Influence of Seasonal and Geographical Variation on Plant Metabolites of Centipeda Minima

Traditional medicinal plants are used in treatment of number of diseases, Centipeda minima a traditional herb used in various inflammatory induced processes but still its various medicinal uses have not been identified. Centipeda minima (Asteraceae) are found in moist places. Plant being a vital component in various dosage forms therefore its quality and purity is a prime importance. Previous studies revealed that a number of active compounds have been extracted from centipede minima. But till now  there is no evidence has been obtained to indicate whether the active compounds consistently present throughout different seasons and geographical conditions , present study deals with change in any major or minor variation in the plant constituents due to change in season or region. The current study indicates that secondary metabolites contents in Centipeda minima are highest in monsoon season while lowest in summer where as minor significant changes are observed in change in geographical distribution. These results indicate that the secondary metabolites quantity is highly affected by seasonal changes where as geographical distribution plays minor role. Therefore this information will give additional benefit during collection and cultivation of centipede minima.