EVALUATION OF INFLUENCE OF DESHA (PLACE OF COLLECTION) ON PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF SIRISA TWAK (ALBIZZIA LEBBECK BENTH.)

Introduction: Acharyas have given much importance to the place of collection, as desha plays a vital role in augmenting the phytoconstituents present in the drugs. In the criteria for standardisation, the place of drug collection plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of the drug. Sirisa (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.) is highly valued in our classics due to its various karmas like Vishagna, Shotahara, Vedanasthapana, Visarpahara, Varnya, Kushtagna, Vranahara, Kandugna, Kasahara, Swasahara and Pamakushtahara making it an essential medicinal plant. It is considered an Agrya among Vishagna dravyas. Objectives: The present research focuses on desha as one of the factors that might affect the therapeutic efficacy of this essential herbal drug. Method: Sirisa bark was collected from three different agro-climatic zones of Karnataka. The samples were dried, powdered and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Result: Macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and HPLC studies suggest that Sirisa collected from Jangala and Sadharana desha are best for pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation. Conclusion: It may be concluded that Sirisa (Albizzia lebbeck Benth.) bark should be collected from Jangala and Sadharana desha for better therapeutic efficacy, revalidating the classical reference in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Keywords: Sirisa, Albizzia lebbeck, Jangala desha, Sadharana desha, Vishaghna.