Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON THE LEAVES OF LAKSHMITARU (SIMAROUBA GLAUCA DC.), A WELL KNOWN ANTI-CANCEROUS PLANT

Shantha T. R., Prathapa Reddy M.*, Rama Rao V., Kishore Kumar R., Sulochana Bhat

ABSTRACT

In the present communication, Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of a well known anti-cancerous drug, commonly known as Lakshmi taru in India is botanically equated to Simarouba glauca DC., belonging to the family Simbouraceae, have been carried out. Studies revealed that leaves possess microscopically abundant clustered calcium oxalate crystals near the vascular region, an arc shaped vascular bundle, prominent ring of pericyclic fibers near the vascular bundle, 2 layered palisade tissue, presence of abundant and prominent brachysclereides, many layered spongy parenchymatous tissue in the laminar region. Presence of abundant and prominent. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenolic compounds and tannins. Fluorescence analysis of leaf powder with different reagents was carried out, which showed evidence of presence of different prominent phytoconstituents which are responsible for various medicinal activities/properties.

Keywords: Pharmacognosy, leaves, lakshmitaru, simarouba, anti-cancerous drug.