DOI: 10.4103/jaer.jaer_5_26 ISSN: 6600-2222

A Comparative Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Study of Talishpatra Samples Collected from Different Markets of India

Kavita Kumari, Ravinder Arora
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Abstract

Introduction:

Talishpatra ( Abies webbiana / Abies spectabilis) , a well-known Ayurvedic drug, is widely used for respiratory and digestive disorders. Due to high demand and limited availability, it is commonly adulterated in the Indian herbal drug market, necessitating scientific authentication and quality evaluation.

Aim:

To comparatively evaluate Talishpatra samples collected from major herbal markets of India through pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters and to authenticate their botanical identity.

Materials and Methods:

Market samples from Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Kolkata, and Jaipur were analyzed and compared with an authenticated reference sample. Macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, phytochemical, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses were performed according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and World Health Organization guidelines.

Results:

Significant variations were observed in the color, size, aroma, and texture of market samples. Microscopic evaluation revealed the absence of essential diagnostic features like secretory cavities in most market samples, indicating substitution with other species of the genus Taxus . Physicochemical and extractive values also varied widely. TLC, HPLC, and LC-MS fingerprinting confirmed chemical inconsistencies across samples.

Conclusion:

The majority of market samples were found adulterated or substituted, lacking key diagnostic markers of genuine Talishpatra . Strict quality control and authentication measures are essential to ensure the therapeutic reliability and safety of Ayurvedic formulations.

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