Standardization and Phytochemical Evaluation of the aerial parts of Prangos pabularia

Prangos pabularia (Apiaceae) commonly known as Komal, is widely used in Ayurveda as tonic to the liver. The whole plant appears to offer a far reaching range of pharamcological effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, abortifaecient, allelopathic, anticancer etc. since time immemorial in traditional systems of medicine. The study approaches to build up a range of specifications for standardization parameters as per WHO guidelines for this crude drug. The aerial parts of the plant were evaluated for various quantitative parameters including the study of morphological characters. Ash values, extractive value in different solvents, pH determination, fluorescence analysis, phytochemical screening, HPLC standardization and characterization of bergapten have been carried out in the study. The results generated can be utilised for its identification, authentication and prevention of adulteration.