PHARMACOGNOSTICAL INVESTIGATION OF INDIGOFERA ASPALATHOIDES VAHL. EXDC.

*S. Bangajavalli

ABSTRACT

Indigofera aspalathoides Vahl. Exdc. (Fabaceae) commonly known as “Shivanar vembu” in tamil. It is a erect herb. The whole plant has used to various treatment like leprosy, skin disease, antiseptic, anticancer, toothache, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antitumor. The present investigation focuses on the Pharmacognostical studies include microscopic, physic-chemical constant, fluorescent analysis and preliminary phytochemical evaluations. The total ash content of the whole plant powder is 94% and the extractive value of benzene is more than other solvents. The whole plant powder shows the characteristics fluorescence colour when treated with 50% H2SO4, Alcoholic NaOH and 1N NaOH under UV light. The ethanol extracts shows the presence of catechin, flavanoid, phenol, quinine, saponin, steroid, terpenoid, sugar and glycoside. These findings may be suitable for inclusion in in the proposal pharmacopoeia of Indian medicinal plants.

Keywords: Indigofera aspalathoides, Pharmacognosy, physicochemical, phytochemical analysis.