Description

Traditional medicine is the main source of medical care for a great percentage of the population of the developing world. Medicinal plants have been a valuable source of natural active phytoconsituents that play an important role in the treatment of many human diseases. The pharmacognostical characterization helps in identification and standardization and lays down quality control parameters of the crude drugs so as to distinguish it from its adulterants. The present study deals with the pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical screening of few medicinal plants (Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cynadon dactylon, Paspalum dilatatum and Thuja occidentails) of Gujarat region, India. It includes collection, identification, microscopical, macroscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation. The screened plants were rich in flavanoids, alkaloids and tannins. The standards laid down will be useful in quick identification of crude drugs as whole or in powdered form. The parameters will enable to maintain quality and purity of the crude drugs.