Development of quality standards of medicinal mistletoe – Helicanthes elastica (Desr.) Danser employing Pharmacopoeial procedures

Journal Article

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
• Issue Number: 6
• Volume Number: 23
• Pages: 674-686

Publication Abstract

Helicanthes elastica (Desr.) Danser (Loranthaceae), commonly known as Indian mango
mistletoe, is a parasitic shrub found widely growing on mango trees in southern India. Development
of monographic quality standards is need of the hour for Pharmacopoeial/extra-Pharmacopoeial
and folk medicinal plants. Systematic pharmacognostical evaluation of leaves of H. elastica has
been carried out employing Pharmacopoeial procedures of testing herbal drugs. Macro–microscopic
features of H. elastica leaf were recorded. Ethanolic extract was tested positive for alkaloids,
steroids, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins and phenols. HPTLC fingerprint profile was developed
for the identification of extracts using reference standard b-sitosterol glucoside. Results of the present
investigation would serve as a source of pharmacognostical information and a document to
control the quality of H. elastica (Desr.) Danser.