Khatalimba (Ampelocissus Latifolia): A Pharmacognostic And Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Ampelocissus latifolia (Khatalimba), locally known as Jungli angur, is an ethnomedicinal climber used in traditional Rajasthani medicine for treating skin diseases, wound healing, and rheumatic affections. Despite its therapeutic importance, comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical characterization remains incomplete. Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostic properties and conduct preliminary phytochemical screening of A. latifolia collected from Udaipur, Rajasthan, establishing baseline data for authentication and quality control. Materials and Methods: Fresh specimens were collected from Udaipur, authenticated by taxonomists at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University (Herbarium No. DSRRAU/PGIA/DG/25-B/2025), and preserved in FAA fixative and dry conditions. Organoleptic, macroscopic, and microscopic (transverse sections and powder microscopy) examinations were performed. Physicochemical parameters (ash value, extractive values, moisture content, pH, foreign matter) were determined per WHO guidelines. Qualitative phytochemical screening employed petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone, methanol, and water extracts. TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting were conducted on methanol root extract using optimized solvent systems.

Results: Organoleptic evaluation revealed distinct characteristics: root (coarse, reddish-brown, sweet), leaf (mildly coarse, greenish-brown, bitter salty), and stem (spongy, light yellow, salty-sweet). Macroscopically, the plant is a 3–6 m herbaceous climber with heart-shaped, 3–7 lobed leaves. Microscopically, root TS showed single-layered epiblema, wide cortex (8–10 layers) with sclereids, and broad medullary rays (6–10 cells) containing both acicular and sphaeraphide calcium oxalate crystals—unique diagnostic markers. Physicochemical analysis showed total ash 11.26%, acid-insoluble ash 3.18%, alcohol-soluble extractive 42.68%, water-soluble extractive 36.89%, loss on drying 4.94%, pH 7.78, and foreign matter 0.45%. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids in aerial parts (leaf/stem), while flavonoids, saponins, and tannins were exclusive to root. TLC showed four Rf values (0.28, 0.41, 0.50, 0.56). HPTLC revealed 6 peaks at 254 nm, 3 peaks at 366 nm, and 14 peaks at 540 nm (non-polar system); 6 peaks at 254 nm, 6 peaks at 366 nm, and 16 peaks at 540 nm (polar system), with maximum peak areas at Rf 0.24 (254 nm), Rf 0.33 (366 nm), and Rf 0.08/0.19 (540 nm). Conclusion: This study establishes comprehensive pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and chromatographic standards for A. latifolia, providing diagnostic markers for authentication and quality control. The unique phytochemical distribution (alkaloids in aerial parts, flavonoids/saponins in root) validates traditional part-specific uses. The HPTLC fingerprint profile serves as a reference standard for detecting adulteration, supporting the integration of A. latifolia into modern herbal medicine systems and facilitating future bioactivity-guided drug discovery.

KEYWORDS: Ampelocissus latifolia, Khatalimba, pharmacognosy, phytochemical screening, HPTLC fingerprint, quality control, standardization, ethnomedicine