This document provides information on the traditional medicinal plant Shankhapushpi. It begins by providing the biological source as the aerial parts of Canscora decussata, which is a branched annual herb. It then describes the macroscopic features such as the 4-winged stems with decussate branching. Microscopy of the root shows features such as cork layers, cortex, phloem, xylem, and starch grains. The powder microscopy shows characteristics such as starch grains and hairs. Key chemical constituents identified are xanthones, xanthone glucosides, and gentianine. Finally, the uses are mentioned as a laxative and for conditions like insanity, epilepsy, and

1. STUDY OFSTUDY OF
TRADITIONAL DRUGSTRADITIONAL DRUGS
K.Sudheer Kumar,
Assistant professor.
Dept.of Pharmacognosy
Chilkur Balaji college of Pharmacy
Hyderabad.
E-mail:sudheer.y2k8@gmail.com
K.Sudheer Kumar,
Assistant professor.
Dept.of Pharmacognosy
Chilkur Balaji college of Pharmacy
Hyderabad.
E-mail:sudheer.y2k8@gmail.com

3. Plants are a tremendous source for the discovery of new products of medicinal
value for drug development.
Today several distinct chemicals derived from plants are important drugs
currently used in one or more countries in the world. During the past decade,
traditional systems of medicine have become a topic of global importance.
Current estimates suggest that, in many developing countries, a large proportion
of the population relies heavily on traditional practitioners and medicinal plants
to meet primary health care needs.
Although modern medicine may be available in these countries, herbal
medicines (phytomedicines) have often maintained popularity for historical and
cultural reasons. Concurrently, many people in developed countries have begun
to turn to alternative or complementary therapies, including medicinal herbs.
INTRODUCTION
Plants are a tremendous source for the discovery of new products of medicinal
value for drug development.
Today several distinct chemicals derived from plants are important drugs
currently used in one or more countries in the world. During the past decade,
traditional systems of medicine have become a topic of global importance.
Current estimates suggest that, in many developing countries, a large proportion
of the population relies heavily on traditional practitioners and medicinal plants
to meet primary health care needs.
Although modern medicine may be available in these countries, herbal
medicines (phytomedicines) have often maintained popularity for historical and
cultural reasons. Concurrently, many people in developed countries have begun
to turn to alternative or complementary therapies, including medicinal herbs.

4. Synonym: Rakta punarnava,hogweed
Biological source: It consists of fresh as well as
dried herbs of Boerhavia diffusa,belongigng to the
family Nyctaginaceae.Found through out India in
wild also found in Himalayan valley at a altitude of
2000-2500m,found in other countries like
China,Malasia,Africa.Cultivates in sandy and waste
lands, grows road sides,aboundent in rainy
season,colleceted at flowering stage,
Botanical features:branched,perennial.creeper.
Synonym: Rakta punarnava,hogweed
Biological source: It consists of fresh as well as
dried herbs of Boerhavia diffusa,belongigng to the
family Nyctaginaceae.Found through out India in
wild also found in Himalayan valley at a altitude of
2000-2500m,found in other countries like
China,Malasia,Africa.Cultivates in sandy and waste
lands, grows road sides,aboundent in rainy
season,colleceted at flowering stage,
Botanical features:branched,perennial.creeper.
PUNARNAVA
Synonym: Rakta punarnava,hogweed
Biological source: It consists of fresh as well as
dried herbs of Boerhavia diffusa,belongigng to the
family Nyctaginaceae.Found through out India in
wild also found in Himalayan valley at a altitude of
2000-2500m,found in other countries like
China,Malasia,Africa.Cultivates in sandy and waste
lands, grows road sides,aboundent in rainy
season,colleceted at flowering stage,
Botanical features:branched,perennial.creeper.
Synonym: Rakta punarnava,hogweed
Biological source: It consists of fresh as well as
dried herbs of Boerhavia diffusa,belongigng to the
family Nyctaginaceae.Found through out India in
wild also found in Himalayan valley at a altitude of
2000-2500m,found in other countries like
China,Malasia,Africa.Cultivates in sandy and waste
lands, grows road sides,aboundent in rainy
season,colleceted at flowering stage,
Botanical features:branched,perennial.creeper.
Color: leaves are green on upper surface, white in
lower side, stem are greenish/Purple,Flowers are
pink in lower part
Odour:Odour less,
Taste: Bitter,
Size:Leaves-25-30mm,
Shape:Long,ovate,oblong
stems are cylindrical.
Flowers are internally
sessile-with umbels, roots
are cream light brown in
color.
Description

5. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit: Rakta puspa
Assam. : Ronga Punarnabha
Beng. : Rakta Punarnava
Eng. : Hog Weed
Guj. : Saturdi
Hindi. : Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava
Kan. : Kommeberu
Mal. : Chuvanna Tazhutama
Mar. : Rakta Punarnava
Ori. : Laalapuiruni
Punj. : Iteit (Lal), Khattan
Tam. : Mookarattai (Shihappu)
Tel. : Atikamamidi, Erragalijeru
Urdu. : Surkh Punarnava
Sanskrit: Rakta puspa
Assam. : Ronga Punarnabha
Beng. : Rakta Punarnava
Eng. : Hog Weed
Guj. : Saturdi
Hindi. : Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava
Kan. : Kommeberu
Mal. : Chuvanna Tazhutama
Mar. : Rakta Punarnava
Ori. : Laalapuiruni
Punj. : Iteit (Lal), Khattan
Tam. : Mookarattai (Shihappu)
Tel. : Atikamamidi, Erragalijeru
Urdu. : Surkh Punarnava

6. STEM:-greenish purple, stiff, slender, cylindrical, swollen at nodes, minutely
pubescent or nearly glabrous, branches from common stalk, more than a metre long.
ROOT:- well developed, fairly long, somewhat tortuous, cylindrical, 0.2-1.5 cm in
diameter, yellowish brown to brown colored, surface soft to touch but rough due to
minute longitudinal striations and root scars, fracture, short, no distinct.
LEAVES:-opposite in unequal pairs, larger ones 25-37 mm long and smaller ones
12-18mm long ovate-oblong , apex rounded ,pointed, base is subcordate, green and
margin is entire, dorsal side pinkish ,thick in texture.
FLOWERS:-very small, nearly sessile or shortly stalked, 10-25 cm, in small umbels
are arranged on stalks, 4-10 corymb, axillary and in terminal panicles, bracteoles,
small, acute, perianth tube constricted above the ovary, lower part greenish, ovoid,
ribbed, upper part pink, funnel-shaped, 3 mm long, tube 5 lobed, stamen 2-3.
FRUIT:-one seeded nut, 6 mm long clavate, rounded, broadly and bluntly 5 ribbed.
MACROSCOPYMACROSCOPY
STEM:-greenish purple, stiff, slender, cylindrical, swollen at nodes, minutely
pubescent or nearly glabrous, branches from common stalk, more than a metre long.
ROOT:- well developed, fairly long, somewhat tortuous, cylindrical, 0.2-1.5 cm in
diameter, yellowish brown to brown colored, surface soft to touch but rough due to
minute longitudinal striations and root scars, fracture, short, no distinct.
LEAVES:-opposite in unequal pairs, larger ones 25-37 mm long and smaller ones
12-18mm long ovate-oblong , apex rounded ,pointed, base is subcordate, green and
margin is entire, dorsal side pinkish ,thick in texture.
FLOWERS:-very small, nearly sessile or shortly stalked, 10-25 cm, in small umbels
are arranged on stalks, 4-10 corymb, axillary and in terminal panicles, bracteoles,
small, acute, perianth tube constricted above the ovary, lower part greenish, ovoid,
ribbed, upper part pink, funnel-shaped, 3 mm long, tube 5 lobed, stamen 2-3.
FRUIT:-one seeded nut, 6 mm long clavate, rounded, broadly and bluntly 5 ribbed.

7. MICROSCOPY
Stem:-T.S shows epidermal layer containing multi cellular,uniserite glandular trichome
consisting of 9-12 stalked cells 150-220 μ long, cortex consists of 1-2 layers of parenchyma,
endodermis indistinct, pericycle 1-2 layered, thick-walled often containing scattered isolated
fibres, stele consisting of many small vascular bundles often joined together in a ring and
many big vascular bundles scattered in the ground tissue, intra fascicular cambium present.
Root:-T.S shows brown walls in the outer few layers, cork cambium of 1-2 layers of thin
walled secondary cortex consists of 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells followed by cortex
composed of 5-12 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal cells, xylem elements composed
of thin-walled more or less rectangular cells arranged in radial rows calcium oxalate, in
single or in group present in cortical region and parenchymatous tissue in between xylem
tissue, starch grains simple and compound having 2-4 components found in cortex phloem
occurs as hemispherical or crescentic patches outside each group of xylem vessels and
composed of sieve elements and parenchyma,
Root:-T.S shows brown walls in the outer few layers, cork cambium of 1-2 layers of thin
walled secondary cortex consists of 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells followed by cortex
composed of 5-12 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal cells, xylem elements composed
of thin-walled more or less rectangular cells arranged in radial rows calcium oxalate, in
single or in group present in cortical region and parenchymatous tissue in between xylem
tissue, starch grains simple and compound having 2-4 components found in cortex phloem
occurs as hemispherical or crescentic patches outside each group of xylem vessels and
composed of sieve elements and parenchyma,
Leaves:-T.S of leaf shows anomocytic stomata on both sides, numerous, a few short hairs,
3-4 celled, present on the margin and on veins, palisade one layered,spongy parenchyma 2-4
layered with small air spaces, idioblasts containing raphides,occasionally cluster crystal of
calcium oxalate and orange-red resinous matter present in mesophyll. Palisade ratio 3.5-6.5,
stomatal index 11-16, vein islet number 9-15.

8. S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 15 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 6 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 1 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 4 %
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Uses:Diuretic,Expectorant,Stomachic and used in Jaundice treatment,enlargement of
spleen and abdominal pain.
Chemical constituents
Alkaloids-Punarnavine.Phenolic-glycosides-PunarnavosideAnti-fibrinilytic-
Boeravinavoside A,B,C &D Ursolic acid.
DOSE :-20-30 g of the drug for decoction.
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 4 %

9. Synonym :shankhvel,shankhini
Biological source: Aerial parts of
canscora decussata belongs to the
family Gentianaceae.It widely cultivated
in India at a altitude of 1300m.also
cultivated in srilanka and Myanmar,seeds
are used to propagate.
Macroscopy:Branched,annual,ornamen
tal, herbs are erect, four winged stems,
and branches are decussate branched
sessileleaves,2.54cm,lanceolate,axilliary,
solitary white –yellowish in color.
SHANKAPUSHPISHANKAPUSHPI
Synonym :shankhvel,shankhini
Biological source: Aerial parts of
canscora decussata belongs to the
family Gentianaceae.It widely cultivated
in India at a altitude of 1300m.also
cultivated in srilanka and Myanmar,seeds
are used to propagate.
Macroscopy:Branched,annual,ornamen
tal, herbs are erect, four winged stems,
and branches are decussate branched
sessileleaves,2.54cm,lanceolate,axilliary,
solitary white –yellowish in color.

10. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit :sankapuspi
Bengali : Sankhapuspi
Gujrati : Shankhavali
Hindi : Shankhapushpi
Kannada : Bilikantisoppu, Shankhapushpi,
Marathi : Sankhahuli, Shankhavela,
Oriya : Sankhapuspi
Punjabi : Ksirapuspi, Sankhapuspi, Sankhahuli
Tamil : Kakattam, Kakkanangudi, Karakhuratt,
Telugu : Shankhapushpi
Sanskrit :sankapuspi
Bengali : Sankhapuspi
Gujrati : Shankhavali
Hindi : Shankhapushpi
Kannada : Bilikantisoppu, Shankhapushpi,
Marathi : Sankhahuli, Shankhavela,
Oriya : Sankhapuspi
Punjabi : Ksirapuspi, Sankhapuspi, Sankhahuli
Tamil : Kakattam, Kakkanangudi, Karakhuratt,
Telugu : Shankhapushpi

11. Shankapushpi is an erect, branching annual, up to 60 cm high. Stems 4-winged. Leaves 2.5-
3.8 cm long,oblonglanceolate,acute 3-nerved,the branches erect rigid.Flowers white, those in
the forks long-pedicelled; calyx8-13mm,long, winged;corolla tube as long as, 6-8 mm long,
tipped by persistent style.
Description
MICROSCOPY
Root - cork composed of 10-15 layers of tangentially elongated, thick-walled cells cortex
composed of 6-10 layers of oval to elongated, elliptical, parenchymatous cells and yellowish-
brown, tanniniferous, secretory cells Present, phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem
parenchyma and phloem rays. Xylem consisting of usual elements, vessels solitary or in
groups of two with simple pits fibres and tracheids present, medullary rays 1-3 cells wide and
multicellular in length ,starch grains solitary are simple round to oval in shape measuring 3-8
μ in dia.
Root - cork composed of 10-15 layers of tangentially elongated, thick-walled cells cortex
composed of 6-10 layers of oval to elongated, elliptical, parenchymatous cells and yellowish-
brown, tanniniferous, secretory cells Present, phloem composed of sieve elements, phloem
parenchyma and phloem rays. Xylem consisting of usual elements, vessels solitary or in
groups of two with simple pits fibres and tracheids present, medullary rays 1-3 cells wide and
multicellular in length ,starch grains solitary are simple round to oval in shape measuring 3-8
μ in dia.
POWDER MICROSCOPY
simple pits, fibres and tracheids, simple and compound starch grains, measuring 3 - 8 μ
in dia., unicellular hairs, mesophyll cells and gives positive test for tannin.
Chemical constituents: Aerial parts and flowering tops contain free xanthones,xanthone
glucosides,-loliolide,methoxy-and hydroxy xanthones and its 3-O-rutinosyl derivative.
Roots contain ß-amyrin, friedelin,gentianine,xanthones, and 16 xanthones including
mangiferin.Ash of the herb shows salts containing iron, potassium, calcium, nitrates and
carbonates

12. Uses :Useful as laxative, fresh juice is prescribed in insanity, epilepsy
and nervous debility. prescribed as a blood purifier in
syphilis,gonorrhoea.Root bark is used in compound preparations to
strengthen the retentive power of brain and to alleviate leucorrhoeal and
spermatorrhoeal discharge.
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 17 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 8 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 %
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Uses :Useful as laxative, fresh juice is prescribed in insanity, epilepsy
and nervous debility. prescribed as a blood purifier in
syphilis,gonorrhoea.Root bark is used in compound preparations to
strengthen the retentive power of brain and to alleviate leucorrhoeal and
spermatorrhoeal discharge.
DOSE - 3-8 g. of the drug in powder form

13. Macroscopy:Fruits are colored berries,shatavari is a
perennial, climbing shurb.stems are covered with
spines (recurved),leaves are linear,green,needle like,
roots are fascicle-clusters at base of stem.
Color: Roots are silver-white-ash colored,
Odor :None,Taste:starchy-bitter,sweet,
Shape: spindle,Size:5-15 cm.
SHATAVARI (Synonym :shatamuli)SHATAVARI (Synonym :shatamuli)
Biological source: Dried roots of
Asparagus racemosus belongs to the
family Liliaceae It is widely cultivated in
Asia,Australia,andIndia(Himalayan region
at a altitude of 1300-1400 m) roots are
collected from wild soure,also cultivated
in gardens as potten plant.
Macroscopy:Fruits are colored berries,shatavari is a
perennial, climbing shurb.stems are covered with
spines (recurved),leaves are linear,green,needle like,
roots are fascicle-clusters at base of stem.
Color: Roots are silver-white-ash colored,
Odor :None,Taste:starchy-bitter,sweet,
Shape: spindle,Size:5-15 cm.

14. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : Narayani
Assamese : Satmull
Bengali : Satamuli, Satmuli, Shatamuli
English : Asparagus
Gujrati : Satavari
Hindi : Satavar, Satamul
Kannada : Ashadi poeru, Halavu Bau, Narayani,
Malayalam : Satavari Kizhangu
Marathi : Shatavari
Punjabi : Satavar
Tamil : Shimai-Shadvari, Nilichedi Kishangu
Telugu : Sima-Shatawari (Dry Root), Pippipichara,
Pilliteegalu (Fresh Root)
Urdu : Satawari
Sanskrit : Narayani
Assamese : Satmull
Bengali : Satamuli, Satmuli, Shatamuli
English : Asparagus
Gujrati : Satavari
Hindi : Satavar, Satamul
Kannada : Ashadi poeru, Halavu Bau, Narayani,
Malayalam : Satavari Kizhangu
Marathi : Shatavari
Punjabi : Satavar
Tamil : Shimai-Shadvari, Nilichedi Kishangu
Telugu : Sima-Shatawari (Dry Root), Pippipichara,
Pilliteegalu (Fresh Root)
Urdu : Satawari

15. MICROSCOPY
Shows an outer layer of piliferous cells, ruptured at places, composed of small, thin-walled,
rectangular asymetrical cells, a number of cells elongated to form unicellular root hairs cortex
comprises of 25 to 29 layers, distinct in two zones, outer and inner cortex; outer cortex
consists of 6 or 7 layers, compactly arranged, irregular to polygonal, thick walled, lignified
cells, inner cortex comprise of 21 to 23 layers, stone cells, either singly or in groups, calcium
oxalate also present in this region.2 or 3 layers of stone cells encircle the endodermis,
endodermis composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells.Xylem consist of vessels,tracheids
and parenchyma, Phloem consists of usual element; pith composed of circular to oval
parenchymatous cells, a few cells slightly lignified.
Yellowish-cream; fragments of lignified, thick-walled cells; vessels with simple pits, pieces of
raphides, numerous, lignified, rectangular elongated' stone cells having clear striations with
wide as well as narrow lumen and groups of parenchyma.
POWDER MICROSCOPY
Yellowish-cream; fragments of lignified, thick-walled cells; vessels with simple pits, pieces of
raphides, numerous, lignified, rectangular elongated' stone cells having clear striations with
wide as well as narrow lumen and groups of parenchyma.
4-steroid saponins-Shatavarin-I,II,III,IV.
Glycosides like Quercetin,rutin,hyperoside,diosgenin are present.Its principal constituents
include saponins, sitosterol and stigmasterol with their glucosides, alkaloids, proteins and
tannins. The plant contains the triterpene saponins called Shatavarin I-IV. The ingredients in
the Shatavari plant include steroidal saponins, isoflavones, asparagamine A and
polysaccharides.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTSCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

16. S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Uses: Roots used as Galactogoguge,tonics,and diuretics in AyurvedaUses: Roots used as Galactogoguge,tonics,and diuretics in Ayurveda
DOSE - 3-6 gm of the drug.
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 1 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 5 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 10 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 45 %

17. color :-Leaves are green
Taste:-Bitter
Size :-around 2 cm
shape-Leaves are
entire,obovate,alternate,flowers are
solitary- stalked. Seeds are minute, one
sepal is large in out of five.
BRAHMI
Botanical source:Brhmi consists of dried
whole plant of Bacopa monnieri
belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae
a glabrous, succulent small, prostrate or
creeping annual herb, found throughout
India in wet and damp places.
MACROSCOPY
Root:-Thin,wiry,small,branched
cream-yellow in color
Stem:-Thin, green or purplish green,
about 1-2 mm thick, soft, nodes and
internodes prominent, glabrous; taste,
slightly bitter.
Leaf:Simple,opposite,decussate,green
sessile,12cm,long,obovateoblong,taste
slightly bitter.
Flower:-Small,axillary and solitary,
pedicels 6-30 mm long,bracteoles
shorter than pedicels.
Fruit:-Capsules up to 5 mm long,
ovoid and glabrous.
color :-Leaves are green
Taste:-Bitter
Size :-around 2 cm
shape-Leaves are
entire,obovate,alternate,flowers are
solitary- stalked. Seeds are minute, one
sepal is large in out of five.
Root:-Thin,wiry,small,branched
cream-yellow in color
Stem:-Thin, green or purplish green,
about 1-2 mm thick, soft, nodes and
internodes prominent, glabrous; taste,
slightly bitter.
Leaf:Simple,opposite,decussate,green
sessile,12cm,long,obovateoblong,taste
slightly bitter.
Flower:-Small,axillary and solitary,
pedicels 6-30 mm long,bracteoles
shorter than pedicels.
Fruit:-Capsules up to 5 mm long,
ovoid and glabrous.

18. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : Sarasvati
Assamese : Brahmi
English : Thyme Leaved Gratiola
Gujrati : Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari
Hindi : Manduka Parni
Kannada : Nirubrahmi, Valabrahmi, Ondelaga,
Mandukaparni
Malayalam : Bhahmi
Marathi : Jalnam, Brahmi, Birami
Oriya : Brahmi
Punjabi : Brahmibuti
Tamil : Nirabrahmi, Brahmi vazhukkai
Telugu : Sambarenu, Sambrani
Urdu : Brahmi
Sanskrit : Sarasvati
Assamese : Brahmi
English : Thyme Leaved Gratiola
Gujrati : Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari
Hindi : Manduka Parni
Kannada : Nirubrahmi, Valabrahmi, Ondelaga,
Mandukaparni
Malayalam : Bhahmi
Marathi : Jalnam, Brahmi, Birami
Oriya : Brahmi
Punjabi : Brahmibuti
Tamil : Nirabrahmi, Brahmi vazhukkai
Telugu : Sambarenu, Sambrani
Urdu : Brahmi

19. Root:-Shows a single layer of epidermis,
cortex having large air cavities Endodermis is
single layered pericycle not distinct. Stele
consists of a thin layer of phloem with a few
sieve elements and isolated material from xylem
shows vessels with reticulate thickenings.
Stem:-Shows single layer of epidermis followed
by a wide cortex of thin-walled cells with very
large intercellular spaces. Vascular ring
composed of a narrow zone of Phloem, a wide
ring of xylem towards centre occupied by a small
pith with distinct intercellular spaces.Starch
grains are simple, round to oval measuring 4-14
µ in diameter.
MICROSCOPY
Leaf :-Shows a single layer of upper and
lower epidermis covered with thin
cuticle, glandular hairs, subsidiary cells
present on both surfaces,a few prismatic
crystals of calcium oxalate occasionally
found distributed in mesophyll cells,
mesophyll traversed by small veins
surrounded by bundle sheath; no distinct
midrib present.
Root:-Shows a single layer of epidermis,
cortex having large air cavities Endodermis is
single layered pericycle not distinct. Stele
consists of a thin layer of phloem with a few
sieve elements and isolated material from xylem
shows vessels with reticulate thickenings.
Stem:-Shows single layer of epidermis followed
by a wide cortex of thin-walled cells with very
large intercellular spaces. Vascular ring
composed of a narrow zone of Phloem, a wide
ring of xylem towards centre occupied by a small
pith with distinct intercellular spaces.Starch
grains are simple, round to oval measuring 4-14
µ in diameter.
Leaf :-Shows a single layer of upper and
lower epidermis covered with thin
cuticle, glandular hairs, subsidiary cells
present on both surfaces,a few prismatic
crystals of calcium oxalate occasionally
found distributed in mesophyll cells,
mesophyll traversed by small veins
surrounded by bundle sheath; no distinct
midrib present.
Powder microscopy:- shows yellowish
brown, shows xylem vessels with
reticulate thickening, glandular
hairs,simple,round and oval starch grains,
measuring 4-14 µ in diameter.

20. S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 18 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 6 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 %
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Chemical constituents:Alkaloids of Brahmine.Herpestine,saponins,Bacosides,A&B also
contains Stigma sterol,Bacogenin,A and B
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 15 %
DOSE :- 1-3 g in powder form.
Uses: Nervine tonic.used to treat Asthma and Epilepsy, also acts as Anti-ulcer

21. GOKHURU
Synonym:
Puncturevine,Tribulus,Goksura.
Biological source: It consists ripe fruits
and roots of Tribulus terrestris Linn.
belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae.
Which is a common weed of the road sides
and other waste land,chiefly growing in
hot,dry and sandy regions throughout India
and up to 3,000 m in Kashmir. It consists
of Not less than 0.5% Diosgenin.widely
cultivates in India, Srilanka
Color: Greenish-grey fruits yellow to
light brown.
Odour: odourless or aromatic,
Taste:-Sweetish and astringent.
Size:7-18 cm long and 0.3-0.7 cm in
diameter,
Shape:Globules,5-10 woody,cocci,
roots are slender,
cylindrical, fibrous, frequently
branched.
Fracture:- Fibrous, tough, woody and
surface becomes
rough due to presence of small nodules.
Synonym:
Puncturevine,Tribulus,Goksura.
Biological source: It consists ripe fruits
and roots of Tribulus terrestris Linn.
belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae.
Which is a common weed of the road sides
and other waste land,chiefly growing in
hot,dry and sandy regions throughout India
and up to 3,000 m in Kashmir. It consists
of Not less than 0.5% Diosgenin.widely
cultivates in India, Srilanka
Macroscopy
Color: Greenish-grey fruits yellow to
light brown.
Odour: odourless or aromatic,
Taste:-Sweetish and astringent.
Size:7-18 cm long and 0.3-0.7 cm in
diameter,
Shape:Globules,5-10 woody,cocci,
roots are slender,
cylindrical, fibrous, frequently
branched.
Fracture:- Fibrous, tough, woody and
surface becomes
rough due to presence of small nodules.

22. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit :svadamistra
Assamese : Gokhurkata, Gokshura
Bengali : Gokhri, Gokshura
English : Caltrops fruit
Gujrati : Bethagokharu, Mithagokhru,
Hindi : Gokhru
Kannada : Neggilamullu, Neggilu,
Kashmiri : Pakhda, Michikand
Malayalam : Nerinjil
Marathi : Gokharu, Sarate
Oriya : Gokhyura, Gukhura
Tamil : Nerinjil, Nerunjil
Telugu : Palleru Kaya
Urdu : Khar-e-Khasak Khurd
Sanskrit :svadamistra
Assamese : Gokhurkata, Gokshura
Bengali : Gokhri, Gokshura
English : Caltrops fruit
Gujrati : Bethagokharu, Mithagokhru,
Hindi : Gokhru
Kannada : Neggilamullu, Neggilu,
Kashmiri : Pakhda, Michikand
Malayalam : Nerinjil
Marathi : Gokharu, Sarate
Oriya : Gokhyura, Gukhura
Tamil : Nerinjil, Nerunjil
Telugu : Palleru Kaya
Urdu : Khar-e-Khasak Khurd

23. Transverse section of primary roots show a layer of epidermis followed by 4-5 layers of
thin-walled parenchymatous cortex.
Endodermis is distinct with pericycle enclosing stele, in mature root, cork is 4-6 layered,
cork cambium single layered followed by 6-14 layers of thin-walled parenchymatous cells
with varying number of fibres found in groups resembling those of phloem.
Secondary phloem divided into two zones, outer zone characterized by presence of
numerous phloem fibres with a few sieve tubes slightly collapsed, inner zone frequently
made up of parenchymatous singles or doubles layers towards inner side, in groups of three
to four on outer side having bordered pits,
Tracheids are long,narrow with simple pits, xylem parenchyma rectangular or slightly
elongated with simple pits and reticulate thickening, xylem fibres few, trachieds elongated
with simple pits.
Medullary rays heterogenous, 1-4 cells wide, starch grains and rosette crystals of calcium
oxalate present in secondary cortex, phloem and medullary rays cells, few prismatic crystals
also present in xylem ray cells.
MICROSCOPY
Transverse section of primary roots show a layer of epidermis followed by 4-5 layers of
thin-walled parenchymatous cortex.
Endodermis is distinct with pericycle enclosing stele, in mature root, cork is 4-6 layered,
cork cambium single layered followed by 6-14 layers of thin-walled parenchymatous cells
with varying number of fibres found in groups resembling those of phloem.
Secondary phloem divided into two zones, outer zone characterized by presence of
numerous phloem fibres with a few sieve tubes slightly collapsed, inner zone frequently
made up of parenchymatous singles or doubles layers towards inner side, in groups of three
to four on outer side having bordered pits,
Tracheids are long,narrow with simple pits, xylem parenchyma rectangular or slightly
elongated with simple pits and reticulate thickening, xylem fibres few, trachieds elongated
with simple pits.
Medullary rays heterogenous, 1-4 cells wide, starch grains and rosette crystals of calcium
oxalate present in secondary cortex, phloem and medullary rays cells, few prismatic crystals
also present in xylem ray cells.

24. S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 13 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 %
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Uses: it is used as Diuretic,tonic,Aphrodisiac,
Chemical constituents:Diosgenin,Teresterosin A,B and Gitogenin.
DOSE - 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.DOSE - 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 %

25. Root-10-45 cm long, few mm to
two cm in diameter, almost
cylindrical and tapering, bearing a
number of fine longitudinal and few
transverse wrinkles with occasional
scars.
Stem-herbaceous, prickly with
prominent nodes and internodes,
color-green when fresh, external
surface is light green when dry
becomes yellowish green and
smooth.
size-stem pieces 8-10 mm thick of
variable length, centre shows a large
and distinct, pith.
Synonym: Yellow-fruit night shade
Biological source: Kantakari consists of
mature,dried whole plant of Solanum
xanthocarpum belonging to the family
Solanaceae, which is a perennial
herb,very prickly diffused herb of waste
land, found throughout India.
KANTAKARIKANTAKARI
MACROSCOPYMACROSCOPY
Root-10-45 cm long, few mm to
two cm in diameter, almost
cylindrical and tapering, bearing a
number of fine longitudinal and few
transverse wrinkles with occasional
scars.
Stem-herbaceous, prickly with
prominent nodes and internodes,
color-green when fresh, external
surface is light green when dry
becomes yellowish green and
smooth.
size-stem pieces 8-10 mm thick of
variable length, centre shows a large
and distinct, pith.
Leaves
Fruits Seeds
Flower

26. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sansktit:vyagri,kasudra
Assamese : Katvaedana, Kantakar
Bengali : Kantakari
English : Febrifuge plant
Gujrati : Bharingani
Hindi : Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya,
Kannada : Nelagulla, Kiragulla
Malayalam : Kantakari chunda
Marathi : Bhauringani, Kataringani
Oriya : Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji
Punjabi : Kandiari
Tamil : Kandangatri, Kandankatri,
Telugu : Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka,
Sansktit:vyagri,kasudra
Assamese : Katvaedana, Kantakar
Bengali : Kantakari
English : Febrifuge plant
Gujrati : Bharingani
Hindi : Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya,
Kannada : Nelagulla, Kiragulla
Malayalam : Kantakari chunda
Marathi : Bhauringani, Kataringani
Oriya : Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji
Punjabi : Kandiari
Tamil : Kandangatri, Kandankatri,
Telugu : Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka,

27. Leaves:-
Petiolate,exstipulate,ovate- oblong,elliptic,
sinuate or sub-pinnatifid, sub acute hairy, 4-
12.5 cm long and 2-7.5cm wide,green,veins
and midrib full with sharp prickles,odour
and taste not distinct.
Flower:-
Ebracteate,pedicellate,bisexual,pentamerous,r
egular,complete,bright,blue or bluish-purple,
Calyx:-
persistent,gamosepalous,short,globose,linearl
anceolate,acute,hairy,0.5-1.3 cm long and
densely prickly,
Corolla:-
Gamopetalous,lobesdeltoid,acute,hairy,1-2
cm long and purple in colour, stamens are
5,epipetalous, basifixed,filament short 1-1.5
mm long, anther, oblong lanceolate,0.7-0.8
cm long, ovary superior, ovoid, glabrous,
bilocular with axile placentation having
numerous ovules.
Fruit:-
Berry globular, measuring 0.8-1 cm in
diameter, surrounded by persistent calyx at
base unripe fruits are with green and white
strips, ripe fruit shows different yellow and
white shades.
Flower:-
Ebracteate,pedicellate,bisexual,pentamerous,r
egular,complete,bright,blue or bluish-purple,
Calyx:-
persistent,gamosepalous,short,globose,linearl
anceolate,acute,hairy,0.5-1.3 cm long and
densely prickly,
Corolla:-
Gamopetalous,lobesdeltoid,acute,hairy,1-2
cm long and purple in colour, stamens are
5,epipetalous, basifixed,filament short 1-1.5
mm long, anther, oblong lanceolate,0.7-0.8
cm long, ovary superior, ovoid, glabrous,
bilocular with axile placentation having
numerous ovules.
Seeds:-
Circular, flat, numerous, embedded in a
fleshy mesocarp about 0.2cm,diam glabrous
taste, bitter and acrid.
Fruit:-
Berry globular, measuring 0.8-1 cm in
diameter, surrounded by persistent calyx at
base unripe fruits are with green and white
strips, ripe fruit shows different yellow and
white shades.

28. Root- transverse section of mature root shows cork composing of 3-6 layers of
thinwalled,rectangular and tangentially elongated cells, cork cambium single
layered
followed by 6-15 layers of thin-walled tangentially elongated to oval or circular
parenchymatous cells.
stone cells either single or in groups of 2-20.Secondary phloem composed of
sieve elements and phloem parenchyma traversed by medullary rays, stone cells
present in singles or in groups of 2-20 or more in outer, and middle phloem regions.
 phloem rays 1-4 cells wide and 2-22 cells high, cambium 3-5 layered of thin-
walled rectangular cells, xylem composed of vessels,tracheids, fibre trachieds,
parenchyma and transversed by medullary rays, all elements being lignified,
xylem parenchyma rectangular or lightly elongated with simple pits and rarely
with.Microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate and simple starch grains present
MICROSCOPYMICROSCOPY
Root- transverse section of mature root shows cork composing of 3-6 layers of
thinwalled,rectangular and tangentially elongated cells, cork cambium single
layered
followed by 6-15 layers of thin-walled tangentially elongated to oval or circular
parenchymatous cells.
stone cells either single or in groups of 2-20.Secondary phloem composed of
sieve elements and phloem parenchyma traversed by medullary rays, stone cells
present in singles or in groups of 2-20 or more in outer, and middle phloem regions.
 phloem rays 1-4 cells wide and 2-22 cells high, cambium 3-5 layered of thin-
walled rectangular cells, xylem composed of vessels,tracheids, fibre trachieds,
parenchyma and transversed by medullary rays, all elements being lignified,
xylem parenchyma rectangular or lightly elongated with simple pits and rarely
with.Microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate and simple starch grains present

29. S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2%
2 Total Ash Not more than 9%
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3%
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
Greenish, under microscope shows single or groups of stone cells,pitted vessels, groups of
spongy parenchyma, fragments of palisade tissue, aniso cytic stomata, stellate hairs and
simple, rounded to oval starch grains measuring 2.75-11μ .
POWDER MICROSCOPY
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3%
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6%
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 16%
DOSE - 20-30 g of the drug for decoction.
Uses: Used as febriguge,Used to treat cough,asthma.
Used to treat anthelmentic,anti-pyretic and anti-spasmodic
Constituents - Glucoalkaloids and sterols.

30. •Fruit are sub-globose, 5-18 cm in
diameter, externally greenish when
young, yellowish-brown when ripe, hard
and woody, surface is smooth or slightly
granular bearing a circular scar at the
point of attachment with peduncle,
•Carpels are 10-15, central, each
containing several hairy seeds embedded
in yellowish brown, extremely sticky
mucilage.
•Seeds are oblong, flat, woody, and
having white hair, fresh pulp of ripe fruit,
brown, of sticky.
Odour:faintly aromatic,
Taste:Mucilaginous &slightly astringent.
BILWABILWA
Synonym: sacred herb, Stone apple,
Wood apple.
Biological source: Bilva consists of
pulp of entire, unripe or half ripe fruits
of Aegle marmelos belonging to the
family Rutaceae a tree, attaining a
height of 12 m growing wild and also
cultivated throughout the country, rind
of fruit is removed and pulp is bruised
and dried.
Description:
•Fruit are sub-globose, 5-18 cm in
diameter, externally greenish when
young, yellowish-brown when ripe, hard
and woody, surface is smooth or slightly
granular bearing a circular scar at the
point of attachment with peduncle,
•Carpels are 10-15, central, each
containing several hairy seeds embedded
in yellowish brown, extremely sticky
mucilage.
•Seeds are oblong, flat, woody, and
having white hair, fresh pulp of ripe fruit,
brown, of sticky.
Odour:faintly aromatic,
Taste:Mucilaginous &slightly astringent.
Synonym: sacred herb, Stone apple,
Wood apple.
Biological source: Bilva consists of
pulp of entire, unripe or half ripe fruits
of Aegle marmelos belonging to the
family Rutaceae a tree, attaining a
height of 12 m growing wild and also
cultivated throughout the country, rind
of fruit is removed and pulp is bruised
and dried.
A ripe bael fruits

31. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : sriphala
Assamese : Bael, Vael
Bengali : Bela, Bilva
English : Bengal Quince, Bael
Gujrati : Bill, Bilum
Hindi : Bela, Sriphal, Bel
Kannada : Bilva
Malayalam : Koovalam
Marathi : Bel, Baela
Oriya : Bela
Punjabi : Bil
Tamil : Vilvam
Telugu : Maredu
Urdu : Belgiri, (Bael)
Sanskrit : sriphala
Assamese : Bael, Vael
Bengali : Bela, Bilva
English : Bengal Quince, Bael
Gujrati : Bill, Bilum
Hindi : Bela, Sriphal, Bel
Kannada : Bilva
Malayalam : Koovalam
Marathi : Bel, Baela
Oriya : Bela
Punjabi : Bil
Tamil : Vilvam
Telugu : Maredu
Urdu : Belgiri, (Bael)

32. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Total Ash Not more than 4%
2 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1%
3 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6%
4 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 50%
Constituents - Marmalosin, tannins, mucilage, fatty oil and sugar.
Uses: Used to treat Constipation,Giardia,rptovirus.
Constituents - Marmalosin, tannins, mucilage, fatty oil and sugar.
Uses: Used to treat Constipation,Giardia,rptovirus.
DOSE - 2-6 g. of the drug in powder form.

33. APAMARGHA
Synonym: Devils-horse whip.
Biological source:Apamarga consists of
dried root of Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Belonging to the family Amaranthaceae a
stiff erect, 0.1-0.9 m high, herb found
commonly as a weed throughout the
country up to 900 m.
Shape & size:Tap root cylindrical slightly ribbed, up to 1.0 cm in thickness,
Texture:Rough due to presence of some root scars
Color:Yellowish-brown
Odour: Not distinct
Taste:Not characteristic.
MACROSCOPY

34. Sansk : Adhasyala,
Assam : Chirchita
Beng : Apang
Eng : Prickly Chaff Flower
Guj : Aghedo
Hindi : Chirchira, Latjira
Kan : Uttarane, Uttaren
Mal : Kadaledee
Mar : Anghada
Punj : Puthakanda, Lattajeera
Tam : Nayuruvi
Tel : Uttareni
Urdu : Chirchita
VERNACULAR NAMES
Sansk : Adhasyala,
Assam : Chirchita
Beng : Apang
Eng : Prickly Chaff Flower
Guj : Aghedo
Hindi : Chirchira, Latjira
Kan : Uttarane, Uttaren
Mal : Kadaledee
Mar : Anghada
Punj : Puthakanda, Lattajeera
Tam : Nayuruvi
Tel : Uttareni
Urdu : Chirchita

35. Mature root shows 6-10 layered, rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-
walled cork cells.
secondary cortex consisting of 6-9 layers, oval to rectangular, thin-walled
parenchymatous cells having scattered, thick-walled, irregular lignified stone
cells,followed by 5-6 discontinuous rings of anomalous secondary thickening,
composed of vascular tissues small patches of sieve tubes are distinct in the
phloem parenchyma demarcating the xylem rings.
secondary xylem composed of tracheids, fibres and parenchyma; vessels with
both simple and bordered pits and with scalariform thickening, measuring 135-
348 μ in length and 32-64 μ in width fibres pointed at both ends with walls
moderately thickened, measuring 260-740 μ in length and 12-24 μ in
width,tracheids have tapering ends, measuring 165-535 μ in length and 17-34 μ
in width.
MICROSCOPY
Mature root shows 6-10 layered, rectangular, tangentially elongated, thin-
walled cork cells.
secondary cortex consisting of 6-9 layers, oval to rectangular, thin-walled
parenchymatous cells having scattered, thick-walled, irregular lignified stone
cells,followed by 5-6 discontinuous rings of anomalous secondary thickening,
composed of vascular tissues small patches of sieve tubes are distinct in the
phloem parenchyma demarcating the xylem rings.
secondary xylem composed of tracheids, fibres and parenchyma; vessels with
both simple and bordered pits and with scalariform thickening, measuring 135-
348 μ in length and 32-64 μ in width fibres pointed at both ends with walls
moderately thickened, measuring 260-740 μ in length and 12-24 μ in
width,tracheids have tapering ends, measuring 165-535 μ in length and 17-34 μ
in width.

36. Shows Yellowish-brown fragments of rectangular cork cells, stone cells, vessels
showing bordered pits and scalariform thickening, fibres and a few prismatic
crystals of calcium oxalate.
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 1%
2 Total Ash Not more than 9%
POWDER STUDY
2 Total Ash Not more than 9%
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1%
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 2%
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10%
Uses :
 Used to treat piles,
 Used as expectorant,
 Used as anti-dote for snake poison,
 Used as GIT tonic
DOSE - 5-10 g

37. RASNA
Biological source:Rasna consists of dried leaf of Pluchea lanceolata Oliver &
Hiern,belonging to the family Asteraceae an annual, ashy and pubescent, under
shrub having spreading roots extending to several metres it grows abundantly in
sandy soils in upper Gangetic plain and Rajasthan. It flowers during cold season.
Leaves are simple, 3-5 cm long, 0.6-2 cm
broad,sessile,obtuse,lanceolate&ovate
lanceolate,margin entire or toothed around the
apex, unequal at base both surfaces pubescent,
distinct small hairs more prominent near veins,
Odour: characteristic,
Taste: astringent and slightly bitter.
Texture: brittle,papery
MACROSCOPY
Leaves are simple, 3-5 cm long, 0.6-2 cm
broad,sessile,obtuse,lanceolate&ovate
lanceolate,margin entire or toothed around the
apex, unequal at base both surfaces pubescent,
distinct small hairs more prominent near veins,
Odour: characteristic,
Taste: astringent and slightly bitter.
Texture: brittle,papery

38. VERNACULAR NAMES
Sansk. : Sugandhi
Assam. : Rasnapat
Beng. : Rasna
Hindi. : Rayasan, Rayasana, Rasna
Kan. : Rasna, Dumme-Rasna
Mar. : Rasna, Rayasana
Punj. : Reshae
Tel. : Sanna Rashtramu
Urdu. : Rauasan, Rasna
Sansk. : Sugandhi
Assam. : Rasnapat
Beng. : Rasna
Hindi. : Rayasan, Rayasana, Rasna
Kan. : Rasna, Dumme-Rasna
Mar. : Rasna, Rayasana
Punj. : Reshae
Tel. : Sanna Rashtramu
Urdu. : Rauasan, Rasna

39. Midrib-shows single layered epidermis covered by thick,striated cuticle.
collenchyma 2-5 layered towards xylem,1-3 layered towards phloem, beneath
collenchyma 2-5 layers of parenchyma present on both sides.
Central portion occupied by a large vascular bundle, xylem facing towards
upper and phloem towards lower epidermis.
Vascular bundle surrounded by sclerenchymatous sheath appearing as a cap
above and below vascular bundle consists of wide phloem, a thin cambium and
xylem. Phloem consists of phloem parenchyma and a few phloem fibres.
Xylem consists of tracheids, vessels and xylem parenchyma, vessels arranged
radially.
Parenchyma and palisade cells of leaf contain oil globules, scattered rosette
crystals of calcium oxalate are both in lamina and midrib
MICROSCOPY
Midrib-shows single layered epidermis covered by thick,striated cuticle.
collenchyma 2-5 layered towards xylem,1-3 layered towards phloem, beneath
collenchyma 2-5 layers of parenchyma present on both sides.
Central portion occupied by a large vascular bundle, xylem facing towards
upper and phloem towards lower epidermis.
Vascular bundle surrounded by sclerenchymatous sheath appearing as a cap
above and below vascular bundle consists of wide phloem, a thin cambium and
xylem. Phloem consists of phloem parenchyma and a few phloem fibres.
Xylem consists of tracheids, vessels and xylem parenchyma, vessels arranged
radially.
Parenchyma and palisade cells of leaf contain oil globules, scattered rosette
crystals of calcium oxalate are both in lamina and midrib

40. Light green; shows fragments of parenchyma, palisade cells, pointed 2-5 celled
trichomes, a few oil globules and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than -2%
2 Total Ash Not more than -22%
POWDER MICROSCOPY
2 Total Ash Not more than -22%
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than- 7%
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than -8%
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than -23%
Uses :Used as stimulant, carminative
Constituents –α-Pinene, Eugenol,Alpinol
DOSE - 25-50 g. (Decoction).

41. Biological source: Guduchi consists of dried, matured pieces of stem of
Tinospora cordifolia belonging to the family Menispermaceae, a perennial
climber found through out tropical India, drug collected during summer
preferably in the month of May, drug is used in fresh form also.
GUDUCHI
Taste:-Bitter
Size and shape:-Pieces of varying thickness
ranging from 0.6-5 cm in diameter,
Color:-young stems green with smooth
surfaces and swelling at nodes, older ones
show a light brown surface marked with warty
protuberances due to circular lenticels,
Fracture:-Transversely,smoothened surface
shows a radial structure with conspicuous
medullary rays traversing porous tissues.
MACROSCOPYMACROSCOPY
Taste:-Bitter
Size and shape:-Pieces of varying thickness
ranging from 0.6-5 cm in diameter,
Color:-young stems green with smooth
surfaces and swelling at nodes, older ones
show a light brown surface marked with warty
protuberances due to circular lenticels,
Fracture:-Transversely,smoothened surface
shows a radial structure with conspicuous
medullary rays traversing porous tissues.

42. Sanskrit : Amrtvalli Amrti, Madhupar .
Assamese : Siddhilata, Amarlata
Bengali : Gulancha
Gujrati : Galac, Garo
Hindi : Giloe, Gurcha
Kannada : Amrutaballi
Kashmiri : Amrita, Gilo
Malayalam : Chittamrutu
Marathi : Gulvel
Oriya : Guluchi
Punjabi : Gilo
Tamil : Seendal, Seendil kodi
Telugu : Thippateega
Urdu : Gilo
VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : Amrtvalli Amrti, Madhupar .
Assamese : Siddhilata, Amarlata
Bengali : Gulancha
Gujrati : Galac, Garo
Hindi : Giloe, Gurcha
Kannada : Amrutaballi
Kashmiri : Amrita, Gilo
Malayalam : Chittamrutu
Marathi : Gulvel
Oriya : Guluchi
Punjabi : Gilo
Tamil : Seendal, Seendil kodi
Telugu : Thippateega
Urdu : Gilo

43. Transverse section of stem shows outer-most layer of cork, differentiating into
outer zone of thick-walled brownish and compressed cells, inner zone of thin
walled colorless, tangentially arranged 3-4 rows of cells,
Outer zone of cortex consists of 3--5 rows of irregularly arranged, tangentially
elongated chlorenchymatous cells, cortical cells situated towards inner side,
polygonal in shape and filled with plenty 2-4 components, several secretory cells,
found scattered in the cortex, pericyclic fibres are lignified,
Vascular zone composed of 10-12 or more wedge-shaped strips of xylem,
externally surrounded by semi-circular strips of phloem, phloem consists of sieve
tube, companion cells and phloem parenchyma of polygonal or tangentially
elongated cells, some of them contain cryste1s of calcium oxalate,
Starch grains of 5.5-11.20 μ in diameter and 6-11.28 μ in length,pith composed of
large, thin-walled cells mostly containing starch grains.
MICROSCOPY
Transverse section of stem shows outer-most layer of cork, differentiating into
outer zone of thick-walled brownish and compressed cells, inner zone of thin
walled colorless, tangentially arranged 3-4 rows of cells,
Outer zone of cortex consists of 3--5 rows of irregularly arranged, tangentially
elongated chlorenchymatous cells, cortical cells situated towards inner side,
polygonal in shape and filled with plenty 2-4 components, several secretory cells,
found scattered in the cortex, pericyclic fibres are lignified,
Vascular zone composed of 10-12 or more wedge-shaped strips of xylem,
externally surrounded by semi-circular strips of phloem, phloem consists of sieve
tube, companion cells and phloem parenchyma of polygonal or tangentially
elongated cells, some of them contain cryste1s of calcium oxalate,
Starch grains of 5.5-11.20 μ in diameter and 6-11.28 μ in length,pith composed of
large, thin-walled cells mostly containing starch grains.

44. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 16 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 3 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 11 %
For dried Drug
For fresh DrugFor fresh Drug
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Nil
2 Moisture content 75%
Constituents - Terpenoid and alkaloids.
Uses :Used as rejuvent,ans also enhance memory,
Guduchi improves skin luster.
DOSE - 3-6 g of the drug in
powder form.
20-30 g of the drug for
decoction.
DOSE - 3-6 g of the drug in
powder form.
20-30 g of the drug for
decoction.

45. METHI-(Fenugreek)
Biological source: Methi consists of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum
belonging to the family Fabaceae an aromatic 30-60 cm tall, annual herb,
cultivated throughout the India .
Color:-Dull yellow
Odour:- Pleasant; Taste:-Bitter.
Shape and structure:-Seed are oblong,
rhomboidal with deep furrow running obliquely
from one side, dividing seed into a larger and
smaller part,
Size:-0.2-0.5cm long, 0.15-0.35 cm broad,
Texture:-smooth, very hard
Extrafeature:-seed becomes mucilaginous
when soaked in water;
MACROSCOPY
Color:-Dull yellow
Odour:- Pleasant; Taste:-Bitter.
Shape and structure:-Seed are oblong,
rhomboidal with deep furrow running obliquely
from one side, dividing seed into a larger and
smaller part,
Size:-0.2-0.5cm long, 0.15-0.35 cm broad,
Texture:-smooth, very hard
Extrafeature:-seed becomes mucilaginous
when soaked in water;
SEEDS

46. Sanskrit : Methini
English : Fenugreek
Gujrati : Methi
Hindi : Methi
Kannada : Menthe, Mente
Malayalam : Uluva
Marathi : Methi
Punjabi : Methi
Tamil : Mendium, Ventaiyam
Telugu : Mentulu
Urdu : Methi
VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : Methini
English : Fenugreek
Gujrati : Methi
Hindi : Methi
Kannada : Menthe, Mente
Malayalam : Uluva
Marathi : Methi
Punjabi : Methi
Tamil : Mendium, Ventaiyam
Telugu : Mentulu
Urdu : Methi

47. Seed shows a layer of thick- walled, columnar palisade, covered externally with
thick cuticle.
Cells are flat at base mostly pointed but a few flattened at apex supported
internally by a tangentially wide bearer cells having radial rib-like thickenings;
followed by 4-5 layers of tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous
cells.
Endosperm consists of a layer of thick-walled cells containing aleurone grains,
several layers of thin walled, mucilaginous cells, varying in size, long axis radially
elongated in outer region and tangentially elongated in inner region.
Cotyledons consists of 3-4 layers of palisade cells varying in size with long axis
and a few layers of rudimentary spongy tissue rudimentary vascular tissue situated
in spongy mesophyll cells of cotyledon contain aleurone grains and oil globules.
MICROSCOPY
Seed shows a layer of thick- walled, columnar palisade, covered externally with
thick cuticle.
Cells are flat at base mostly pointed but a few flattened at apex supported
internally by a tangentially wide bearer cells having radial rib-like thickenings;
followed by 4-5 layers of tangentially elongated, thin-walled, parenchymatous
cells.
Endosperm consists of a layer of thick-walled cells containing aleurone grains,
several layers of thin walled, mucilaginous cells, varying in size, long axis radially
elongated in outer region and tangentially elongated in inner region.
Cotyledons consists of 3-4 layers of palisade cells varying in size with long axis
and a few layers of rudimentary spongy tissue rudimentary vascular tissue situated
in spongy mesophyll cells of cotyledon contain aleurone grains and oil globules.

48. Shows groups of palisade parenchymatous cells, aleurone grains, oil globules,
endosperm and epidermal cells of testa.
IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 2 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 4 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 %
POWDER MICROSCOPY
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 5 %
Constituents - Alkaloid, Sapogenins (Trigonelloside)and Mucilage.
Yemogenin,flavonoides (Trigofoenoside- A-G)
DOSE - 3-6 g. of the drug in powder form.
Uses : Methi acts as Carminative, Febrifuge and Demulcent

49. GUGGUL (Commiphora,Mukul)
Biological source:Guggul consists of exudates of Commiphora wightii
belonging to the family Burseraceae,a small perennial tree or shrub up to 1.2-1.8
m hight,occuring in rocky tracts of Rajasthan,Gujarat,exudate is collected during
winter season by making the incisions in the bark or in summer.
Shrubs are small thorny contains simple leaves,
flowers are bisexual
Color:- pale yellow or brown colored pieces.
Odour:-Aromatic
Taste:-bitter and astringent.
Drug makes milky emulsion in hot water.
MACROSCOPY
Shrubs are small thorny contains simple leaves,
flowers are bisexual
Color:- pale yellow or brown colored pieces.
Odour:-Aromatic
Taste:-bitter and astringent.
Drug makes milky emulsion in hot water.

50. Sanskrit : Pura mahisaksa
Assamese : Guggul
Bengali : Guggula
English : Gum-gugul, Indian Bdellium
Gujrati : Gugal, Guggal, Gugar
Hindi : Guggul
Kannada : Kanthagana, Guggala, Mahishaksha , Guggulugida,
Kashmiri : Guggul Dhoop, Kanth Gan
Malayalam : Gulgulu, Guggulu
Marathi : Guggul, Mahishaksh
Tamil : Mahisaksi Guggalu
Telugu : Makishakshi guggulu, Guggipannu
Urdu : Muqil (Shihappu)
VERNACULAR NAMES
Sanskrit : Pura mahisaksa
Assamese : Guggul
Bengali : Guggula
English : Gum-gugul, Indian Bdellium
Gujrati : Gugal, Guggal, Gugar
Hindi : Guggul
Kannada : Kanthagana, Guggala, Mahishaksha , Guggulugida,
Kashmiri : Guggul Dhoop, Kanth Gan
Malayalam : Gulgulu, Guggulu
Marathi : Guggul, Mahishaksh
Tamil : Mahisaksi Guggalu
Telugu : Makishakshi guggulu, Guggipannu
Urdu : Muqil (Shihappu)

51. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH
S.NO PARAMETER RANGE
1 Foreign matter Not more than 4 %
2 Total Ash Not more than 5 %
3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 %
4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 27 %
5 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 53 %
6 Volatile oil Not less than 1 %6 Volatile oil Not less than 1 %
Constituents -Essential oil, gum, resin, steroids.
DOSE - 2-4 g of the drug in powder form.
Uses :Used to treat Hyperlipidemia,also used to treat Anti-inflammatory
Used in treatment of diseases like CVC,Cancer,Obesity and Diabetis

52. TYLOPHORATYLOPHORA
Botanical source:-Leaves and roots of Tylophora indica,belonging to the family
Asclepiadaceae found in throughout India, in the plains, forests, hilly slopes and outskirts of
the forest up to 900m.
Description:
A twinning perennial herb Stem densely tomentose, slender, longitudinally striated with
branches arising from axil of leaves. Leaves are thick, cauline, opposite, simple entire, acute
and base cordate; glabrous ventrally and pubescent dorsally. Flowers greenish-yellow
outside, purplish within, in many flowered umbels(dichasialcyme).Fruit a follicle, fusiform,
divaricate, up to 10 cm, striate; seed ovate, elongated into a coma, 2 to 2.5cm; silky hairs at
one end.
Indian ipecacuahna
Description:
A twinning perennial herb Stem densely tomentose, slender, longitudinally striated with
branches arising from axil of leaves. Leaves are thick, cauline, opposite, simple entire, acute
and base cordate; glabrous ventrally and pubescent dorsally. Flowers greenish-yellow
outside, purplish within, in many flowered umbels(dichasialcyme).Fruit a follicle, fusiform,
divaricate, up to 10 cm, striate; seed ovate, elongated into a coma, 2 to 2.5cm; silky hairs at
one end.
Sanskrit: Arkaparni, Lataksiri, Shwasaghni
Hindi: अंतमूल Antamul, Jangli pikvam
Telugu: Kakapala, Tellayadala, Verripala
VERNACULAR NAMES

53. Dorsiventral Stomata and multicellular hairs absent on upper epidermis but present on lower
epidermis. Trichomes striated, upper epidermal cells longer than lower epidermal cells.
Palisade 2 to 4 cell wide followed by is diametric parenchymatous cells.In mid-rib arc-
shaped, stele conjoint, collateral, open, encircled by sclerenchyma patches cambium 2 to 3
layered with phloem towards dorsal side; numerous scattered aggregates of microcrystals,
collenchymas present below the epidermis in the midst and at the margins below the
epidermis. Laticiferous ducts also present below palisade tissue. Lateral vein bundles
surrounded by parenchymatous sheath but without cambium. Stomata Paracytic. Stomatal
index 88.76 to 91.68; vein islet number 10 to 13 per sq.mm. Palisade ratio 4.25 to 6.00.
Petiole circular in outline in transection. Epidermis 1 layered with 2 to 4 celled hairs.
Collenchymas 5 to 7 layered followed by isodiametric parenchymatous tissues. Vascular
bundle arc-shaped and dorse-convex; sclerenchyma patches on both sides.
MICROSCOPYMICROSCOPY
Dorsiventral Stomata and multicellular hairs absent on upper epidermis but present on lower
epidermis. Trichomes striated, upper epidermal cells longer than lower epidermal cells.
Palisade 2 to 4 cell wide followed by is diametric parenchymatous cells.In mid-rib arc-
shaped, stele conjoint, collateral, open, encircled by sclerenchyma patches cambium 2 to 3
layered with phloem towards dorsal side; numerous scattered aggregates of microcrystals,
collenchymas present below the epidermis in the midst and at the margins below the
epidermis. Laticiferous ducts also present below palisade tissue. Lateral vein bundles
surrounded by parenchymatous sheath but without cambium. Stomata Paracytic. Stomatal
index 88.76 to 91.68; vein islet number 10 to 13 per sq.mm. Palisade ratio 4.25 to 6.00.
Petiole circular in outline in transection. Epidermis 1 layered with 2 to 4 celled hairs.
Collenchymas 5 to 7 layered followed by isodiametric parenchymatous tissues. Vascular
bundle arc-shaped and dorse-convex; sclerenchyma patches on both sides.
Chemical constituents:-The major constituent in Tylophora is the alkaloid
tylophorine.
Uses :
The leaves and roots have emetic, cathartic, laxative, expectorant,
It has also been used for the treatment of allergies, cold, dysentery, hay fever and arthritis.
Traditionally used as a folk remedy in certain regions of India for the treatment of bronchial
asthma , inflammation , bronchitis, allergies, rheumatism and dermatitis.