Pharmacognostic Standardization and HPTLC Fingerprint Profiling of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Rhizome with Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Extracts

Abstract

Background: Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Jatamansi), a perennial rhizomatous herb of the family Caprifoliaceae, is widely used in Ayurveda for the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The rhizome, being the most therapeutically active part, possesses diverse pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant activities. Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to establish pharmacognostical standards and evaluate the phytochemical profile of the rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi for its identification and quality control. Methodology: Pharmacognostical evaluation was carried out through macroscopic, powder microscopic, and physicochemical analyses following standard protocols. Preliminary phytochemical screening of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts was performed to identify major secondary metabolites. Chromatographic profiling was conducted using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), along with UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis. Results: Macroscopically, the rhizome was dark brown, cylindrical, fibrous, brittle, aromatic, and slightly bitter. Microscopic examination revealed diagnostic features including cork cells with oil globules, cortex canals, phloem patches, cambium, xylem vessels, and stellate cork rings. Powder microscopy showed fibres, vessels, tracheids, parenchyma containing starch grains, oil globules, and stone cells. Physicochemical parameters were found within acceptable limits, with loss on drying (2.53 % w/w), ash value (7.64 % w/w), water-soluble extractive (8.43 % w/w), and ethanol-soluble extractive (5.62 % w/w). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and proteins. HPTLC profiling of the ethanolic extract revealed a characteristic chromatographic pattern with a prominent band at Rf 0.95 under UV 254 nm and 366 nm. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive set of pharmacognostical and phytochemical standards for Nardostachys jatamansi rhizome, which can serve as reliable parameters for its identification, authentication, and quality control, and may support further pharmacological and formulation-based studies.