ABSTRACT
The phytochemical screening on Pterolobium hexapetalum leaves, bark and pods revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and glycosides, were found to be variously distributed in all the parts of the plant. To avoid the misuse of harmful plant material, it is necessary to scientifically develop pharmacognostical and physicochemical standards of a particular plant material, which may ensure and maintain its quality, efficacy and safety profile. Ethnomedicinal investigations are imperative in illuminating significant indigenous plant species, primarily for finding new rudimentary drugs. The WHO has published Quality Control Methods for Medicinal Plant Materials, which describes a recommended test procedure to evaluate the identity, purity and quality of plant-based products. The chemical nature of the active constituents present in the plant material can be identified by performing preliminary phytochemical screening of that plant materials. There are hundreds of medicinal plants that have a long history of curative properties against various diseases and ailments.
