Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Bellente Gida (Mussaenda Belilla Buch.Ham.) A Folklore Claim

Abstract

Traditionally used medicinal plants have recently received the attention of the pharmaceutical and scientific committees. Hence there is a need to develop new effective traditional drugs with scientific validation. One such plant is Mussaenda belilla Buch-Ham which belongs to Rubiaceae family locally called as Bellante gida in south canara district Karnataka. It is a climbing shrub. Local people use the leaf juice as shampoo for hair as it is good for hair.

The present study deals with the pharmacognostic and phytochemical study, analytical parameters, organoleptic tests, macroscopic and microscopic study,p hysical tests. Taste with tongue method showed kashaya madhura rasa.The drug contains carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds in Aqueous and alcoholic extracts. HPTLC study showed total 9 peaks at 254nm and 10 peaks at 366nm. It also contains calcium, iron, sulphates, chlorides like In-organic compounds.

It contains the mucilage which is soothing to eyes, hairs. It contains proteins, tannins, phenol, calcium, iron acts as Raktha sthambhaka, Raktha vardhaka, Vrana roopana, and Tvak prasadaka. So it need further experimental and clinical study.