Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROFILE OF SCAEVOLA TACCADA (GAERTN.) ROXB. (LEAF AND STEM) - AN EXTRAPHARMACOPOEIAL DRUG.

Dr. Madhuri Rai*, Dr. Harisha C. R., Gautam Fichadiya., Dr. T. S. Dudhamal and Dr. Vijay Thagele

Abstract

WHO has been promoting traditional medicines as a source of less expensive medical care, especially in developing countries. Eighty percent of the world’s population relies on medicinal plants for their primary health care. Plants which are not codified in pharmacopoeia or any other classical text of Ayurveda, yet used traditionally are called as Anukta Dravya (extrapharmacopoeial plant). One such plant Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. also called Safed modak in hindi. It is an extrapharmacopoeial medicinal plant belonging to Goodeniaceae family is Asian traditional medicine. Leaves are given in indigestion. Poultice applied on tumours and swollen legs. Juice of fruit used in eye troubles. Pharmacognostical characters have been not reported on leaf and stem till date. So, this work focused on leaf and stem sample of plant to establish their Pharmacognostical standardization. The characteristic of microscopy of leaf sample shows dorsiventral more than 5 vacsular bundle present passing through midrib with number of calcium oxalate crystal and oil globules. Powder shows anisocytic stomata, simple trichome. Stem T.S. shows that outer cork cortex, vascular bundle and central pith with extra vascular bundles. Powder shows lignified fibres, tannin content. The above findings which play major role to authentify the species.

Keywords: Pharmacognosy, poultice, Safed modak, Scaevola taccada.