Effect of Environmental Conditions on The Vitamin C and Essential Oil Content of Adhatoda Vasica Growing in The Various Regions of Kerala and Maharahtra.

Jethmalani Megha; Palathingal Trisa; Sachin Bhagat

Volume : III, Issue : VIII, August - 2014

Effect of Environmental Conditions on The Vitamin C and Essential Oil Content of Adhatoda Vasica Growing in The Various Regions of Kerala and Maharahtra.

Jethmalani Megha, Palathingal Trisa, Sachin Bhagat

Abstract :

Adhatoda vasica (vasaka) is a common plant used for upper respiratory tract infections, onchitis and as an expectorant. The leaves of Adhatoda vasica (vasaka) are important drugs of Ayurveda, prescribed as an expectorant. Adhatoda vasica is known to contain vitamin C and essential oil which is responsible for its antioxidant properties. In the present work plants of Adhatoda vasica were collected from various regions of Kerala and Maharashtra during summer and winter seasons and they were analyzed for Vitamin C content and essential oils. It was observed that in the plants of Adhatoda vasica, the vitamin C content and essential oil was found to be maximum in plants collected from Kerala compared to Maharashtra. Both Vitamin C content and essential oil was found to be maximum in the plants of Adhatoda collected from both Maharashtra and Kerala during the winter season.