Development of HPTLC Fingerprints for Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum sanctum and Asparagus racemosus for Identification and Product Safety

Abstract

<strong>Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to develop HPTLC fingerprint profiles and perform densiometric quantification of specific phytochemical markers in Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass), Ocimum Sanctum (Tulasi) and Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) for herbal quality control and authentication. Materials and Methods: Plant materials were systematically collected and authenticated. Extraction was done with aqueous, hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether to obtain diverse phytoconstituents. HPTLC analysis was established on silica gel plates using optimized mobile phases for effective separation of phytochemical markers: Citral from Cymbopogon Citratus, Ursolic acid from Ocimum Sanctum and Shatavarin-IV from Asparagus Racemosus. Following derivatization with anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent, densiometric scanning and fingerprint profiling were performed under UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. Quantification of marker compounds were carried out using calibration curve analysis. Results: Distinct chromatographic fingerprints were obtained for all the three medicinal plants. Citral (Rf 0.78-0.79), Ursolic acid (Rf 0.70), and Shatavarin IV (Rf 0.45) were successfully identified and quantified from the respective extracts. Higher phytochemical distribution was shown by hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts due to better extraction of polar and moderately polar constituents. The developed fingerprints and densiometric profiles confirmed the presence of characteristic phytochemical markers useful for herbal standardization. Conclusion: Our study proves that HPTLC fingerprinting is a trustworthy method for ensuring the safety, potency, and quality control of herbal medications. The developed fingerprints can be used as reference standards for routine analysis, increasing the legitimacy and acceptance of herbal compositions around the world.