DOI: 10.4103/jdras.jdras_410_25 ISSN: 2279-0357

Comparative phytopharmacological evaluation of the botanical sources of Rasna: Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. and Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke

Sudesh N. Gaidhani, Parvathy G. Nair, Boini Thirupataiah, Lakshminarayana Misro, Thulasi Radhakrishnan, S. Viswanth Reddy, Y. R. Sanjay Kumar, Srikanth Ala
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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Rasna is an important Ayurvedic drug traditionally used for managing inflammation, pain, and rheumatic disorders. Its botanical identity remains controversial due to the use of different plant species across India. While Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke leaves are the officially accepted source of Rasna in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India, Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. rhizomes are widely used in southern India based on regional availability and traditional practice, with limited scientific validation.

METHODS:

Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke and Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. were evaluated through physicochemical and phytochemical analyses along with biological analyses. Chromatographic profiling was performed using a CAMAG high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) system. Based on this, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were assessed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight using standard experimental models.

RESULTS:

Distinct phytochemical markers were identified for each species through HPTLC and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analyses, along with the establishment of key quality control parameters. Both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited significant analgesic activity across all tested models compared to controls. Acute oral toxicity studies showed LD 50 values greater than 2000 mg/kg for both extracts. Mild-to-moderate anti-inflammatory effects were observed up to 4 h following carrageenan-induced paw edema. However, no significant changes were noted in levels of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that both Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B.Clarke and Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. possess comparable safety profiles along with analgesic and mild anti-inflammatory activities supporting the rational and evidence-based use of regional substitutes.

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