Phytochemical and Biological Studies on Crude Extract of Swertia chirata and Its Fractions

Aim: The aim of present study is to evaluate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical and some biological studies on Swertia chirata.

Methodology: Microscopic evaluation, fluorescence analysis, TLC, FTIR and HPLC techniques used for standardization of Powder and crude extract of S. chirata. Biological studies were performed in vitro through haemagglutination on all positive and negative blood groups at the dose of 5 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml, 1.25 mg/ml, 0.625 mg/ml and 0.3125 mg/ml and brine shrimp bioassay at the doses of 1000, 100 and 10 µg/ml.

Results: Microscopic examination of powder of S. chirata showed important diagnostic features of the plant. The reactions with chemical reagents showed positive results for the presence of triterpenes, tannin, alkaloids, carbohydrate and sterols while the tests for saponins and protein were negative indicated the absence of these components. The fluorescence analysis of powder of S. chirata was observed under ordinary light and UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. TLC, FTIR and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of active constituents in crude extract. The results of haemagglutination activity showed that the drug has highest response (agglutination activity) against B+ and O+ blood groups that is 80% at the concentration of 5 mg/ml. The cytotoxicity test showed no lethality.

Conclusion: Phytochemical evaluation provides standardization knowledge of S. chirata. Due to presence of triterpenes and alkaloids. S. chirata may be used for therapeutic purposes. Haemagglutination and cytotoxic results indicated the safety profile of S. chirata.