Pharmacognostic studies of the leaf and stolon of Pistia stratiotes Linn.

Abstract

Pistia stratiotes Linn. is found in ponds and streams throughout India. The plant has demulcent, refrigerant activities and useful in the treatment of dysuria. It is considered as antiseptic, antitubercular and antidysenteric. It is used in the preparation of inorganic Ayurveda and Siddha medicaments. The leaves are used in eczema, leprosy, ulcer, piles, and syphilis. The present study deals with the various pharmacognostical examinations include the morphological, microscopical characters and physiochemical characters like ash values and extractive values. The preliminary phytochemical screening is also carried out and it is revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents like Steroid, Triterpenoid, Phenol, Flavanoid, Tanin, Alkaloid, Glycoside and Saponin. These data's could be used to standardize the plant which is essential and is need of the hour.