PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION OF CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA (L.) DRYAND R

Pharmacognostic standards of Calotropis gigantea roots have been established, so that authentic plant material can be selected for further investigations to validate scientifically for its traditional claims. Transverse section of root showed presence of four layers of cork, eight layers of cortex comprising parenchyma and medullary rays and vascular bundles comprising phloem parenchyma at upper side followed by xylem made up of parenchyma and vessels. Various physico-chemical parameters of the plant, such as foreign organic matter, moisture, volatile oil, tannin, total protein and carbohydrate contents, ash values, extractive values, swelling index, foaming index, bitterness value and haemolytic value were generated. The content of toxic residues in plant complies with the limits. Phytochemical screening showed presence of fats, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, proteins and carbohydrates in plant. Thin layer chromatography of n-hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts showed eleven, eight and eleven spots, respectively, using suitable mobile phases.