Pharmacognostical studies on Sankhapushpi (Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng. and Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.

529-541Sankhapushpi is an important drug used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is considered as one of the controversial drugs in Ayurveda since more than one botanical source is assigned to the drug. To facilitate correct and easy identification of the drug, pharmacognostical studies covering morphology, macro- and microscopical studies and physico-chemical analysis along with diagnostic characters on two sources - Convolvulus microphyllus and Evolvulus alsinoides is presented. The study helps in the standardization of the drug

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA" lang="EN-GB">Pharmacognostical studies on the root and rhizome of <i>Nymphoides hydrophylla</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"> (Linn.) O. Kuntze –An alternate source for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Tagara </i>drug</span></span>

371-385Tagara is an important drug used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The accepted botanical source of Tagara is Valeriana jatamasni Jones, although different species of Nymphoides Hill are used by the physicians. The pharmacognostical evaluation of the root and rhizome of Nymphoides hydrophylla, a potential alternative source for Tagara is presented in this paper. Important details like morphology of the plant, macro-, microscopical characters, macerate, histochemical tests, UV studies of the root and rhizome along with physico-chemical constants, phytochemical analysis and HPTLC finger print profile are presented, all of which will be useful in the standardization of this drug. Isolation of β-sitosterol, betulinic, salicylic and tannic acids are reported for the first time from N. hydrophylla. The pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies help in the identification of N. hydrophylla from other species used as Tagara. </span

Pharmacognostical studies on the rhizome and root of <i style="">Smilax zeylanica</i> Linn. –A potential alternate source for the Ayurvedic drug <i style="">Chopachinee</i>

328-337Chopachinee is an important Ayurvedic drug used in several formulations and diseases. Smilax Linn. species are used as botanical source of Chopachinee while the accepted source is Smilax china Linn. Smilax zeylanica Linn., a potential alternate source for Chopachinee, occurring in South India is pharmacognostically investigated in this paper. It is used in the treatment of abscesses, skin disorders, sores, swellings, venereal diseases and as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. The present study comprises taxonomical, macroscopical, microscopical characters, physico-chemical and ultra-violet analysis besides chromatographic studies of the rhizome and root which not only help in the identification of the drug but also contribute towards establishing pharmacopoeial standards. HPTLC finger printing of diosgenin present in the drug is carried out to establish the biomarker compound

Pharmacognostical studies on the root of <i style="">Nothosaerva brachiata </i>Wt. – A botanical source of the Ayurvedic drug, <i style="">Pashanabheda</i>

629-634Pashanabheda is an important Ayurvedic drug. Several species belonging to different families are used as the botanical source of Pashanabheda while the accepted source is Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. The roots of Nothosaerva brachiata Wight is used is South India as one of the sources of Pashanabheda. The study comprising taxonomy of the species, macro- and microscopical characters, physicochemical and ultra-violet analysis besides chromatographic details of the root of N. brachiata, helps in the identification of the plant and the drug but also contribute towards establishing pharmacopoeial standards. HPTLC studies helps to identify the species in drug form and to establish the biomarker compound

Pharmacognostical evaluation of root bark of <i style="">Streblus asper</i> Lour

176-180Streblus asper Lour. known as Shakhotaka in Ayurveda and Piraayan in Siddha is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Moraceae. The root bark is antipyretic, antidysentric and analgesic, and sedative. The study provides taxonomical, pharmacognostical and physicochemical details helpful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeial parameters. The diagnostic characters are latex exudation, lenticular opening, crystals and latex cells in secondary phloem, 2-3-seriate medullary rays, and septate fibers. Physicochemical studies revealed, total moisture content (8.91%), total ash (15.00%), acid insoluble ash (5.65%), water-soluble ash (3.23%), alcohol soluble extractive value (18.05%), and water-soluble extractive value (35.83%). Ultraviolet analysis exhibited considerable variation. Preliminary organic analysis revealed carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponin, gums and mucilage. Thin layer chromatographic studies gave 8 and 7 spots in alcohol and aqueous extracts, respectively

Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of <i style="">Cocculus hirsutus</i> (Linn.) Diels – <i style="">Chilahinta</i>, an Ayurvedic drug

38-43Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels known as Chilahinta in Ayurveda and Kattu kodi in Siddha is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Menispermaceae. The leaves are used to treat several diseases like polyuria, fevers, piles and is said to possess aphrodisiac property. The present study provides taxonomical, pharmacognostical and physico-chemical details helpful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeial parameters. Some diagnostic characters are presence of unicellular ribbon shaped trichome both on lamina and petiole, presence of sunken stomata, excretory sacs in mesophyll. Physico-chemical studies revealed total moisture content (6.67%), total ash (5.07%), acid insoluble ash (0.57%), water soluble ash (0.65%), alcohol soluble extractive (32.63%) and water soluble extractive (26.85%). Ultraviolet analysis exhibited considerable variation and preliminary organic analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, fixed oils, fats, mucilage, glycosides and phytosterols. HPTLC profile of alcoholic extract of leaves gave 16 phytoconstituents

Pharmacognostical studies on <i style="">Flickingeria nodosa</i> (Dalz.) Seidenf. stem and pseudobulbs – A botanical source of the Ayurvedic drug <i style="">Jivanti</i>

22-28The pharmacognostical evaluation of Flickingeria nodosa (Dalz.) Seidenf. stem and pseudobulb which are considered as one of the botanical sources of the important Ayurvedic drug Jivanti is presented. The study comprises taxonomic details, macro- and microscopical characters of parts used, physico-chemical details, HPTLC profile of aqueous and alcohol extracts. This study will help in laying down pharmacopoeial standards for F. nodosa</i

Pharmacognostical studies on the root tubers of <i>Asparagus gonoclados</i> Baker –Alternate source for the Ayurvedic drug Shatavari

57-62Asparagus gonoclados Baker is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Liliaceae (sensu lato). Many species of Asparagus Linn. including A. gonoclados are used as substitute of the well known Ayurvedic drug, Shatavari. Root tubers of Shatavari possesses adaptogenic, antioxidant, cooling, emollient, diuretic, galactagogue, nervine tonic, rejuvenating, and stomachic properties; they are useful in treatment of diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia, epilepsy, fatigue, inflammations, nervous disorders, tumours and tuberculosis. The present study provides taxonomy of the species, pharmacognostical and physico-chemical details of the root tubers of A. gonoclados. This helps in laying down standardisation and pharmacopoeial parameters. Presence of Shatavarin IV in the alcohol and aqueous extracts is reported in this species for the first time