Abstract

Simultaneous Quantification of Pharmacologically Active Markers Quercetin, Kaempferol, Bergenin and Gallic Acid from Cuscuta Campestris Yuncker Using HPTLC

Singh D and Shailajan S

Background: Cuscuta campestris Yuncker (Cuscutaceae), is a rootless obligate stem holoparasite that subsists on various plant species worldwide, including economically important crops and reduces their yields substantially causing damage in agriculture. Cuscuta campestris has been reported for its analgesic, anthelminthic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory activity. Cuscuta campestris is reported to contain cuscutin, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3- O-glycoside, hyperoside, β-sitosterol, pinoresinol, arbutin, astragalin. Aims and objective: This project work aims at capitalising the therapeutic potential of the plant by quantitating the various phytoconstituents present in the plant. Materials and methods: Separation and detection of four markers was achieved using Toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: formic acid (6: 6: 2: 1, v/v/v/v). The method was validated as per the norms of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Results: The amount of quercetin, kaempferol, bergenin and gallic acid was found to be 0.5520 ± 0.0090 mg g-1, 0.4980 ± 0.0126 mg g-1, 3.5630 ± 0.0633 mg g-1, 1.3498 ± 0.0234 mg g-1 respectively. Conclusion: The method was found sensitive, accurate and reproducible. Therefore it can be recommended for marker-based standardization and quality assurance of Cuscuta campestris. The present research work is an attempt for simultaneous quantification of quercetin, kaempferol, bergenin and gallic acid from Cuscuta campestris in a single mobile phase. The validated HPTLC method can be further applied to evaluate the quality of any plant reported to possess these phytochemicals.