Objective: This study was undertaken to carry out a comparative pharmacognostical evaluation of three botanical source plants used in the name of classical Ayurvedic drug Jivanti.Methods: Leaves of three source plants of jivanti belonging to Asclepiadaceae family i.e. Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.), Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. and Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf were evaluated for morphological and microscopical characters including quantitative microscopy, surface study, powder microscopy and histochemical studies.Results: Morphologically all the three species showed some similar characters like simple, opposite leaves with reticulate venation. The shape of the leaves were ovate to oblong in L reticulata and H ada-kodien whereas W volubilis was having broadly ovate or suborbicular leaves. Multicellular glandular warty trichomes, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, lactiferous cells were observed in all the three species whereas prismatic crystals were also present in W volubilis. Palisade ratio and stomatal index were higher in H ada-kodien followed by L reticulata. Characteristic differences in the organoleptic characters like colour, taste, touch were observed in individual powder samples. Test for lignin, calcium oxalate crystal, starch grain and tannin showed a positive result in all the three samples.Conclusion: The present study reports specific pharmacognostical characteristics for the identification and differentiation of each botanical source plant. The observed results can also serve as a reference for any further investigations.

Brahmi Ghrita, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation is recommended in the management of various psychological disorders like Unmada, Apasmara and Graharogas. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical identification of ingredients of Brahmi Ghrita and its physico-chemical analysis. Pharmacognostical study containing both macroscopic and powder microscopy of raw drug revealed the quality and genuineness of all the constituents of Brahmi Ghrita. Organoleptic features of coarse powder made out of the crude drugs were within the standards prescribed. Acid value was 0.16075, saponification value 184.17, Refractive Index value 1.467 at room temperature, Iodine value 26.715, Specific gravity at room temperature was 0.9133. HPTLC was carried out after organizing appropriate solvent system in which maximum 9 spots were distinguished and most of the Rf values were identical in alcoholic extract which shows the presence of certain definite constituents in Brahmi Ghrita.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. belonging to Fabaceae family is an important endangered plant that has been therapeutically used to treat different pathological manifestations since ages. It is commonly known as Bakuchi in Sanskrit. Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its seed. A lot of adulterations are also present in the market. The present study is aimed towards evaluating pharmacognostical and histochemical characteristics of the seeds of P.corylifolia Linn. in detail. Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds and histochemical studies were noted by following standard methods. Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of volatile oil, silica deposits and stone cells. The observations found in current work can be considered as reference standards in future studies.

Launaea sarmentosa (Willd) Schultz-Bip.ex Kuntze (Asteraceae), locally known as Kulhafila in the Maldives, is a creeping herb, native to tropical Indian coastlines. According to anecdotal evidence from locals in the Maldives, the roots of this plant are used as an ingredient of a popular medicinal preparation (Hilibeys) taken by mothers after childbirth. It is also used in various other ailments in different parts of the Maldives, as well as in India. So far, there has been no scientific documentation of this plant. The only source of information available is held by natives and traditional medical practitioners. The present study was conducted on the root of L. sarmentosa for its pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoea of India (API) parameters. The microscopic characteristics of the root show prismatic crystals, multiseriate medullary rays, laticiferous cells, and pitted parenchyma. Qualitative analyses, such as loss on drying, ash value, pH, etc., were conducted. Preliminary phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, tannin, steroids, etc.

Cissus repanda Vahl. (Syn. c.rosea, Vitis repanda and V. rosea). Family Vitaceae, commonly known as 'Panivel' in Hindi, is a folklore medicinal herb, reputed for the healing properties of its roots and stem. the trible people and traditional practitioners of orissa, gujarat, andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka Dist. are found to be prescribing the root powder of this plant in case of bone fractures, cuts, boils and wounds. as yet the roots of plant has not found to be reported and hence the roots of this plant was investigated thoroughly as per the pharmacopoeial parameters. Physicochemical parameters shows high value of acid insoluble ash indicating high polarity, preliminary phytochemical investigations shows the presence of alkaloid, tannin, mucilage and calcium salts. the microscopic characters of root shows Mucilage, rosette and acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains, tannin Stealar region shows fibres, scalariform vessels and pitted parenchyma and multiseriate medullary rays.