Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Crotalaria retusa L. (Shanapuspi) dried roots

BACKGROUND: Crotalaria retusa L. belongs to the Fabaceae family and is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In Ayurveda, its roots are used against hemoptysis. The roots of C. retusa are used in folklore medicine in many countries for the treatment of numerous diseases. Roots are used against fever, cough, dyspepsia, cardiac disorders, stomatitis, diarrhea, scabies, impetigo, and several other disorders. But so far, the pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of root has not been reported for proper identification. Hence, the present study was carried out for the establishment of quality parameters of the root of this plant. METHODS: Macroscopy, anatomical studies, powder analysis, physiochemical properties like ash values, extractive values, and high-performance thin layer chromatography profile of roots were done as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India guidelines. RESULTS: In powder microscopy, acicular crystals, elongated tracheids were observed. Water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractive values were found to be 4.78% and 7.63%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative and quantitative standards established in this study can serve as a valuable authentication source of C. retusa L. roots.