Pharmacognostical studies on the rhizome and root of <i style="">Smilax zeylanica</i> Linn. –A potential alternate source for the Ayurvedic drug <i style="">Chopachinee</i>

Abstract

<i style="">Chopachinee </i>is an important Ayurvedic drug used in several formulations and diseases. <i style="">Smilax </i>Linn. species are used as botanical source of <i style="">Chopachinee</i> while the accepted source is <i style="">Smilax china</i> Linn. <i style="">Smilax zeylanica </i>Linn., a potential alternate source for <i style="">Chopachinee</i>, occurring in South India is pharmacognostically investigated in this paper. It is used in the treatment of abscesses, skin disorders, sores, swellings, venereal diseases and as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. The present study comprises taxonomical, macroscopical, microscopical characters, physico-chemical and ultra-violet analysis besides chromatographic studies of the rhizome and root which not only help in the identification of the drug but also contribute towards establishing pharmacopoeial standards. HPTLC finger printing of diosgenin present in the drug is carried out to establish the biomarker compound.