PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF LIMNOPHILA HETEROPHYLLA
Limnophila heterophylla (Scrophulariaceae) is a glabrous perennial herb and it is found in open, sandy places among sparse grass close the beach throughout South America (particularly Guyana and Surinam). It is traditionally used to treat foul ulcers, agalactia, galactic impurities, anorexia, dyspepsia, helminthiasis, constipation, inflammations and strangury. Phyto, physicochemical standardization of dried, matured whole plant of Limnophila heterophylla was carried out in the present study. The study includes organoleptic characters along with estimation of its physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, pH, ash values, extractability in water and ethanol and preliminary phytochemical screening. The generated information of the present study provides data which is helpful in the correct identification and authentication of this medicinal plant and may help in preventing its adulteration