Main Authors: Ameh, Sunday J, Obodozie, Obiageri O, Inyang, Uford S, Abubakar, Mujitaba S, Garba, Magaji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria 21-03-2011
• Subjects: Andrographis paniculata, Quality control, Bitterness value, Physicochemical, Phytochemical, Chromatography
• ISSN: 1596-5996

Purpose: To characterize the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata
, a bitter Indian herb grown in Nigeria, for the purpose of quality
control. Methods: The determination of bitterness value and of various
physicochemical characteristics; tests for key phytochemicals; and thin
layer chromatography (TLC) of the air-dried herb, were carried out as
prescribed in standard texts. Results: The mean bitterness value of the
herb for both men and women was 2.86 ± 1.74 x 10 3 units per g.
The male value (2.07 ± 1.42 x 10 3 ) appeared to be lower than the
female′s (3.52 ± 1.82 x 10 3 ) but the difference was not
statistically significant. The results (% w/w) of loss on drying (10.64
± 0.36), total ash (14.10 ± 4.49), water extractive value
(30.37 ± 2.63) and acid insoluble ash (1.00 ± 0.06) were
similar to those reported for the Asian plant. The phytochemical tests
revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids,
but not of anthraquinones. Normal phase TLC of the drug yielded 5 spots
as against 6 spots yielded by reverse TLC. Conclusion: The results
provide useful quantitative and descriptive data that are essential for
identifying and characterizing the Nigerian grown herb for the purpose
of quality control; and confirm key similarities between the Nigerian
and the Asian plant.