Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Analysis of Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa Rottl.) Leaf

Abstract

Introduction: Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa Rottl.) Family Verbinaceae, a very important plant has been in use since Vedic times. It occurs throughout India, in the plains, as a large perennial shrub, growing to a height of 9 to 10 m. It is one among the combination drugs i.e. Brhatpanchamoola (Great 5 root drugs) and of Dasamoola (10 root drugs). Its leaves are used as expectorant in asthma, bronchitis, cold, catarrh and fever. In this work an attempt was done to establish pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical standards of leaves including HPTLC. Methods: Pharmacognostical parameters for the leaves of P. corymbosa was performed using parameters like macromorphology, microscopy, physico-chemical constants and phytochemical screening were done using standard methodology. Results: The leaves showed presence of tannins and flavanoids. HPTLC densitometric scan showed twelve chemical components at 254nm, nine at 366nm and ten at 620nm. Conclusion: The present study will serve as a standard for the identity of Premna corymbosa Rottl leaves.