PA02.16. Identification of the authentic species of Prsniparni using etymological analysis, microscopical and phytochemical studies.

PURPOSE: The Ayurvedic herbs are in high demand in the present day market. Many species are used in the name of authentic drugs, along with this substitute and adulterant drugs are also in use. There is some controversy in the identification of the drugs. Many synonyms mentioned in the classical texts and lexicons describing about the plant is one of the causes of the controversy in identification. Prsniparni is one such herb among the Dasamulas which is used as different species based on the regional availability. Uraria picta is used in the northern parts of the country where as Psuedarthria viscida is used in the southern regions. Uraria lagopoidiodes and Desmodium gangeticum are also used in the name of Prsniparni. The aim of the study was to develop quality standards for authentic, substitute and adulterant species using etymological analysis, microscopy, histochemistry and phytochemistry. METHOD: Etymological analysis was carried out to correlate the synonyms mentioned in Ayurvedic texts with the botanical descriptions of plant candidates. The synonym that matches with the botanical description was given ‘1’ point and where it does not match was given ‘0’. Anatomical, histological, powder microscopy and histochemical studies were conducted. Physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC analysis were done to develop quality standards for the species traded as Prsniparni. RESULT: The synonyms mainly describe about morphology, inflorescence and leaves. The name Prsniparni describes it is a small plant with markings on the leaves. Many synonyms correlate with the U.picta. Microscopical studies and HPTLC studies showed similarities with U. picta and U.lagopoidiodes. Similarities on anatomical, HPTLC finger prints were developed to authenticate the species. CONCLUSION: U. picta scores the maximum number of points followed by U. lagopoidiodes., D. gangeticum is Salaparni and P.viscida scores the least points so it cannot be considered as authentic. So the most authentic drug of Prsniparni is Uraria picta Linn.