PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF LEAVES OF TECOMELLA UNDULATA
Tecomella undulata (Bignoniaceae) is a deciduous or nearly evergreen tree found in the desert region of north-west and western India. Pharmacognostic investigation of fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of leaves of T. undulata were carried out to determine its macromorphological, micromorphological and phytochemical profiles. Diagnostic characters of powder include unicellular covering trichomes, anomocytic stomata, calcium oxalate prisms and spiral xylem vessels. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of important classes of phytoconstituents like saponin glycosides, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols, triterpenoids and carbohydrates. The result of the study can be useful in setting diagnostic indices for the identification and the preparation of the monograph of the plant as well as standardization of its formulation.