Pharmacognostic analysis of Azima tetracantha Lam.

摘要

Azima tetracantha Lam., family Salvadoraceae, is used as food and herbal medicine as stimulant and appetizer. In remote villages of Kerala, this herb is also used as anti inflammatory and diuretic. Pharmacognosy is a tool to identify the plant by the extracted phytochemical(s). Macroscopic, microscopic and also dry powder analysis, behavior of the powder in different solvents/reagents facilitates the correct identification. Good medicinal practices in neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries warrants the correct identification of the dried plants or powdered drug which detects and prevents the adulteration(s), if any. The challenge ahead of this investigation is to authenticate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the plant, using standard methods.