PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STANDARDIZATION AND HPTLC FINGERPRINT PROFILE OF ORIGANUM VULGARE L. (LAMIACEAE)

India is a great source of naturally occurring plant drugs which are having potential pharmacological activities. Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most important medicinal plants in India, consisting of aromatic and medicinal properties which is used to cure many ailments. In spite of its plethora of uses as medicine and food additives since ancient times, it has reaped very little scientific interest so far, particularly in India. In such a propitious context, the intention of this study was to enhance the plant as a medicinal herb by determining pharmacognostic standards and evaluating the phytochemical components. Hence, the present study aimed at the pharmacognostical standardization of Origanum vulgare L., including the morphology, anatomy, and powder studies pertaining to organoleptic, microscopic, and physical constant evaluations. This study also describes the phyto-chemical screening and HPTLC analysis of major phytochemicals present in the taxa. The pharmacognostic profile obtained from this work can serve as a tool for developing standards for the identification, quality, and purity of Origanum vulgare L. The results of phytochemical analysis exhibited a remarkable combination of chemical components, including alkaloids, essential oils, and steroids. The HPTLC fingerprint obtained can be used as a biomarker for identifying the species from the adulterant. In conclusion, the various pharmacognostical constants and HPTLC profiles reported in this study could be useful in authenticating and developing monographs of this plant.