PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Abstract

Abstract: Medicinal plants have been an integral part of traditional healthcare systems since ancient times. Pharmacognostic evaluation and phytochemical profiling are essential tools for the identification, authentication, and standardization of crude drugs derived from plant sources. The present study aims to carry out a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation and preliminary phytochemical screening of selected medicinal plants commonly used in traditional medicine. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, physicochemical parameters, and qualitative phytochemical analysis were performed using standard pharmacognostical methods. The results revealed distinct diagnostic features and the presence of important bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. The findings support the traditional use of these plants and provide scientific data that can be useful for quality control, drug development, and further pharmacological studies. Keywords: Pharmacognosy, Medicinal plants, Phytochemical screening, Traditional medicine, Standardization.