PHYSICAL AND PHYTO-CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF STEM OF SESAMUM INDICUM LINN (TILA NALA).

Sesamumindicum Linn.is an erect pubescent annual herb commonly known as sesame plant. The uses of Tilanalakshara (alkali preparation from stem or stalk of Sesamumindicum Linn.) is mentioned in Ayurvedic text books like Cakradatta,Yogaratnakara etc. Ascertaining the identity,genuineness and purity of herbal drugs has an important role in the maintenance of the quality of the drug and its formulations. The present study was undertaken to assess the preliminary physical and phyto-chemical parameters of the stem of Sesamumindicum Linn. The preliminary physical and phyto-chemical analysis includes analysing parameters such as the foreign body matter, moisture content, ash values, fibre content, volatile oil content, sugar content, different extractive values, qualitative analysis, heavy metal analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques like TLC and HPTLC. The preliminary physical and phyto-chemical characters observed in this study may help in standardisation,identification and in carrying out further research in Sesamumindicum Linn.