Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Standardization of Leaves of Spathodea Campanulata P. Beauv

Spathodea campanulata belongs to the family Bignoneaceae, commonly known as the Fountain tree, African tulip tree, Flame-of-the forest. The leaves possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanolic extract of leaf and flower shows antimicrobial properties. The roots peel contains iridoid glucoside and phenolic derivatives phydroxy-benzoic acid and methyl p-hydroxy-benzoate. They were evaluated for anti fungal activity.Macroscopically, the Spathodea campanulata is compound leaf, oblong shape, entire margin, hairy surface, normal base, short solid petiole. The microscopic study showed the presence of collenchyma, vascular bundles, spongy parenchyma, palisade cells, diacytic stomata, trichomes. Physicochemical studies revealed moisture content, foreign matter, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash. The leaves were extracted by cold maceration process using solvents like chloroform, acetone, methanol and water. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds were observed. The present study might be useful to supplement information in regard to its identification parameters.