STUDIES ON PHARMACOGNOSTICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM.

ABSTRACT

         In ethnomedicinal practices the traditional healers use the leaves and root barks of Azima tetracantha in the treatment of various ailments. Scientific parameters are not yet available to identify the true plant material and to ensure its quality. Therefore the present work has been undertaken to establish the necessary pharmacognostic standards for evaluating the plant material. In our studies, anatomical studies on the root bark, stems and leaves of Azima tetracantha Lam. have been carried out. Various parameters like morphology and microscopy of the root bark, stems and leaves and also powder analysis, fluorescence characteristics and physico-chemical constants of root bark were studied and the salient diagnostic features are documented. Obvious morphological features of different organs of this plant and the microscopic characteristics were found in the tissue structures of the root bark, stem, leaf and many diagnostic elements were found to be useful evidences in the identification of this medicinal plant.

KEY WORDS: Azima tetracantha, ethnomedicine, microscopy, pharmacognostical parameters.