Physico-chemical standardization of Tukhm-e-qurtum [Carthamus tinctorius Linn]

ABSTRACT

Carthamus tinctorius, Linn. [Qurtum] of the family Compositae, is an annual plant which grows in tropical and sub-tropical parts of India. The seeds of the taxon are extensively used in Unani system of medicine as anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, aphrodisiac, blood purifier, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatoprotective, lithotryptic, liver tonic, purgative, sex stimulant, spermatogenic and tonic. 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 seeds of Carthamus tinctorius, 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 shall be valuable in quality control and identification of the drug