The findings demonstrate that the three bioactive components
used as markers were successfully purified and detected in all parts
of the herb. Optimum separation was obtained by using a linear
gradient of acetonitrile in water from 25% to 65% for 30 min.
HPLC analyses revealed considerable variation in the concentration
of these bioactive components (Table 6). The maximum concentration
was observed in roots, followed by leaves and petioles.
The highest accumulation of Asiatic acid was manifested in the
roots (12.5ppmg−1 dw) receiving the CT50 +NPK50 treatment, followed
by CT100 (9.52ppmg−1 dw) and NPK100 (6.11ppmg−1 dw),
whereas the lowest level was observed in the control. There were
no significant differences between individual applications of either
CT or NPK at half their recommended concentrations. The distribution
and concentration of madecassoside and asiaticoside followed
a similar pattern to that of asiatic acid. In all cases, the maximum
accumulation was in treatments with CT and NPK at half of the recommended
dosage, followed by other treatments. Accumulation
was lowest in the control.