Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis of different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth) with special reference to Vishaghna Karma

Goudra M1, Biradar MH2*, Pujari V3, Benakatti V4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.12

1 Mamata Goudra, Intern, BLDEA's AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

2* Mallamma H Biradar, Professor and HOD, Dept of Agadatantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka, BLDEA's AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

3 Vidyalaksmi Pujari, Associate Professor, Dept of Dravya Guna, BLDEA's AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

4 Vijayalaxmi Benakatti, Professor and HOD, Dept of Kaumarabhrutya, BLDEA's AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Introduction: Shirisha is a prevalent drug primarily known for its Anti poisonous activity. The drug has multifaceted activities and is indicated in various diseases. The Phyto Constituents contribute to pharmacological activities. Hence, the phytochemical analysis of different parts of Shirisha is taken up in the present study. To screen the Shirisha Patra (Leaves), Pushpa (Flowers), Beeja (Seeds), and Kanda Twak (stem bark) by Phyto-Chemical method. To collect different parts of Shirisha & to subject all the samples for the physical constituent, chemical analysis by standard following methods.

Materials and Methods: Materials: The leaves, seeds, stem bark and flowers were collected from the same plant from its natural habitat. The collected plant parts were cleaned, dried, and powdered. Physical analysis were done with the help of digital Ph meter, Pycnometer, Hot air oven etc. and chemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extraction was done with soxhlet apparatus. Methods: Standard macroscopic methods were employed to analyze the physical parameters of the Shirisha (Albizialebbeck (L.) Benth) leaves, seeds, Flowers & stem bark. Fresh samples of all parts were collected, and dried powders were studied under a microscope to reveal the plants' microscopic features. A preliminary phytochemical investigation of the plant material was also conducted using standard methods.

Results and Discussion: Phytochemical screening of successive extracts of both extracts of different parts (leaves, Seeds, Pods & Stem bark) of Shirisha shows the presence of Alkaloids, Proteins, Saponins, Steroids, Flavonoids and Triterpenoids.

Keywords: Shirisha, Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth Seed, Stem bark, leaf, Flower, phyto-chemical

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Mallamma H Biradar, Professor and HOD, Dept of Agadatantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka, BLDEA's AVS Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.
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Goudra M, Biradar MH, Pujari V, Benakatti V, A Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis of different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth) with special reference to Vishaghna Karma. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):83-90.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4501/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-13 2025-05-23 2025-06-05 2025-06-13 2025-06-25
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© 2025 by Goudra M, Biradar MH, Pujari V, Benakatti V and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences

Introduction

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shirisha is considered an Agryadravya antidote against all types of poisons.[1,3] Acharya Charaka quote the Shirisha Vishaghnanam Shrestha.[1] Many Ayurvedic formulations of Shirisha, like Pancha Shirishagada, Amrtaghrta, Paramoagada, Mahagandhahastiagad etc.[2] have been indicated in poisoning. The classics and recent studies suggest all the parts of Shirisha are useful,[4-7] however, it has been established that every part of the plant has anAntidotal value against either snake or scorpion venoms.[8]

By focusing on different therapeutic uses of Shirisha and its multifaceted activities, it is considered as the best antitoxic drug in managing of all types of Visha conditions, especially in Keeta Visha (insects bite) as well as in allergic conditions.[9-11] Saponin isolated from Shirisha bark and methanolic pod extract of Shirisha includes an Antispermatogenic effect. And also have analgesic, anti-inflammatory anti-diarrheal, Anxiolytic and Nootropic activity.[12]

By considering these facts Analytical study plays a pivotal role in the authentication of drugs, to understand the probable mode of action of various pharmacological actions, and as a part of standardization So, here is an effort to screen the preliminary phyto-chemical analysis in different partsof Shirisha like Patra, Beeja, Pods, Pushpa, and Kanda Twak were taken. Shirisha is general and universal antidote.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted under differentheadings

  • Collection and preparation of the drug
  • Macroscopic study of different parts
  • Microscopic study of different parts
  • Preliminary Phytochemical screening of the different parts of drug.

The samples were subjected to the above-mentioned studies by following the standard methods mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopea of India.

Place of Work:The study was carried out in the quality control laboratory, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Pharmacy.

Drug Collection:

The Shirisha Patra, Pushpa, Beeja, Kaanda Twak are collected from natural habitat.

  • Leaf - Matured leaves were collected, washed in running tap water to remove dust particles, dried in shade and made into powder
  • Stem bark – The stem bark was peeled, cleaned in running tap water to remove mud and other foreign matter, cut into pieces and dried in the shade. Later, the dried material is made into coarse powder.
  • Seeds - The matured pods were collected, seeds were removed from the Pods, kept for shade dry, later made into a Coarse Powder.
  • Flowers - Collected from the tree and kept under shade to make it dry, later converted into powder form.
  • Pods - Matured pods were collected, washed with tap water to remove the dust particles, dried in shade and made into powder.

Drug Authentication: The drug was authenticated as Albizia lebbeck by the Department of Dravyaguna.

Macroscopy observation[13-17]

The leaf of Albizia lebbeck is compound and opposite bipinnate, consisting of 8–10 paired leaflets. The leaf color is lime-green, with a darker abaxial than the adaxial side. This color is maintained even after drying, and the leaf withers quickly when detached from the tree. [Table no. 01]

Bark - Pale, Young shoots glabrous, Bark is fissured.
Flower - Complete, bisexual, fragrant, greenish yellow.
Fruits - Leguminous pod
Seed - Non endospermic, brown.

Table 1: Organoleptic Character of Different Parts of Shirisha (Powder)

Organoleptic CharacterLeavesSeedsStemPodsFlowers
ColorGreenSlight yellowish
Brown
Dark brownYellowish brownPale yellowish
TextureSmoothSmoothRoughRoughSoft
OdorCharacteristicCharacteristicCharacteristicCharacteristicCharacteristic
TasteAstringentAstringentAstringentAstringentAstringent
AppearanceAmorphousAmorphousAmorphousAmorphousAmorphous

Sample Analysis:[7]

  • Physicochemical Analysis of Observations and Results
  • Physical Constituents of different parts of Shirisha

Discussion

Acharya Charaka has mentioned Shirisha as Vishaghna Shrestha Dravya [Sirishahvishaghnanam Shreshthah - Charak Sutra 25/4]. Shirisha has many therapeutic uses and multifaceted activities, hence it is considered as the best antitoxic drug in many Visha conditions,[18] even existing research literature also says that the bark decoction of Shirisha possesses anti-anaphylactic, anti-asthmatic activity and these potentials can be assumed as supportive measures in poisoning treatment. The plant is considered the most potent alexipharmic/ antidotal / prophylactic and every part of it is prescribed for treating bites and stings from venomous animals.[19-22]

So, Shirisha (Albezia lebeck) is known for its Vishaghna activity. In this study, all the parts of Shirisha were screened for physicochemical constituents. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Bark, Leaf, Flower, and seed were subjected to chemical analysis.

Physical Constants: Physical constants like Moisture value, Ash value, and Extractive values were within the range of standards mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. This suggests the samples of Shirisha were of good qualitatively. [Table - 02]

Table 2: Physicochemical Analysis Result of Different Parts of Shirisha

SNParametersBeejaKandaPatraPodsPushpa
1.PH5.485.375.755.375.40
2.Specific gravity1.0091.02791.0261.03611.025
3.Total Ash value6.68.410.24.4-
4.Moisture content3.21.61.123.82
5.Solubility Test
FormalinSparingly SolublePartially SolubleSparingly
soluble
InsolublePartially Soluble
EthanolPartially SolubleSparingly SolublePartially solubleInsolublePartially Soluble
MethanolPartially SolubleSparingly SolublePartially SolubleInsolublePartially Soluble
XylineSparingly SolublePartially SolubleSparingly SolubleInsolublePartially Soluble
ChloroformPartially SolubleSparingly SolublePartially SolubleInsolublePartially Soluble

Chemical Analysis: The extracts were subjected for chemical analysis, and the result suggests the presence of Alkaloids, Phenols, Flavanoids, Saponins etc. Any pharmacological activity of the drug is attributed to its chemical components.[Table - 03 - 06]

Table 3: Physical characters of extracts of Leaf, Seed, pods, Stem bark:

SampleExtractsColourOdourNatureTaste
LeafEthanolicGreenSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
SeedEthanolicBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
PodsEthanolicBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
Stem barkEthanolicReddish BrownSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBlakish BrownSpecificStickyAstringent

Table 4: Phyto-Chemical Analysis of Ethanolic Extraction of different parts of Shirisha

SNConstituent NameLeavesSeedsPodsStem Bark
1.AlkaloidsPresentPresentPresentPresent
2.CarbohydratesAbsentAbsentAbsentPresent
3.TanninsPresentPresentAbsentAbsent
4.SteroidsPresentPresentPresentPresent
5.TriterpenoidsPresentPresentPresentPresent
6.FlavanoidsPresentPresentPresentAbsent
7.ProteinsPresentPresentPresentPresent
8.SaponinsAbsentAbsentAbsentPresent
9.CarotenoidsAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsent

Table 5: Phyto-Chemical Analysis of Aqueous Extraction of Different parts of Shirisha

SNConstituent NameLeavesSeedsStem bark
1.AlkaloidsPresentPresentPresent
2.CarbohydratesAbsentAbsentPresent
3.TanninsPresentPresentAbsent
4.SteroidsPresentPresentPresent
5.TriterpenoidsPresentPresentPresent
6.FlavanoidsPresentPresentAbsent
7.ProteinsPresentPresentPresent
8.SaponinsPresentPresentPresent
9.CarotenoidsAbsentAbsentAbsent

Table 6: Physical characteristics of extracts of Leaves, Seeds, Pods, and Stem bark.

SampleExtractsColourOdourNatureTaste
LeafEthanolicGreenSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
SeedEthanolicBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
PodsEthanolicBrownSpecificStickyAstringent
Stem barkEthanolicReddish BrownSpecificStickyAstringent
AqueousBlakish BrownSpecificStickyAstringent

Microscopic observation

Microscopic features of the leaf, seeds, stem bark, and flowers were enclosed.

jaims_4501_01.JPG
Figure 1: Leaf mid rib

jaims_4501_02.JPG
Figure 2: Leaf lamina

jaims_4501_03.JPG
Figure 3: Flower

jaims_4501_04.JPG
Figure 4: Flower

jaims_4501_05.JPG
Figure 5: Stem bark

jaims_4501_06.JPG
Figure 6: Stem Bark Powder

Macroscopy observation

Macroscopic features of the leaf, seeds, stem bark, pods and flowers were enclosed.

jaims_4501_07.JPG
Figure 7: Pods

jaims_4501_08.JPG
Figure 8: Seeds


jaims_4501_09.JPG
Figure 9: Stem Bark

jaims_4501_10.JPG
Figure 10: Leaves

jaims_4501_11.JPG
Figure 11: Flowers 

jaims_4501_12.JPG
Figure 12: Pods Powder

jaims_4501_13.JPG
Figure 13: Stem Bark Powder

jaims_4501_14.JPG
Figure 14: Leaves Powder

Pharmacological activities: The literature regarding the drug Shirisha implies its multifaceted activities like, Anti-poisonous/ Anti-Venom, Antioxidants, Anti-allergic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial etc.[23-27] The Vishaghna term in Ayurveda would be understood as protecting from harmful entities. Harmful factors include snake poison, insect bites, free radicals, toxic chemicals, etc. Hence, here in this paper, the anti-poisonous activity, Antioxidant activity and Anti allergic activity of Shirisha are discussed.

Probable Mode of Action

Anti-Venom activity: The phyto-constituents like Saponins, Phenols, Flavonoids, and Steroids interact with Venom enzymes or toxins, neutralizing their activity or toxic effects. The phyto constituents inhibit venom activity by protein binding or neutralizing the enzyme.

Antioxidants: The Phenols and flavonoids act as donors of hydrogen ion to terminate the odd electron in free radicals. Hence, it acts as an antioxidant.[25]


Anti-allergic activity: Saponins act as anti-allergic agent by inhibiting the histamine receptor.[27]

Saponins are considered to be natural detergent that washes out/ flush out toxins, microorganisms, and any poisonous enzymes. Hence in Ayurvedic classics, Shirisha is considered as best Vishaghna Dravya. Shirisha twak and other parts are administered in decoction or in powder form with various Anupana. The saponin is soluble in both aqueous & alcohol form, the mode of action of pharmacological activities can be understood.

Conclusion

Shirisha (Albezia lebbeck), the drug is known for its Vishaghna karma, Acharya Charaka mentions Shirisha as Agrya amongst Vishaghna Dravya. The physical & chemical analysis of Shirisha parts confirms the presence of Saponins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids & phenols. These secondary metabolites are known for antioxidant, ant poisonous, natural detergent etc. pharmacological actions. Vishaghna karma, in a broader sense, can be understood as antioxidants that tackle free radicals, anti-poisonous, i.e., acts as a chelating agent for poisonous enzyme molecules in the body, and anti-allergic, which combats the histamine cells.As the secondary metabolites are responsible for the pharmacological activities, the complete analysis of Shirisha plant parts gives the basis for its Vishaghna karma, as explained in Ayurveda.

Financial Support: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka.

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