Friday , 29 March 2024

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluations of Catharanthus Pusillus (Murr.) G.don (Apocynaceae) Aerial Parts

Yellanki Krishnaveni*
Department of Pharmacognosy, Vathsalya College of Pharmacy, Bhongir, Nalgonda, Telangana, India–508116

A B S T R A C T
Catharanthus pusillus (Murr.) G. Don commonly known as Vinca pusillus belongs to the family Apocynaceae, is a annual erect herb distributed in India and also cultivated in gardens. The crushed powder material of plant or decoction used as folk medicines by tribes for the treatment of cancer, ulcers, paralysis and hysteria.  In spite of its reputation in these ailments it has not yet been investigated scientifically hence it was thought worth to study it in detail.  The present paper highlights the pharmacognostical and phytochemical details and their role in laying down standardization and Pharmacopoeial parameters. The physicochemical parameters like Ash values, Extractive values and moisture content are determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that Catharanthus pusillus contains Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Carbohydrates, Saponins. Pharmacognostic investigation of fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of leaves of C. pusillus were carried out to determine its macromorphological, micromorphological profiles. Qualitative studies indicated the presence of Aboxial phloem, collenchymatous tissue, Epidermis, Lamina, Xylem, Vascular Strand, Spongy mesophyll, stomata etc., and macroscopical examinations green colour leaves with characteristic odour and bitter taste. These findings will be useful towards establishing pharmacognostic standards on identification, purity, quality and classification of the plant, which is gaining relevance in plant drug research.
Keywords: Catharanthus pusillus, Pharmacognostic Investigation, Physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation.

Scroll To Top