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Nearly 70-80% of the world's population relies on non-conventional medicines, often derived from herbal plants, according to World Health Organization (WHO) figure. Medicinal plants are starting material for any herbal preparation such as herbal medicines, herbal teas, herbal oil etc. These preparations are being used worldwide due to their therapeutic potential and as they are considered to be safe as compared to allopathic medicines. Lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, arsenic and mercury are the most common toxic metals that have become a matter of concern due to the reports of their contamination in various herbal preparations and herbal ingredients .Although the minimum acceptable limits have been laid out as safety concern. Heavy metal are evaluated by AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRFS, HPLC, DPP, NAA, ASV and disposable sensor applications for achieving therapeutic efficacy and evolutions of heavy metal in herbals.

Plumeria obtuse L. (Apocynaceae) is an ornate outdoor plant. The plant was traditionally used during accidentalinjuries. However, the pharmacognosy of this plant is very poorly explored. Therefore, we have conducted this study to assess the distinctive qualities of the P. obtusa. To investigate P. obtusa seed pods’ preliminary pharmacognostic, physical-chemical, phytochemical, microscopic, and phytoconstituent potential. Initially, the shape and microscopic characteristics of plant seed pods were assessed. Physicochemical analysis was used for the standardization. Utilizing several chemical techniques, phytoconstituents were evaluated qualitatively. This was followed by quantitative estimation and analytical profiling of various phytoconstituents. The basic characteristics of the seed pod have been documented by macroscopy to be its brown color, sweet aroma, bitter flavor, coarse texture, and rough fracture. Microscopy showed the existence of vascular bundles, lignified fibers, calcium oxalate crystals and arteries. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed no foreign organic matter, 2.8 % weight-average moisture content and a high total ash value of 14.80 compared to an acid insoluble ash value of 0.70, which indicated that there was less inorganic matter in the plant. The extractive values were 3.93, 6.03 and 10.16 % w/w for water soluble, alcohol soluble and hydro-alcoholic soluble extracts respectively. Flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phenolic constituents, tannins and carbohydrates were found during early phytochemical analysis. Instrumental analysis has given an idea about functional groups present whereas GCMS technique helped in identification of phytoconstituents. The results of this study can be significantly used as a reference support for quality control and standardization of P. obtusa and preparation of a monograph of plant.

<em>Sansevieria cylindrica</em> (SC) Bojer ex Hook. (Asparagaceae) and <em>Plumeria obtusa</em> (PO) L. (Apocynaceae) are indoor and outdoor ornamental plants respectively. These plants are traditionally used by the local healers during accidental injuries. However, their toxicological properties are very poorly explored over folkloric usage. Therefore, the present study evaluated the toxic potencies of SC leaves and PO seed Hydro-Alcoholic Extract (SCPOHAE) through acute oral dose (14-days) administration in female Wistar rats. Safety of the SCPOHAE was evaluated as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Acute Oral Toxicity study guidelines 423. The female Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=3). A single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight of individual extract and 1:1 blend was administered to each animal. The animals were closely observed for clinical signs, neurobehavioral changes, morbidity, and mortality if any for the first half an hour and then every hour for the first four hours followed by observation every 24–hours for 14 days. Changes in food and water consumption, body weight were monitored daily during the study. On day 1 and day 15 blood samples were collected to evaluate changes in the hematology and biochemistry parameters. The urine samples were also collected for urine analysis parameters. Animals were sacrificed on day 15 and organ samples of liver and kidney were collected for histopathological findings. The SCPOHAE individually and also as 1:1 blend at the limit dose (2000 mg/kg, body weight) did not cause death and did not induce any remarkable and abnormal clinical signs, indicative of systemic toxicity, in rats during the treatment period of 14–days. The statistically non-significant small differences in the body weight were observed. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The oral administration of SCPOHAE did not cause any systemic toxic effects. In conclusion, the No-observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) of these extracts in rats was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg.

Aim and Objectives: The exploitation, adulteration and substitution of herbs is major hurdle for development of commercial natural products. Thus, the microscopic evaluation is the first step towards standardization of medicinal plant. A leaf from Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex Hook is examined both macroscopically and microscopically in the current study. Materials and Methods: Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex Hook (Asparagaceae) is an indoor ornamental plant. Macroscopic characteristics viz. size and shape, colour, odour and taste were studied. Microscopic evaluations were performed by means of high-resolution microscope. Anatomy of the leaves was examined by following standard method of section cutting. Results: The macroscopic assessment showed that the plant leaves are light to dark green in colour having highly fibrous structure. Stomatal constants of 230, 19.6% stomatal index, 53.34/mm2 vein islet number, and 79.12/mm2 vein termination number were noted in the leaves. Anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, xylem fibres, oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. were all revealed in detailed microscopy. Conclusion: The macroscopic and microscopic findings of the Sansevieria cylindrica leaf are applicable for standardization and authentication of plant.