Abstract

COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES OF BLUE AND WHITE FLOWER VARIETIES OF CLITORIA TERNATEA LINN

Rohit S. Doshi*, Komal T. Patekar, Jyoti B. Salgar and Sima T. Kamble

ABSTRACT

A significant plant in the Fabaceae family, Clitoria ternatea Linn. is referred to as Aparajita in classical Ayurvedic literature. Based on the blue and white flower hues, two plants are recognized under the name Aparajita. Both types were referenced in various formulations in classical Ayurvedic books. Considered a medhya medicine, aparajita is also employed in classical books to cure a variety of ailments, including tumors, skin conditions, sore throats, dropsy, goiter, leprosy, mucous disorders, mild paralysis, and chronic bronchitis. The current study compares and contrasts the pharmacognostic properties of the plant's blue and white leaves. With a few exceptions, the pharmacognocal properties of the plant leaves are comparable. Many of the pigments that absorb light found in plant leaves are linked to photosynthesis. In order to capture light energy for use in photochemical processes, the main photosynthetic pigments are carotene, xanthophylls, and chlorophyll a and b. Using Thin Layer Chromatography, the current study sought to determine the Rf value of the pigments of Clitoria cultivars that were detected. Clitoria ternatea blue and white phytochemicals were evaluated for the presence of secondary metabolites such alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, resins, and phenols using an ethanolic extract in this study. Its antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were investigated using the well diffusion technique.

Keywords: Ayurvedic, Clitoria ternatea, chromatography, extract.