Author(s): Jayanthy A., Prakash Kumar U. and A. B. Remashree

Abstract: Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. often referred to as prsniparni by ayurvedic physiciansin Kerala and Tamilnadu, is a member of the well known group of plants -dasamoola (roots of ten plants). It has been mentioned to have high therapeutic value in Ayurveda and it is used as a major ingredient in more than 68 ayurvedic formulations. The present study deals with the major variations observed in anatomical, physico-chemical and phytochemical characters in D. gangeticum due to change in season and region. Phytochemical changes due to various seasons and different regions were studied by performing HPTLC densitometric quantification of lupeol in methanol extract of roots. Microscopic variation observed in the quantity of cell inclusions, number of fibers and wall thickness of lignified cells. Physicochemical parameters also showed variation. The percentage of lupeol was very low in young plants then increase with growth and maximum percentage of lupeol was observed in the flowering stage. In the case of geographical variation the quantity of lupeol was high in the roots collected from high altitude area and lowest in the ones collected from the plains. The study showed that as the seasonal variation is associated with the vegetative and reproductive stages of the plant, it has direct influence with the variation in chemical constituents of the plants. The region where the plants grow has also influence in the chemical constituents of the plants.