Pharmacognostical standardization of Cassia auriculata, Centella asiatica and Zingiber officinale

Abstract

Cassia auriculata, Centella asiatica and Zingiber officinale are belongs to the family Leguminosae, Apiaceae and Zingiberaceae respectively. These herbs possess abundant remedial benefits and are used traditionally to treat numerous illnesses. The standardization of these crude drugs is essential to gain information on their identity and quality. WHO recommended parameters were used to standardize the plant materials. Dried raw powder of Cassia auriculata leaf, Centella asiatica leaf and Zingiber officinale rhizome were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic evaluation followed by physicochemical evaluations such as loss on drying, ash values and extractive values. Further, the plant materials were extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent (Alcohol: Water ratio is 70:30) by cold maceration process and subjected to qualitative phytochemical investigation. The identity and purity of the plant material had been proven by its organoleptic characteristics. Detailed structural characteristics were obtained from powder microscopy. Physico-chemical parameters displayed the quality of raw powder. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of various phytoconstituents. The pharmacognostical standardization has provided with a referential information on the identity, quality and purity of the crude drugs.