RASNA: BOTANICAL CONTROVERSY, PHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS.

Abstract

Rasna is a crucial Ayurvedic drug used to manage inflammatory disorders like arthritis, rheumatism, and respiratory diseases. However, the term "Rasna" refers to a group of medicinal plants, leading to controversy in identification and usage across India. Multiple plants like Pluchea lanceolata, Alpinia galanga, and Vanda tessellata are used as Rasna, causing issues with authenticity, standardization, and conservation. This review highlights the reasons behind Rasna's controversy, its botanical descriptions, habitat, and therapeutic uses. Pluchea lanceolata, a classical source of Rasna, is emphasized, including its pharmacognostical characteristics and pharmacological activities. The study also focuses on standardizing the Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation Rasna Saptak through various evaluations like HPTLC fingerprinting, FTIR analysis, and antioxidant activity assessment.The results confirm the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents, with the hydro-alcoholic extract showing superior antioxidant activity.