Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF ASTHISHRUNKALA (CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS LINN)

Prajna G.* and Subrahmanya Padyana

Abstract

The drug Asthisrunkala (Cissus quadrangularis Linn) is a common perennial climber, which is widely used in the folklore practice in South India mainly in fracture of bones, Inflammatory conditions, wounds, low back ache etc. No mention of its prescription is seen in Brihatrayees, nor virtually mentioned as shotha hara. The T S of stem shows Raphides of calcium oxalate crystals, intrafasicular cambium, arc shaped collenchymatous cells in the corner and discontinues vascular bundles. Preliminary phytochemical study reveals the presence of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Flavonoids, Triterpanoids, Phenolics, Elagic acid, Tannin, Saponin and steroids. The ash analysis shows the presence of Phosphates, Calcium and Iron. All these organic and inorganic components infer the drug action as an anti-inflammatory agent, analgesic and helps in healing the fracture of the bones.

Keywords: Asthisrunkala, Cissus quadrangularis Linn., Phytochemical study.