Phytochemical Investigation, Physicochemical analysis and Pharmacognostical Studies of Root of Gmelina arborea Roxb.

Gmelina arborea Roxb (Family verbenaceae) commonly known as Gamhar is a beautiful fast growing deciduous tree throught in India and with vast medicinal properties. The plant has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments. Gmelina arborea root has been used traditionally for the treatment of anthelmintic, laxative, fever, piles, diarrhoea and urinary discharges. The present work attempts to carry out preliminary phytochemical investigation, detailed pharmacognostic study and physicochemical evaluation of root of Gmelina arborea. Fresh root and dried powder of the roots were used to studied for macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening and florescence analysis of powder drug. Other physicochemical parameters were also performed as per WHO guide lines. These studies provided referential information for correct identification and standardization of this plant material and detection of adulterants of this plant material.