MICROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION, TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS: AN UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: Being an Oleaceae family member, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, known as Night jasmine or Harashingar, is a legendary plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Research on the different plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, fruit, seed, and bark revealed the phytochemicals that were responsible for the primary pharmacological activities. These phytochemicals included glucose, oleanic acid, glycosides, carotene, tannic acid, flavanoids, benzoic acid, and essential oils. The present article discusses the taxonomy, vernacular names, distribution, botanical description, habitat, cultivation and propagation, traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and pharmacological activities of the plant. The article also describes the study carried out on the characterization of microscopy of the stem transverse section. Objective of the Study: To investigate the microscopic characterization of the stem of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. Method: The thin transverse section of the plant stem was treated with several chemicals like alcohol (10%, 30%, 50%, 90%, 100%) and with xylene (10%, 30%, 50%, 90%, 100%). The dyes, saffranine, and methylene blue were used to stain the stem sections. DPX assisted in making a permanent slide. Result: When viewed under the microscope, the thin transverse section of the stem displayed differentiation into various layers – the cuticle, epidermis, cortex, vascular system that consisted of primary xylem and phloem, secondary xylem and phloem, underdeveloped endodermis, and the pith – starting from outside towards the center.