ABSTRACT
The standardization of herbal drug preparation is an absolute requirement for ensuring the quality as well as increasing the marketability of rather safe drugs with less side effects. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis of the raw materials and the establishment of the hypothetical bioactive principles are the three major steps to focus on. However, the fact that most of the medicinal herbs described in the ancient texts are not thoroughly investigated so far for identification and bioactivity are the points of concern. Ormocarpum sennoides is found by practice as an extremely effective shrub in mending bone fractures. The present investigation deals with pharmacognostic perspectives of O. sennoides. Organoleptic, microscopic, leaf constants quantification, fluorescence, and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out with standard procedures. Bitter and sweet taste were identified in leaves and roots, respectively, through organoleptic studies. Tannin- and oil-filled cells are observed in the stem. Anomocytic stomata, calcium oxalate crystals, and oil glands appeared in the leaf epidermis. The leaf constants were calculated for establishing identity. Major groups of biologically active compounds have been detected from different parts. The results of the present study will be useful in correct identification of the plant, and it can be used in preparation of standard monographs in future.
