Pharmacopoeial Standardization of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn.

Abstract

The present communication attempts to investigate pharmacognostical and phytochemical details of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Linn. (Malvaceae). Results of microscopic studies of leaf show chained midrib of leaf, small and numerous epidermal cells, calcium oxalate crystals and absence of trichomes on both upper and lower surface. The Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, proteins and amino acids in chloroform and alcoholic extract out of six extraction solvents used for these studies. HPTLC studies reveal that alcoholic extract gives 8 spots and chloroform extract depicts 5 spots on the TLC plate. Powdered drug analysis after treatment with 17 different reagents emitted various colour radiations under UV and visible light which may provide a lead in identification of the drug in powder form. The study revealed specific identities for Hibiscus rosa- sinensis, Linn which may play a key role in identification of plant and can be useful in standardization of the herbal drugs.