Pharmacognostical Standardization of Balamulachurna- Root Powder of Sida rhombifolia subsp. retusa (L.) Borssum

Background: Ksheerabala tailam is well known Ayurvedic herbal formulation which is used in inflammations, pains and neurological disorders. The primary botanical source for Ksheerabala tailam is Balamulachurna. The literature refers to Balamulachurna as either of the root powders of Sida cordifolia, Sida acuta, Sida cordata or Sida rhombifolia subsp. retusa. To accomplish the clinical efficacy of Ksheerabala tailam, standardization of Balamulachurna is necessary. Objectives: The study is aimed to establish pharmacognostic standards of Balamulachurna with respect to Sida rhombifolia subsp. retusa root powder. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostical standardization was carried out by focusing on organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, preliminary phytochemical evaluation, heavy metal assessments, fluorescence and HPTLC studies. Results: The roots macroscopic features were noticed as; an elongated taproot with few lateral roots, thick, woody, brown-coloured and bitter to taste. Organoleptic characteristics revealed the nature of the root powder as cream in colour with a pleasant odour and slightly bitter taste. The powder microscopic study specified the presence of fibres, fibre–sclereids, tracheids, vessel elements and calcium oxalate crystals. Physicochemical studies assessed total ash (7.5%), water-soluble ash (4.46%), alkalinity of water-soluble ash (0.4 ml) and acid-insoluble ash (3.3%). The preliminary phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and quinones. The HPTLC analyses exhibited various Rf values with the diversity of multiple phytoconstituents. Conclusion: The scientific data generated by the study is beneficial for adequately identifying and establishing standards for using Sida rhombifolia subsp. retusa as a primary drug for maintaining the quality and purity of the Ksheerabala tailam, an Ayurvedic formulation.