COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF PARIJATA (NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS LINN.) AND NIRGUNDI (VITEX NEGUNDO LINN.) USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA)

Background: Gridhrasi (Sciatica) is a common Vatavyadhi characterized by radiating pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. Ayurvedic texts widely prescribe Parijata and Nirgundi Patra in the management of Gridhrasi due to their proven Vata-Kapha Shamaka and Vedanahara properties. Modern pharmacology attributes these effects to their rich phytochemical profiles. Aim: To comparatively evaluate the phytochemical profiles of Parijata Patra and Nirgundi Patra used in the treatment of Gridhrasi, and to correlate their constituents with therapeutic actions. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts of authenticated Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Vitex negundo leaves were analyzed at the Siddha Central Research Institute (SCRI), Chennai. qualitative phytochemical profiling, and HPTLC fingerprinting (254 nm & 520 nm) were performed following AYUSH/API protocols. Results: Both drugs showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, sterols, saponins and phenolic compounds. Parijata revealed abundant flavonoids (nyctanthin), tannins, β-sitosterol, iridoid glycosides, while Nirgundi demonstrated strong presence of iridoid glycosides (negundoside, agnuside), vitexin, casticin, and volatile oils (1,8-cineole, sabinene, β-caryophyllene). Physicochemical constants were within standard limits for both samples. HPTLC under 254 nm and 520 nm revealed distinct and characteristic fingerprints for each drug. Nirgundi exhibited a greater number of peaks with higher intensity at both wavelengths, indicating richer phytochemical diversity. Conclusion: Both Parijata and Nirgundi possess rich phytochemical profiles correlating with their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective actions beneficial in Gridhrasi. However, Nirgundi contains relatively higher concentrations of iridoid glycosides and volatile oils, and HPTLC under 254 nm and 520 nm revealed distinct and characteristic fingerprints for each drug. Nirgundi exhibited with higher intensity at both wavelengths, indicating richer phytochemical diversity. which may explain its slightly stronger Vedanahara and Shothahara activity compared to Parijata.