HPTLC PROFILE OF CURCUMA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROXB. AND MARANTA ARUNDINACEA L.- TWO SOURCE PLANTS OF TAVAKSHEERA

Remya Krishnan*, Priya S., Raiby P. Paul, Priyalatha B. and Vimala K. S.

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda, the sciences of life rely on a holistic approach towards the health of an individual. Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medical practices since prehistoric times. “Tavaksheera '' is a therapeutically potent drug mentioned in Ayurvedic Samhitas and Nighantus as rejuvenative, aphrodisiac and has been used in various diseases including upper respiratory infections. Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. and Maranta arundinacea L. has been used by practitioners in India in the name of „Tavaksheera‟. Phytochemical studies reveal the presence of some similar compounds like curcuminoides in Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.and Curcuma longa L. but was absent in Maranta arundinacea L. So there is need to do further evaluation techniques like high-performance thin layer chromatography to confirm the authenticity among the source plants of Tavaksheera.The present study mainly aims to provide information on HPTLC analysis of two source plants of Tavaksheera.

Keywords: Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. and Maranta arundinacea L.