Pharmacognostical and physicochemical study of Cassia fistula Linn. Leaflets

Abstract

Cassia fistula (Family Caesalpiniaceae) is a moderate sized deciduous tree which is well known in Indian system of medicine. Traditionally used by the peoples around tropical and subtropical areas to treat various diseases. For the correct identification of similar looking species, there should be well documented characteristics of plant. The present study laid down the morpho-anotomical and physicochemical standards of Cassia fistula leaflets. The evaluation of preliminary phytochemical investigations was carried out which shows the methanolic and aqueous extracts are rich in maximum number of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins and carbohydrates. Physicochemical Parameters like foreign organic matter (2.3%), total moisture content (13.2%) Ash values (Total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash) were evaluated which are found to be within standard limits.