Quality control parameters of Rakta Karpasa flower (Gossypium arboreum Linn.)

Abstract

Gossypium arboreum Linn., commonly known as Rakta Karpasa, is widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diseases and for the processing of various formulations of Rasashastra. However, preliminary pharmacognostical parameters are not available for this particular species. In present study, transverse section of fresh flower showed presence of stelate trichomes in epidermis, collenchymatous hypodermis, cortex with rosette crystals. The physicochemical parameters like, pH of Rakta Karpas Flower (RKF) was not more than 6.67, the loss on drying was not more than 11.64 % w/w, the alcohol soluble extractive was not more than 49.01 % w/w. In HPTLC profile at 254 nm frequency, 3 peaks were observed at max R_f, 93.94, 2.65, 3.41 and subsequent end R_f were 95.38, 1.55, 3.06.