STANDARDIZATION OF TALISHPATRA (ABIES WEBBIANA) BASED ON CLASSICAL PHARMACOGNOSTIC PARAMETERS AND MODERN ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES (HPLC-LCMS)

Introduction: Talishpatra (Abies webbiana) is an important Ayurvedic drug extensively used in classical formulations for respiratory and digestive disorders. Due to increasing demand and restricted natural distribution, the drug is highly prone to substitution and adulteration, necessitating scientific standardisation of authentic material. Objective: The present study was undertaken to establish comprehensive pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical, and chromatographic standards for a certified sample of Talishpatra to ensure its identity, purity, and quality. Materials and Methods: A certified sample of Talishpatra leaves was collected from Joginder Nagar (Himachal Pradesh) and authenticated botanically. Standard pharmacognostical evaluation including macroscopic, microscopic, powder microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, TLC profiling, HPLC fingerprinting, and LC–MS analysis was carried out as per API guidelines. Results: The certified sample exhibited characteristic macroscopic features such as linear-lanceolate needles, glossy green surface, and aromatic odor. Microscopy revealed diagnostic features including sunken stomata, resin canals, tracheids with bordered pits, and sclerenchymatous tissues. Physicochemical parameters were found within prescribed limits. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and glycosides. TLC and HPLC profiles showed consistent and reproducible fingerprints, while LC–MS confirmed the presence of marker phytoconstituents specific to Abies webbiana. Conclusion: The established pharmacognostical and analytical parameters can serve as reliable reference standards for authentication and quality control of Talishpatra in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.