PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON THE ENDEMIC MEDICINAL PLANT – AGLAIA ELAEAGNOIDEA (JUSS.) BENTH. (MELIACEAE)

S. Bangajavalli* and V. Ramasubramanian

ABSTRACT

Aglaia species are known for many biological activities like antipyretic, analgesic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and insecticidal activity. Aglaia elaeagnoidea (JUSS) Benth. (Meliaceae) is an endemic medicinal tree of peninsular India. The stem and leaf of this tree are used by the rural folk similar to other Aglaia species in curing skin diseases, fever, dysentery, cooling, astringent, abdominal pain, emetic and excessive menstruation. The present investigation is intended to evaluate the pharmacognostical features of stem and leaf of this species. The pharmacognostical parameters were carried out by complete botanical evaluation which includes macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis. Pharmacognostical standard serve as a reference piece and helps in the further identification and authentication of this taxon.

Keywords: Aglaia elaeagnoidea, Pharmacognosy, physicochemical, phytochemical analysis.