Chemical screening of chirata for bitter content variability in HP.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Chemical screening of chirata (swertia chirayita karst collections from himachal predesh for bitter content variability
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Bhupeder Dutt, Latji Srivastava, Romosh Chand
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Chemical screening of chirata (swertia chirayita karst collections from himachal predesh for bitter content variability
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Swertia chirayita, commonly known as chirata, is a significant pharmacopeial drug widely utilized in indigenous and Unani medicine for treating various ailments. This herb thrives in the Himalayas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where its natural population has been declining due to overexploitation and increasing demand from pharmaceutical industries, leading to substantial imports. Given its importance, there is an urgent need to enhance the production of this plant. The present study aims to identify superior genetic lines of S. chirayita from natural habitats and assess their bitter content, a crucial pharmaceutical component.
Variability in Bitter Content
The study revealed considerable variation in the bitter content of S. chirayita among different collections, with percentages ranging from 0.75 to 1.14. The highest bitter content was found in the collection from Raccham (SC 16), located at an altitude of 2300 m. Factors such as root thickness and length were positively correlated with bitter content, suggesting their potential influence on the yield of this key compound. Although soil parameters, including pH and nutrient levels, were analyzed, the results indicated that bitter content is primarily inherent to the different plant collections rather than significantly affected by soil characteristics. However, it was noted that slightly alkaline soil conditions (above pH 6.0) may favor higher bitter content, aligning with previous studies on other herbs.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the potential for improving S. chirayita cultivation by focusing on specific collections known for higher bitter content, such as SC 16, SC 14, and SC 11. Additionally, enhancing root length and thickness may contribute to better yield outcomes. An emphasis on utilizing normal to slightly alkaline soils could further optimize the production of bitter principles in this valuable herb. Overall, these insights pave the way for developing appropriate agrotechnologies and conservation strategies to meet the growing demand for S. chirayita while ensuring the sustainability of its natural populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on Swertia chirayita?
The study investigated the bitter content variability in Swertia chirayita collected from Himachal Pradesh, analyzing how altitude, root dimensions, and soil parameters affected the herb's pharmaceutical properties.
What was the range of bitter content found in the samples?
The bitter content in the samples varied significantly, ranging from 0.75 percent to 1.14 percent, indicating a notable difference based on collection site and plant characteristics.
How do root length and thickness affect bitter content?
Higher root length and thickness are positively associated with increased bitter content. Collections with greater root dimensions consistently exhibited higher percentages of bitter principles.
What soil conditions are best for cultivating Swertia chirayita?
The study found that slightly alkaline soils with a pH above 6.0 are more conducive to the production of bitter principles in Swertia chirayita, enhancing its yield and pharmaceutical value.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Chemical screening of chirata for bitter content variability in HP.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bitter:
Bitter refers to the taste characteristic of certain compounds, which are pharmacologically active in plants like Swertia chirayita. The study emphasizes the importance of bitter content as a principal bioactive component in the herb, essential for therapeutic applications in traditional and modern medicine.
2) Soil:
Soil plays a crucial role in the growth and chemical composition of plants. In the study, various soil parameters, such as pH and nutrient availability, were analyzed to determine their impact on the bitter content of Swertia chirayita, indicating inherent plant characteristics rather than soil influence.
3) Drug:
A drug in this context refers to substances derived from plants, specifically Swertia chirayita, which is recognized for its medicinal properties. The investigation highlights the pharmaceutical importance of the bitter components found in the herb, underscoring the need for sustainable cultivation practices.
4) Discussion:
Discussion involves the elaboration of findings from the research. It addresses the relationship between bitter content, plant characteristics, and environmental factors, facilitating understanding of how different collections of Swertia chirayita can be selected for higher pharmacological yields in cultivation efforts.
5) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
The Himalaya region is identified as the natural habitat for Swertia chirayita. This geographical context is critical due to its unique climate and altitude, which impact the biochemical properties of the herb, including the concentration of bitter principles vital for medicinal uses.
6) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the practices and substances used for treatment and healing. Swertia chirayita serves as a valuable component in traditional medicine systems, emphasizing the importance of bioprospecting natural herbs for their potential therapeutic effects and the need for cultivation due to increased demand.
7) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment where a species thrives. The study examines different collections of Swertia chirayita within specific habitats across Himachal Pradesh, illustrating the interaction between environmental conditions and the herb's valuable biochemical properties, particularly its bitter content.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study and application of knowledge, particularly in understanding the biochemical properties of Swertia chirayita. The research employs scientific methods to analyze variations in bitter content, offering insights that could enhance cultivation techniques and pharmaceutical applications.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Chemical screening of chirata for bitter content variability in HP.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Alkaline soil, Natural habitat, Available Nitrogen, Soil parameters, Declining trend, Available phosphorus, Available potassium.