Phytochemical screening and pharmacognostic evaluation of the Siddha poly herbal formulation Madhumega chooranam

To evaluate the physico-chemical, pharmacognostic parameters and to determine qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals in the poly herbal Siddha formulation Madhumega chooranam which being in practice in Tamil Nadu, South India, for controlling blood sugar. The drug was studied for phytochemical analysis like loss on drying, ash value determination and extractive values in water and alcohol. Qualitative phytochemical analysis for carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, proteins, flavones, triterpenoids, quinones and anthroquinones were performed using standard methods and quantitative analysis for phenols, flavones and tannins were performed adhering to the standard procedures. This exhibited the presence of tannins in high amount, glycosides, steroids, phenols, alkaloids in moderate amount, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, proteins, flavones, saponins, triterpenoids in low amount and absence of quinones and anthroquinones. The present study on phytochemical screening and pharmacognostic parameters will be useful for setting standards for the drug and compilation of a suitable monograph.