Use of pharmacognosy to study Pithecellobuim dulce (Roxb). Benth. Stem and leaves

Abstract

Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources. The present study is of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.which belongs to family Leguminosae and sub family Mimosae. It includes the evaluation like physicochemical parameters like preliminary phytochemical screening, total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash and extractive values in different solvents which are also required in correct identification of crude drug i.e. Pithecellobium dulce as mentioned in the Pharmacopoeia of India. Leaves yield quercitin, kaempferol, dulcitol and afezilin which are used as medicine against cancer and as antioxidants.