<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: HI" lang="EN-GB">Pharmacognostical studies of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Nyctanthes arbor-tristis</i> L. stem bark – A common but less known folklore herb</span>

Abstract

<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Nyctanthes arbor-tristis</i> L., popularly known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Parijataka</i> or Night jasmine, belongs to family Oleaceae. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Nyctanthes</i> is commonly grown as a sacred tree in Maharashtra. It is also known for its medicinal cure by the aboriginals residing in this region. Leaves and bark are said to be antibilious and expectorant. Bark in combination with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">arjuna sadada</i> is considered to be useful in internal injuries and healing of wounds including fractured bones. The decoction of bark is recommended for periodic fever. In spite of these therapeutic uses and easy availability, no detailed pharmacognostic study has been done. The present investigation deals with macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the stem bark. Various physicochemical parameters were also established. Preliminary Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, etc. Such a study would serve as a useful tool in standardization of the stem bark.