Pharmacognostical and Preliminary Phytochemical Studies of Nyctanthes arbor – tristis Linn.

Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis Linn (Nyctanthaceae) commonly called as night jasmine is used for a wide range of diseases in folk medicine. Only a very limited research has been carried out on the plant, under the present study assumes singular significance and it is supposed to contribute a great deal to the existing literature. The present paper highlights the pharmacognostical studies such as macroscopic, microscopic characters, powder microscopy and fluorescence analysis of bark. It also includes physiochemical constants like ash value, extractive values, loss on drying of the bark powder. These observations would be of immense value in the botanical identification and standardization of the drug in crude form. This study would help distinguish the drug from its other species.