Comparative pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of Meshashringi and Ajashringi used in the management of diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease caused due to the improper production of insulin from the pancreatic cells. It is reported to be affecting about 10.5% of adult population. It is presently a major health problem many individuals are facing, because of the changes in the life style. It is important at this point of time to treat the patients with safe and cost-effective treatment. Herbal based drugs are being explored for their anti-diabetic activity to produce a safe and effective medication for the management of diabetes. Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm.) (GS) is one of the herbal based medicines which is proved as anti-diabetic and is being used in the Ayurvedic treatments also. One of the herbal based medicines Ajashringi (Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov.) (PD), mentioned in Ayurveda is also said to be having similar properties to Meshashringi and is used as an alternative. Hence the present study is aimed to compare the phytochemical and pharmacognostic characters of both the medicines. Materials and methods: The phytochemical and pharmacognostic characters of both the drugs are identified based on the standard literature. Results: The result of phytochemical screening of GS showed saponins, phenols and quinones in addition to the constituents present in PD. HPTLC fingerprinting showed flavonoids present in PD. Various bands with colour intensities are seen, different Rf values in both GS and PD. Conclusion: The study showed there are many similarities between GS and PD with respect to phytochemicals. Whereas there were no similar rf values noted in the HPTLC, indicating that the antidiabetic phytochemicals of both the drugs are different, but may be having similar efficacy when given clinically.