Comparative Studies of Rubia cordifolia L. and its Commercial Samples

Rubia cordifolia L. (Family- Rubiaceae), is a common medicinal plant used in the preparation of different formulations in Ayurveda. The root of the plant is commonly known as Manjistha and its dried samples are sold in the market under the name Manjith. The present study was carried out to compare the authentic sample from its commercial samples keeping in mind the pharmacopoeial standards of Ayurveda. The quantitative phytochemical studies of the drug samples were carried out by studying the percentage of ash, extractive values and qualitative screening was carried out by Thin Layer Chromatography and different biochemical tests. Thus, the present work aims in forming certain parameters for identification of drug with the help of various phytochemical observations