Preliminary Phytochemical and Pharmacognostical Analysis of Bauhinia variegata Linn. Leaves

Bauhinia variegata Linn. is one of the medicinal plants used in traditional systems of medicines like Siddha, Ayurvedha, Unani. All the parts of the tree were used to treat various diseases in folklore medicine. The aim of the present study was to carryout the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical analysis of Bauhinia variegata Linn. leaves. The standard methods were followed. Bauhinia variegata Linn. leaves showed the presence of thin layer of epidermis, parenchymatous cells, sclerenchyma sheath, vascular bundles and unicellular, non-glandular trichomes. Leaf constants viz. stomatal index-5.32, vein islet number – 8.35, vein termination number -6.7, palisade ratio – 7.5 were also studied. Physiochemical parameters such as total ash(8.2%w/w), water soluble ash value (2.1%w/w), acid insoluble ash value (6%w/w), alcohol extractive value (8%w/w), water soluble extractive value (18.4%w/w) and loss on drying (6.89%w/w) were determined. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides.