PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF LEAF OF GYMNOSPORIA MONTANA (VIKALO)

Ethanomedicinal plant like Gymnosporia montana belonging to the family Celeastraceae commonly known as Vikalo in Gujarat. Gymnosporia montana is known as “VIKALO” means VI + KAMALO (jaundice in Gujarati –Kamalo) cure JAUNDICE. Ethanomedicinally fresh leaves of Vikalo are chewed in trible regions of Gujarat to cure jaundice.. Pharmacognostical evaluation including examination of morphological and microscopical characters, determination of quality control parameters such as ash values, extractive values, moisture content, foreign matter, and microbial contamination were carried out. Phytochemical screening including qualitative chemical examinations was also carried out. Hence, the present attempt was undertaken to investigate the Phytopharmacognostical studies of leaf of Gymnosporia montana. The study revealed the presence of biseriate upper and lower epidermis with waxy cuticle and stomata. Mesophyll contains yellowish black colour matter. Phytochemical screening of the plant showed the presence of phytoconstituents like phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponin.