Development and densitometric standardization of Convolvulus pluricaulis containing herbal medicinal products by quantification of marker compound

Convolvulus pluricaulis (Fam. Convolvulaceae) is a perennial herb with a small woody-branched rootstock and occurs in tropical and subtropical countries. It is available in Asian market as Shankhpushpi. A thin layer chromatographic method with densitometric UV detection at λ=226 nm has been developed for standardization of Convolvulus pluricaulis containing herbal medicinal products by quantification of one isolated marker compound. The isolated marker compound was characterized as 3β, 23, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid. TLC analysis was performed on aluminium backed silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates with n-hexane-ethyl acetate, 7:4 (v/v), as a mobile phase. Under these experimental conditions the method was highly sensitive (the limit of detection was 14.2ng) and recovery was satisfactory (from 94.46% to 97.24%). The results obtained during validation of the method were confirmed in standardization of herbal syrups and tablets by quantification of isolated marker, because high precision and accuracy were achieved.

Acknowledgements: One of the authors, UKP is thankful to University Grants Commission of India for providing financial assistance for the present work.

References: [1] Podolak, I. et al. (2003) J. Planar Chromatography 16: 48–51. [2] Taranalii, AD et al. (2000) Pharm Biology 38: 51–56.