2013, Vol. 1, Issue 3, Part A

author(s)
Arabind Kumar*, Vipin K Garg, Ratendra Kumar, Lubhan Singh, Shivani Chauhan, Sweety (India)

abstract
Adhatoda vasica Nees (Family - Acanthaceae), commonly known as Vasaka or Arusha is found commonly in India.rnThese species are rich source of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids which are responsible for strong anti-oxidantrnproperties that help in prevention & therapy of various oxidative stress related diseases. In present investigation,rnpharmacognostic study of Adhatoda vasica (leaves) was carried out to lay down the standards which could be usefulrnin future experimental studies. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study of its leaves has been performed yet.rnThe study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation andrnfluorescence analysis. Highest extractive values were found with water and ethanol. The fluorescence analysis underrnvisible light and under UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed different color changes. Thernpresences of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins were confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening.rnConclusion: Such a study would serve as a useful gauge in standardization of the plant material, isolation ofrnmedicinally important phytoconstituents, performing pharmacological investigations and ensuring qualityrnformulations