Preliminary pharmacognostic evaluations and phytochemical studies on root of Vernonia cinerea Less

摘要

Vernonia cinerea Less, belongs to family Asteraceae and is widely distributed in India. It grows up to 12-75cms in height with cylindrical stem, bears pinkish violet colored flowers. The plant consists of tap root which is used as a folklore medicinein many countries as Antimicrobial, Antidiarrhoeal and Antileprotic. Even though the root of plant has gained scientific importance recently there is a need for Pharmacognostic standardization. Hence, the present work the root part of the plant was subjected to microscopical and physical evaluation. In the microscopical studies, the different cell structures and powder characters were studied. In the Physical evaluation the Ash value. Extractive value. Loss on drying and reaction of powder with chemicalreagents were studied. The various Pharmacognostical constants obtained could help in the development of a suitable monograph for the plant.