Introduction: Desmodium oojeinense (Roxb.) H. Ohashi, (Syn. Ougeinia oojeinensis (Roxb.) Hochr. is a tree belonging to family Fabaceae. Bark is reported to be astringent, acrid, cooling, anti inflamatory, sadorrificand rejuvenating and used in the treatment of diabetes. Method: Detailed macroscopy , microscopy, histochemical tests, fluorescense analysis, behaviour of powdered drug with different chemical reagents were performed for pharmacognostic evaluation of stem bark by following standard methods. Results: Stem bark showed presence of rhytidomes, groups of stone cells, resin ducts, uni and biseriate medulary rays, starch grains, prismaic crystals of calcium oxalate. Histochemical tests, behaviour of drug with different chemical reagents and fluorescense analysiss howed the presence of lignin, resin, oils and crystals which would prove to be a unique parameters for identification of the drug. Conclusion: Findings of this study will be helpful for identification and authentication of stem bark.

Aim: Manjishtha-Rubia cordifolia L. (family: Rubiaceae) is an important medicinal plant and used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Plant parts like roots, stems, leaves and fruits are being used to treat various respiratory and skin diseases. Manjistha is excessively collected from natural habitat and becoming rare and vulnerable in different parts of country. Therefore, it is decided to develop a systematic in vitro protocol for rapid multiplication of the plant. Materials and methods: Nodal segments collected from healthy, desease free plant were used as explants. Pretreated and surface sterilized nodal segments were implanted on to MS basal medium as well as MS fortified with different concentrations of plant growth regulators viz., BAP, TDZ, Kn, NAA, IAA, IBA singly or in combinations. Then, the cultures were incubated at 22°C ± 2°C for 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Results: Maximum number of shoots (20-25) developed from the nodal segments inoculated on MS + TDZ (0.5 mg/l) + 0.1% PVP liquid medium. The best rooting (2-3 roots) were developed in MS + IBA (2 mg/l) in 8 to 14 days. Conclusion: The in vitro protocol developed would be beneficial to multiply the plants of R. cordifolia on large scale within the short period with low cost and to conserve the plant.

Aim: Allium sativum L. is a cultivated medicinal plant known as Rasona in Ayurveda. In Asian countries, leaves of Lasuna are widely used in food recipes and as remedy for cough, asthma, malarial fever, facial paralysis, cardiac disease, etc. It is reported to have high medicinal as well as nutritional value. Therefore, it is felt necessary to study the macroscopy, microscopy, histochemical, physicochemical, and thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) parameters of leaf which are not reported earlier.Materials and methods: Collected plant specimen was identified, authenticated, and preserved in the herbarium section of the Institute. Shade dried leaves were made into powder. Macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical parameters were performed as per the standard procedures described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Fluorescence analysis, behavior of powdered drug with different chemical reagent, was performed as per the procedures given in the World Health Organization document/guidelines.Results: Organoleptic analysis showed that leaf powder is light yellowish green in color with pungent odor having acrid taste. Microscopic study revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata on both surfaces. The TLC of methanolic extract corresponds to gallic acid and quercetin standards. Conclusion:The findings would be useful for identification and standardization of leaf drug and would add the parameters in the API.

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