"HPTLC-Based Pharmacognosy and Quality Evaluation of Lakadong Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a GI-Tagged Variety from Meghalaya

Abstract

Background: More than 80% of farmers in Meghalaya are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. The state's agroecological conditions offer significant potential for cultivating horticultural crops, particularly spices. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an important spice crop cultivated by tribal farmers and has significant commercial value. Lakadong turmeric, a Geographical Indication (GI)‑tagged variety native to the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, is renowned for its exceptionally high curcumin content (?7%) and distinctive therapeutic properties.

Objectives: To carry out pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical, and HPTLC evaluation of Lakadong turmeric rhizome powder for standardisation and quality control.

Methods: Lakadong turmeric rhizomes were collected from the West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, and authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India. Organoleptic, macroscopic, and powder microscopic analyses were carried out. Physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical screening, and HPTLC profiling were performed in accordance with standard pharmacopoeial procedures.

Results showed that Lakadong turmeric possessed typical organoleptic traits and key microscopic features including fibers, oil glands, stone cells, epidermal, and parenchyma cells. Physicochemical tests indicated high quality and purity. Phytochemical analysis detected phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. HPTLC analysis identified curcumin as the main component, with a distinct band at Rf 0.47.

Conclusion: The study establishes reliable pharmacognostical and chromatographic markers for Lakadong turmeric and provides baseline data useful for its standardization and quality assurance.