Sumedh Sanjay Joshi and Ganesh Ananda Tambe

Background: Ayurveda emphasizes specific times for the collection of medicinal plants to ensure optimum potency and therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to validate ancient principles of Bhaishajya Sangraha Kala (time of drug collection) by comparing the HPTLC analysis of leaves from Vasa (Justicia adhatoda L.) and Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris R.Br) collected during different seasons.
Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts were reviewed for guidelines on plant collection methods. Leaves of Vasa and Saptaparna were collected monthly from an herbal garden, dried, powdered, and subjected to HPTLC analysis. The methanolic extracts were prepared, applied onto silica gel plates, and developed using specific mobile phases. Rf values were obtained and interpreted. Days required for drying and the number of permissible peaks in HPTLC analysis were recorded.
Results: The study found variations in the Rf values of phytoconstituents in Vasa and Saptaparna leaves collected at different times of the year. The highest number of permissible peaks was observed during June-July and October-November, corresponding to the Warsha and Hemant ritu (seasons) respectively. The drying time of samples varied across seasons, likely influenced by factors such as temperature and humidity.
Discussion: Ayurvedic texts prescribe specific collection times for different plant parts, reflecting ancient wisdom on maximizing medicinal potency. The observed variations in Rf values indicate changes in phytochemical composition over time, suggesting a potential correlation with seasonal changes. These findings underscore the importance of traditional knowledge in guiding cultivation and collection practices.
Conclusion: The study validates the significance of specific collection times prescribed in Ayurvedic texts through HPTLC analysis, demonstrating variations in phytoconstituents of Vasa and Saptaparna leaves collected at different times. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the impact of Bhaishajya Sangraha Kala on medicinal potency and support the integration of traditional knowledge into modern herbal cultivation practices.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i4a.14988

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