Vol. 8, Issue 7 (2019)

Aim: The aim of present study is an attempt to provide detailed information on Pharmacognostical & physicochemical features and TLC fingerprinting of E. tithymaloides.

Material and Methods: Fresh leaves from the plant were selected for macroscopical and microscopical studies while air-dried powdered sample of leaves were used for physicochemical evaluation. The leaf extract of petroleum ether and chloroform were used for TLC fingerprinting of selected plant. Pharmacognostical and physiochemical standardization performed as per WHO Quality control methods for medicinal plant materials.

Result: The macroscopical study of leaf showed that leaves are dark-green, alternate, ovate in shape having entire margin, acute apex and attenuate base while microscopy of leaves revealed that it consists of single layered epidermis with cuticle and trichomes, 2-3 layered collenchymas near the upper epidermis followed by 6-8 layered spongy parenchyma and a centrally placed C-shaped bi-collateral vascular bundles. Ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, foaming index etc. physicochemical parameters were also found out. TLC fingerprinting, reveled separation of appreciable numbers of Phyto-constituents.

Conclusion: The results of the study can be used as markers in the identification and standardization of this plant and also towards monograph development on the plant. TLC fingerprinting could be useful for qualitative and quantitative analysis of separated Phtyconstituents.