Preliminary pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis of “<i style="">Granthika</i>” (<i style="">Leonotis nepetaefolia</i>): An Ayurvedic herb

Abstract

Botanical identification data and phytochemical characterization of a medicinal plant provides authentic means to be used these as crude herbs or extracts, pure natural compounds and foods having health benefits. The present study is based on preliminary pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation on root and leaves of <i style="">Leonotis nepetaefolia </i>(L.)

R. Br. (Lamiaceae- Mint family). The plant is also known as <i style="">Granthiparni</i> or <i style="">Granthika</i> in Ayurveda. Leaves are used in tropical countries and roots are used in Ayurveda for its saluting physiological properties. Pharmcognostic studies reveals presence of multicellular trichomes with lignified fibres in leaves and xylem fibres in root powder. Phytochemical studies suggest presence of alkaloid in leaves and terpenoid along with other phytoconstituents in leaves and roots. HPTLC fingerprint of plant extract is useful in characterization of plant extract for standardization.