Physico-chemical standardization of seeds of kaknaj [Physalis alkekengi Linn]

ABSTRACT

Physalis alkekengi Linn. [Kaknaj] of the family Solanaceae, is a diffuse perennial herb about 80 cm [32 inches] in height. The fruits are reddish or orange red in colour, fully covered in a thin sheath of membrane giving it a shape of urinary bladder and contain large number of flattened reniform seeds of light brown colour. The fruits are extensively used in Unani System of Medicine as anaesthetic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant, contraceptive, diuretic, haemostyptic, hepatoprotective, lithotriptic and nephroprotective. In view of the medicinal value of this plant as described in Unani literature, the present study has been designed to set the physico-chemical standards of the fruits of Physalis alkekengi Linn, evolving some important parameters such as extractive value in different solvents, alcohol and water soluble contents, moisture contents, total ash value, water soluble ash value, acid insoluble ash value, bulk density, pH, chemical reactions, fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatography. These parameters will prove to be instrumental in quality control and identification of the drug