PHARMACOGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF JATROPHA GOSSYPIFOLIA. L
Jatrophagossypifolia L. is a plant of Euphorbiaceae family, which has been used since times immemorial in folk medicine to treat ailments. A pharmacognostic, phytochemical and physicochemical characterization of this plant with respect to its medicinal potential is hereby carried out and the quality control parameters established. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were also conducted where important features were recorded in order to identify the plant. The use of phytochemical screening resolved the existence of bioactive agents, like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and saponins, which authenticate its medicinal significance. The presence of various fractions was further established by thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of ethanolic extracts of the plant further proving the medicinal potential of the plant. To guarantee the quality and the authenticity of the plant, the physicochemical constants were determined including the ash values, extractive values, the moisture content, and the pH. The findings enhance the prospects of the plant in pharmaceutical transformations and require additional pharmacological and clinical research to get a proven efficacy of therapeutic uses and further standardization.