Pharmacognostic studies on Tephrosia jamnagarensis Sant. -An endemic species of India

Introduction:Tephrosia jamnagarensis Sant. is a rare endemic species, restricted to the semiarid region of India. Methods: The present study gives insight into the anatomical, pharmacognosy, histochemical and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the root, stem and leaf of Tephrosia jamnagarensis. The analysis's were done according to WHO norms. Result: The anatomical study of root and stem showed the characteristic rhomboidal calcium oxalate crystals in medullary rays. The paedomorphic ray and medullary phloem were observed in the mature stem. Micro-morphological parameters such as the stomatal index, palisade ratio and vein-islet number were distinctly quantified. The powder study showed the presence of warty unicellular trichomes and anisocyctic stomata in leaf and stem whereas calcium oxalate crystals and pitted xylem vessels were observed in roots, stem and leaves. The histochemical tests performed indicate the presence of mucilage and alkaloids. Phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and mucilage. Conclusion: The standardization parameters provide referential information for correct identification of the plant material and will also be useful in preparation of monographs on these plants.