Phytochemical and thin layer chromatographic evaluation of Swertia Chirayita buch.-Hams. Ex Wall at different developmental stages

Swertia chirayita (family Gentianaceae), imperative medicinal plant in Indian system of medicine known for its bitter principles. However, due to its high demand and scarcity due to its extinction, it is being frequently adulterated with other species of Swertia which are more readily available. At present the similar species of Swertia are marketed as „chirayita‟ which is affecting the potency of the drug. Our studies focused on evaluating Swertia chirayita by comparison of its physicochemical characteristics and TLC fingerprinting profile in Chloroform:Methanol:Water as solvent employing amarogentin as a reference marker to distinguish the crude herb chirayita from its adulterants. The study revealed methanol soluble fraction of Swertia species showed presence of amarogentin (major chemical constituent) in the raw material taken and thus can be further micropropagated on large scale to meet industrial demand.