Standardization Of Leaves Of Ajuga Remota Benth

Ajuga remota Benth is an erect rhizomatous pubescent herb that belongs to the genus Ajuga and the family Lamiaceae. In Ethiopia, it grows in different regions such as Bale, Gojam, Gondar, Harerge, Kefa, Shoa, Sidamo, Tigray, Wollo, and Dawuro Zone, and it is known by common names: ‘Harmagussa’ (Oromiffa), ‘Akorarach’ (Amharic); ‘Etse-Libawit’ (Ge’ez), ‘Akembiye’ (Guragegna), and ‘Tale’ (Welaytigna). The plant is claimed to have therapeutic effects for various ailments. However, work has not been done on standardizing the herb. Thus, the aim of this study was to standardize the leaves of A. remota and develop the monograph for the same. Macroscopically, fresh leaves of A. remota were 17-34 mm (length) X 7.5-16mm (width) (AS); 30-62mm X 12-23mm (AA); 1-2mm thick and dark sea green colored, soft, fibrous, had a very bitter taste and a fruity odor. Microscopic characterization showed guard cells, stomata, epidermal cells, parenchymatous cells, trichomes, tracheids, and xylem fiber in powdered leaves of A. remota. The powder of leaves of A. remota also gave characteristic colors in fluorescence analysis under visible and 366nm UV light. The leaves of A. remota were studied for swelling index (2.572 for AS and 2.212 for AA), foaming index (100), bitterness value (8400), extractive value (aqueous: 34.66% for AS, 34% for AA and methanol: 18.323% for AS, 24% for AA), moisture content (6.420% for AS and 6.443% for AA), total ash value (25.44% for AS and 28.773% for AA), water-soluble ash (10.773% for AS and 12.106% for AA), acid-insoluble ash (6.106% for AS and 8.663% for AA), tannin content (0.011% for AS and 0.022% for AA), and powder fineness (moderately fine). Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the possible presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, reducing sugars, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, and coumarins. TLC, LCMS, GCMS, and FTIR fingerprinting were produced. And an analytical marker compounds namely, ajugarin I, dodecyl acrylate, and hexacosane were identified. In the residual analysis of leaves of A. remota, soil took the highest percent (0.385% for AS and 0.45% for AA) among foreign matters. Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe,Mn) were quantified and Cr, Ni, and Fe exceed the WHO limit. And both samples passed the microbial limitation for aerobic bacterial count, mold, yeast, coliform, E.coli, Salmonella and Shigella species. 228Ac (7±1.8 Bq Kg-1) and 40K (530±34 Bq Kg-1) radionuclides with a low dose were detected in both samples. In conclusion, the findings provided the standards for identification and authentication of the plant.

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