Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Investigations of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root

Abstract

Objective: To study detailed Pharmacognosy of the root of Plumbago zeylanica Linn (Plumbaginaceae), well known ayurvedic drug (Chitrakah). Method: the macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical testing of the root and other WHO recommended methods for the standardization was done. Results: T.S. of the young and thick root confirmed the presence of periderm with tanniniferous rectangular cells. Cortex wider comprises large, angular, thin walled compact parenchymatous cells and most of the cells have tannin. The vascular cylinder is circular, solid and dense with prominent two or three growth rings. Secondary phloem consists of small groups of sieve elements and parenchymatous cell. The secondary xylem elements include vessels and xylem fibers. Xylem vessels circular thick walled. The xylem fibers are heavily thick walled and lignified.