Pharmacognostical Standardization of Enicostemma littorale Blume

Enicostemma littorale (Chota-Kirayat or Chota-Chirayata) is a glabrous perennial herb belongs to family Gentianaceae. It is traditionally used as antidiabetic, urinary astringent, antiperiodic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and carminative. It possesses antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antiedematologinic, antitumor activities. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical evaluation of Enicostemma littorale Blume. Macromorphology and microscopy were studies to establish the salient diagnostic features. The preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin layer chromatography has also been performed. The results of this study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for identification and preparation of the monograph of the plant.