Macro-Microscopic evaluation, Physicochemical analysis and HPTLC Finger printing of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Rhizome

Introduction: Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Family Hypoxydaceae (Amaryllidaceae) is a perennial herb with finger like rhizome. Its rhizomes have been significantly used in treatment of various ailments including cancer. Methods: Macro-microscopic analyses, physico-chemical studies and HPTLC finger printing of rhizomes of C. orchioides were performed according to pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Microscopic analysis has shown rows of rectangular and conical cells in cork, thin walled cortex, parenchymatous cells, starch grains, crystal of calcium oxalate, mucilage cell and spiral xylem vessel in the rhizomes of C. orchioides. Physicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.469%), total ash (8.463%), acid insoluble ash (1.10%), water-soluble ash (2.163%), alcohol soluble extractive value (3.036%), and water-soluble extractive value (22.666%) of the raw drug. Ethanol extract of the plant were fingerprinted in petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (7.0:3.0) solvent system and scanned densitometrically after dipping in anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent followed by heating at 105°C. Conclusion: These specific identities will be useful in identification and authentication of the raw drug in dried form.