Studies on Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Linn – an important Ayurvedic Drug

Herbal drugs are traditionally used in various parts of the world to cure different diseases. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the quality control parameters of the hydro alcoholic extracts of Tephrosia purpurea Linn; an important Indian medicinal plant widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations. Tephrosia purpurea Linn. is a highly branched, sub-erect herb commonly known in Sanskrit as Sharapunkha. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. The plant is used to cure diseases of the kidney, liver, spleen, heart, blood, skin eruptions, bronchitis, bilious febrile attack, boils, pimples, and bleeding piles. The dried herb is effective as a tonic, laxative, and diuretic. The roots and seeds are have insecticidal, piscicidal and vermifugal properties.

As there is no detailed standardisation work reported on Tephrosia purpurea Linn extract, the physicochemical parameters, phytochemical analysis, toxic heavy metals and microbial contamination analysis are carried out. The study revealed specific identities for the particular crude drug which will be useful in identification and control to adulterations of the raw drug and Ayurvedic formulations.