Comparative Study of Various Plants of Piperaceae Family Commonly Used in Ayurvedic Formulations

The present article attempts to compare TLC and physico-chemical parameters of P. nigrum Linn., Piper cubeba Linn., Piper longum Linn. and Piper chaba Hunter belonging to common family piperaceae. Each of them is considered to have huge medicinal value in Ayurveda, Sidhha and Unani traditional medicines. Since ancient times, these drugs are used according to their medical value. Investigation of such traditionally used medicinal plants is thus valuable on two levels, firstly, as a source of potential chemo therapeutic drugs and secondly, as a measure of safety for the continued use of medicinal plants.

The present paper attempts to evaluate the physicochemical parameters like pH, Loss on drying at 105°C, Water soluble extract, Alcohol soluble extract, Total Ash, Acid insoluble ash and thin layer chromatography. The study revealed specific identities for crude drug taken which will be useful in identification and control to adulterations of the raw drug.