Background: Calotropis procera R.Br. (Family, Apocynaceae) is a toxic herb which was known to have great importance in the Ayurveda. The plant is anthelmintic; relieves strangury; cures ulcers; the ashes act as an expectorant. The plant was also known to be used in the treatment of jaundice from ancient times. Studies have shown that it has cardio-protective property in Myocardial Infarction. The present study was focused on evaluating the anti-oxidant activity of the leaves by in vitro models. Methods: The anti-oxidant activity in different extracts and fractions of the leaves viz. total alcoholic and water extracts; petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fractions were evaluated for antioxidant properties using various in vitro models like free radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, reduction of ferric ions and lipid peroxidation assay; and total antioxidant capacity was established. Results: Antioxidant potency was found

Pavonia odorata Willd. belonging to the family Malvaceae is well known for curing a variety of diseases. This study deals with the Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of whole plant of Pavonia odorata Willd. The plant is widely used as a cooling, diaphoretic, diuretic, and demulcent. It is also prescribed as an astringent and tonic for fever, inflammation and hemorrhage. Pharmacognostical studies include macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical evaluation of the whole plant. The transverse section of root, stem and leaves were performed. Physicochemical constants showed the values of total ash (4.45%), acid insoluble ash (0.754%), water soluble ash (6%), sulphated ash (6. 5%), nitrated ash (1.65%), hot extraction(10.22%), water soluble extractive (9.2%), ethanol soluble extractive (4.8%), ether soluble extractive (1.2%), loss on drying (25%), swelling index(1) and mucilage content(0.25%) w/w. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the alcoholic extract showed presents of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, steroids, mucilage and flavonoids. The study helps in the development of standard parameters of the plant which help the identification and authentication of the plant. Keywords: Pavonia odorata Willd., Pharmacognostical, phytochemical evaluation, Medicinal plant drugs, ethnomedicine.