Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION ON THE ROOT OF VITEX NEGUNDO LINN

Fathima Suman P.*, Minhaj, I. Arthi, Riyama Shirin V. K., Neethu Krishnan S.

ABSTRACT

Vitex negundo Linn. belongs to the family Verbenaceae is well known for curing diseases such as skin diseases, obesity, diabetes, ear pain, diabetes, muscular pain and cough. This study deals with the Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of the root of Vitex negundo Linn. Pharmacognostical studies includes macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical evaluation of the root. The transverse section of root showed the presence of cork cells, phloem, cambium, xylem and medullary rays. Physicochemical constants showed the values of total ash (1%), acid insoluble ash (0.4%), water soluble ash (12.5%), sulphated ash (4.5%), nitrated ash (1.5%), hot extraction(11.22%), water soluble extractive (10.6%), ethanol soluble extractive (13.4%), ether soluble extractive (1.6%), loss on drying (18.8%), swelling index(0.4) and mucilage content(0.2%) w/w. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the alcoholic extract showed presents of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, mucilage and flavanoids. This study helps to development of different standard parameters of the plant which help the identification and authentication of the plant.

Keywords: Vitex negundo Linn, Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Root.