Gleason M. Ferrao

The present study was undertaken for the development of physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of the roots of Paederiafoetida [Linn] Belonging to the family, Rubiaceae. The plant commonly known as skunk vine is a perennial climber, in Sanskrit as Prasarni, in Marathi  as Hiranvel, in Hindi as Gandha Prasarini, in English as Chinese flower plant. The physicochemical and phytochemical investigation confirms the purity and authenticity of Paederiafoetidaroots by using standard methods. The physicochemical studies revealed the presence of moisture content as 6% w/w, total ash as 8.75 %w/w, acid insoluble ash as 1.1%w/w, water soluble ash as 1.8%w/w, alcohol soluble extractive as 9.8%w/w, water soluble extractive as 9.2%w/w, ether soluble extractive as 2.4% w/w, foaming index as less than 100 and swelling index as 1.7cm. The fluorescence analysis in short wavelength, long wavelength and day light is also reported, which is a tool to determine the chemical nature of crude drug. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of the roots revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, triterpinoids, steroids, tannins and resins. All these methods will help in setting down pharmacopoeial standards in determining the quality and purity of the Paederiafoetida roots.