Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia maxima Pers Root

Background: Tephrosia is a large tropical and sub-tropical genus belonging to the family Fabaceae. Tephrosia maxima is reported to be rich in phenols and flavonoid. The folklore of Andhra Pradesh use the plant for inflammatory conditions, in diabetes, as anti ulcer and anti cancer agents. Objective: The present work focuses on the o Pharmacognostical standardization on the root of the plant which will help in setting a suitable plant profile. Materials and Methods: The morphological, microscopical, proximate analysis, fluorescence analysis, preliminary chemical screenings followed by thin layer chromatographic analysis was performed. Quercetin was used as the standard in the tlc analysis. Results: A thin transverse section of the root showed the presence of mucilaginous vessels which was considered as tissue of diagnostic importance. Abundant vessels with lateral wall pits and perforation plates were seen throughout the powdered microscopy. The fluorescence analyses showed a range of fluorescent colours which help in the identification of chemical nature of constituents present. The physico chemical parameters like ash values extractive values, crude fibre content and loss on drying were conducted, the values of which will help in the detection of impurities. The thin layer chromatographic finger printings revealed the presence of quercetin or its derivatives as similar Rf values were observed. Conclusion: the results obtained in this research investigation will help in the development of a suitable monograph which will help in the proper identification and authentication of the plant from its related species.