Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON THE MEDICINAL PLANT JATROPHA GLANDULIFERA ROXB. (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Bharathy V and F. Uthayakumari*

Research centre for Plant Sciences, St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi-628 001, Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT

Jatropha is of approximately 176 succulent plants, shrubs and trees, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. From time immemorial the use of plants for medicinal purposes has been known throughout the world. Jatropha species are known for many biological activities like antimicrobial[1], pesticidal[2],antirheumatic,antiparalytic[3],purgative[4]. J.glandulifera Roxb.(Fig.1a) is a well known taxon widely grown in wastelands. In the present investigation the crude powder of leaves and stem of Jatropha glandulifera screened for presence of chemically active compounds, by standard methods. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, anthroquinone and quinone. The various morphological, microscopical, physicochemical standards analysed in this study will help for botanical identification and authentication of the plant material.

Keywords: Jatropha glandulifera, pharmacognosy, physicochemical