Taxonomical identification of different plant sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda spp.)

Abstract

Vaasa, is a valuable medicinal plant extensively utilized in Ayurvedic medicine. The increasing demand for Vaasa has led to a rise in the availability of both wild and cultivated sources. This study focuses on the taxonomical identification of various plant sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda spp.). The study involved a comprehensive investigation based on morphological characteristics to differentiate five sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda spp.), denoted as A1 (Valiyaadalodakam), A2 (Cheriyaadalodakam), A3 (Adhatoda spp. - Vasika), A4 (Adhatoda spp. - Ajagandhi), and A5 (Adhatoda beddomei C B Clarke). The results of the study revealed that sample A1 closely resembled Adhatoda vasica Nees, as described in authentic textbooks, indicating its species-level identity. Sample A2, on the other hand, exhibited notable morphological differences from sample A1, suggesting it may represent a distinct "form" of Adhatoda vasica Nees. Samples A3 and sample A4 showed variations in various characteristics, indicating that they belong to an infraspecific level, “varieties” within the Adhatoda spp. Sample A5 exhibited similar morphological features to Adhatoda beddomei C B Clarke, suggesting that it represents a different "species" from Sample A1. In conclusion, the study highlights significant morphological variations among the different Adhatoda spp., confirming the existence of multiple Vaasa sources. This underscores the taxonomical diversity within the Adhatoda spp. The study's findings contribute to the better understanding and identification of various Vaasa sources used in Ayurvedic medicine, which can be essential for quality control and research in this field.