Pharmacognostic and physico-chemical investigations of the aerial part of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.

A macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, and phytochemical analysis of the aerial part of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. or Brahmi was undertaken for the purpose of establishing a monograph. The macroscopic and microscopic studies presented the typical characteristics of the Brahmi plant and its powder. The standard values of physico-chemical parameters were established at not more than 10.0 %w/w for loss on drying and 13.0 %w/w for total ash as well as not less than 17.0 %w/w for water soluble extractives and 10.0 %w/w for ethanol soluble extractives. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of steroidal saponins, with confirmation by the TLC fingerprint. Total saponin content was not less than 1.0 %w/w measured by HPLC-UV method. The overall study provides pharmacognostical, physico-chemical, phytochemical details, typical TLC and HPLC fingerprints of the Brahmi, which can be used to establish a Pharmacopoeia monograph for the identification and standardization of Brahmi material.