Insight into the Ayurveda theory of “Dravyasamgrahakala” on Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd) root with reference to quality standard parameters

Abstract

Introduction: India has been known to be the richest heritage of medicinal plants. Globally, there is a universal rise in the use of Ayurveda system of medicine. According to the WHO, it has been evaluated that 80% of world's population relies on traditional medicines. There are many factors such as geographical variations, place, habitat, season, and temperature can affect the quality of medicinal plants. The study is an endeavor to compare the effect of seasonal variations on plants on the basis of quality standard parameters to validate the basic principle of Ayurveda “Dravyasamgraha kala.” This study aims to evaluate analytical changes and compare the data of different samples of Asparagus racemosus Willd. collected in different seasons according to Ayurveda classics. Methods: In Ayurveda texts, there is also a description about parts of the plants that should be collected in specific seasons. For the purpose, Shatavari (A. racemosus Willd.) was selected for the study. In the current research, four samples of roots of A. racemosus were collected in four different seasons-Grishma, Pravrut, Sharad, and Shishiraritu (May, June, October, and January) to compare the data and find out whether there is any similarity or difference in analytical profile. Results and Conclusion: The quality difference including physicochemical parameters, phytochemical identification, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography was remarked in the samples. It can be concluded that chemical constituents make a unique revelation from different seasons. Proper time period of the collection of plant is very important to obtain good quality drug. The season has a significant role to validate the factors that influence the potency of the drug.

Keywords

• analytical study
• asparagus racemosus
• ayurved
• dravyasamgraha kala
• shatavari