AN ANALYSIS OF PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF KANDA TWAKA CHURNA AND PATRA CHURNA OF SHIGRU (MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM.)

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. belongs to the Moringaceae family, popularly known as Sahijana, Shigru, Shobhanjana, Krishnagandha etc. The importance of Shigru in treatment has been mentioned in various classical texts for ages. Different parts of the drug, i.e., stem bark, leaves, seed, pods, root, etc., contain many chemical constituents that are significant in pharmacology. Pharmacognostical and phytochemical analyses are essential for proper identification and authentication of the drug. Materials and method: Shigru kanda twaka churna and Shigru patra churna were evaluated separately for pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical studies. It also included a qualitative test for detecting protein, carbohydrate, ascorbic acid, sterols, and terpenes as per the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India (A.P.I.). Results: The correct identity and authenticity of the drug sample were confirmed by its organoleptic study, powder microscopy, and phytochemical study, comparing them with features mentioned in A.P.I., and then certified by subject experts in Govt. Drug testing laboratory, Dist. Gwalior M.P. and Institute of Pharmacy, Vikram University Ujjain M.P. Conclusion: Based on the present study, we can conclude that both the sample drugs were authentic, pure and followed standard parameters of A.P.I.