Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF PUNARNAVA (BOERHAAVIA DIFFUSA LINN.) –ROOT

Urvi Pandya*, Dilip Jani, Dharmendra Jani, S. Singh and Nirali Vekariya

ABSTRACT

Background: The perennial herb Boerhavia diffusa Linn. also known as Punarnava, is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family and is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is one of the most significant therapeutic herbs that have been utilized since ancient times in traditional medical systems. The identification of the several varieties of Punarnava recorded in the Ayurvedic texts has become highly confused due to the work of Nighantu. In the majority of Nighantu Punarnava and Varshabhu are synonymous. There are two types of Punarnava found in most of the Nighantu: Shveta and Rakta. Boerhaavia diffusa is commonly considered to be the red variety. Now a day’s adulteration in market sample is common practices which may be intentionally or due to similar looks. This article will throw light on identification characters of the Boerhavia diffusa species.

Keywords: Punarnava, Boerhavia Diffusa Linn., Pharmacognosy, Phytochemical, Rakta Punarnava.