Quantitative analysis of diosgenin in costus speciosus extracts by HPTLC with ultraviolet absorption densitometry

Costus speciosus (Koen) J.E. Sm. Family: Zingiberaceae is an erect herbaceous plant up to 2 m high with long lanceolate leaves and white fragrant flowers in terminal clusters. The plant flowers during the months of July and August, the aerial parts withering away during the winter season. It has wide distribution in India, occurring throughout the sub-Himalayan tract from Himachal Pradesh to Assam, Vindhya and Satpura hills in central India and the western ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala[1]. Costus speciosus has recently gained importance as a source of diosgenin, a precursor for the synthesis of steroidal hormones[2]. The rhizomes are well known for their diosgenin content and also for several saponins[3]. Literature survey revealed that there is no HPTLC method for analysis of diosgenin in Costus speciosus. The purpose of this research is to establish such a method and, after validation in accordance with J.Y.Nehete*, M.S.Bhatia Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Kolhapur, Maharashtra-416013, (INDIA) E-mail : [email protected] Received: 19 November, 2008 ; Accepted: 24 November, 2008