Pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation of Indigofera cordifolia L

Abstract

The pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations on the whole plant of Indigofera cordifolia (Linn.) were carried out. Macroscopic study of leaf and stem I. cordifolia revealed some of the characteristic features like size, shape, colour, odour and taste of the crude drug and in microscopic study internal characteristic features like epidermis, cortex, xylem, phloem, trichomes, and stomata were noted. In physicochemical analysis, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and sulphated ash were estimated which were within limits. Extractive value was maximum in methanol as compared to other solvents. Fluorescence analysis with various reagents showed characteristic colouration at day (visible light) and under UV light. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of many bioactive constituents like flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and anthocyanins. This study will be helpful in the future pharmacognostic standardization of this important plant. The parameters laid down will be useful and suitable for compilation of a monograph and help in dentifying this plant in its crude form and prevent it from adulteration and ensure its thereapeutic efficacy.