Comparative phytochemical screening of Vatashunga, Shatavari and Shatapushpa claimed for Prajasthapana activity

The aim of the present study was to find out phytochemicals present in various extracts of Ficus bengalensis, Anethum sowa and Asparagus racemosus. The plant material was successively extracted with five solvents namely petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl alcohol and distilled water in a soxhlet extractor. TLC profiling was done for various extracts using different mobile phases and Rf values were calculated for respective extracts. Ficus, Anethum and Asparagus showed the presence of steroids/ triterpenoids, carbohydrates and lactones. Ficus and Anethum indicate the presence of flavonoids, tannins and resins. Ficus and Asparagus indicate the presence of saponins while Asparagus indicates the presence of alkaloids. This study revealed various attributes for three drugs to act as prajasthapana either through rajo rodhahara, deepana pachana, rasavardhana or garbhashaya shodhaka. All the drugs showed the presence of steroids/ triterpenoids which play a major role in functional deviations responsible for infertility. In conclusion, the presence of steroids in three drugs along with other phytochemicals, plays a possible synergistic role, are important for fertility. Future prospects especially in case of vata include study of tip of prop roots and clinical studies on these plants and their formulations.