Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF ANDROGRAPHIS MACROBOTRYS (NEES) A FOLK MEDICINAL PLANT

Ranjitha S.*, Chandrakanth Bhat, Sudhakar Bhat and Rejukrishnan

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Andrographis macrobotrys (Nees) is an erect, stout herb of Acanthaceae family found in semi-evergreen forest of south India and Srilanka which is used in the treatment of snake bite, diarrhoea, muscle pain, fever, jaundice, liver disorders and skin disease by the tribes of Kerala. The present study has been designed for pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of the above drug. Materials and Methods: Drug review, macroscopic, microscopic evaluation and Phytochemical study of plant Andrographis macrobotrys (Nees) were carried out. Results: Macroscopic study showed many features like dark purplish colour at nodes, cuneate at base etc. Microscopic study of whole plant showed chlorenchyma cells, groups of sclerieds in cortex region of stem, calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains in leaf. Phytochemical study including TLC showed presence of saponins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, gums and mucilages, steroids, tannins and phenolic compounds.

Keywords: Andrographis macrobotrys Nees., macroscopy, microscopy, phytochemical study, TLC.