Pharmacognostic study of Helicteres isora L.

Objective: Helicteres isora L. is erect woody branched shrub of family Sterculaceae, commonly called Murud sheng. Pharmacognostic study includes dermal characters like stomata, trichomes, anatomical features, macerated vessels and differential phytochemical test have been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Methods: The fruit of Helicteres isora was collected from Mahur range forest of Nanded district, Maharashtra. The fruits were dried in shade and powdered. The fruit powder was extracted with in distilled water. For macroscopic and microscopic study of fresh leaves were selected. Leaf epidermal studies were carried out on fresh specimens. Transection of leaf, petiole, stem were taken by free hand. Fresh and preserved materials used. Results: The preliminary screening of phytochemicals of present study reveals that the presence of bioactive constituents alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and saponins. These secondary metabolites help to cure dysentery, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and pharmacology assay is useful for the evaluation of drug and to detect the adulteration. Conclusions: Biological actions are primarily due to these secondary metabolic components in a complex form concern with synergistic or antagonistic activities.