A Comprehensive Phytochemical and Pharmacognostic Study of Anogeissus latifolia leaves

Abstract

Anogeissus latifolia is one of the most important medicinal plants useful in traditional system of medicine. It is used in the treatment of wound, diarrhoea, dysentery and diabetes in Hamirpur and Una, Himachal Pradesh. Due to its growing importance in ethno medicinal field, proper identification and evaluation are essential. This research article presents detailed Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation on leaves of Anogeissus latifolia which will be used in its identification and resulting standardization. The fresh and powdered leaves were examined for their macroscopic and microscopic properties. Physicochemical properties and phytochemical screening were carried out as per WHO guidelines. Anogeissus latifolia is a simple, opposite to alternate type of leaf, stipulate, Petiolate with reticulate venation, entire margin and Cuniate base. The total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash values along with the moisture content, water soluble extractive and alcohol soluble extractive values also obtained by following WHO guidelines. Phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids as the major phytochemical constituents. The Pharmacognostical measures of the leaves of Anogeissus latifolia were determined and serve as quality control standards for identification and purity control of the drug.