HPTLC Fingerprinting and Phytochemical Characterization of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Keetmari (Aristolochia bracteata Lam.), with Reference to Its Pesticidal Efficacy: An Ayurvedic Perspective
1Sariput N. Bhosikar, 2Rekha Parmar and 3Mukesh Laichattiwar
1Department of Agadatantra, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 2Department of Dravya Guna, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 3Vice Principal, College of Agriculture, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) Corresponding Author: 1 [drbsariput@gmail.com]
ABSTRACT
Aristolochia bracteata Lam. (Keetmari / Kitamari) is a welldocumented medicinal plant in Ayurvedic literature, classified under the Krimighna dravyas (worm-slaying drugs) across multiple classical Samhitas and Nighantus. Its pesticidal efficacy—described as Krumighna karma—is deeply rooted in the Ushna (hot potency), Teekshna (sharp/piercing), and Katu-Tikta Rasa properties described in traditional texts. The present study aimed to develop an HPTLC fingerprint profile of a hydroalcoholic (methanolic) extract of A. bracteata and to correlate phytochemical constituents with pesticidal efficacy as described in Ayurvedic classical literature. Air-dried plant material was extracted using methanol as the solvent. HPTLC analysis was performed on Merck silica gel 60 F254 plates using a toluene:ethyl acetate