Abstract

FROM MORPHOLOGY TO MOLECULES: PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF DATURA METEL LINN. LEAF

*S. Khathija, Renu Dixit, K.V.V. Bhaskar Reddy

Abstract

Datura metel Linn., a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family is widely distributed across the World. Traditionally Datura metel Linn., is used many diseases, including Neurological and heart diseases, fever, catarrh, pain, diarrhea, skin diseases, chronic bronchitis, asthma, digestive disorders and so on. It possesses many important phytochemicals that can be used to treat various diseases. The present study is aimed to establish Pharmacognostic standards and evaluate the Phytochemical profile of its leaves. Detailed Macroscopic and Microscopic examinations were carried out for proper identification and authentication of the plant material. The Powdered drug was further subjected to Qualitative Phytochemical screening using standard procedures. The findings revealed distinct Morphological and Anatomical characteristics along with the presence of important Phytoconstituents such as Alkaloids, Reducing sugars, Proteins, Steroids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Tannins, Phenolic compounds, Quinones, Anthraquinones and Coumarins. These results support the Traditional medicinal use of the plant and provides a scientific basis for its Standardization and further Pharmacological investigations.

Keywords: Datura metel, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemical screening.