PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF SELECTED INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS

Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been utilized globally to prevent and cure a wide range of medical disorders. Despite the fact that they are employed in many different medical systems, it remains a challenge to ensure their quality control, proper scientific validation and standardization. Systematic validation and scientific regulation of natural formulations are required for the future improvement of traditional systems of medicine. The herbal products produced with proper standardization and validation are often more efficient and have fewer adverse effects. In the present study, the stem bark of Ficus religiosa, stems of Tinospora cordifolia, leaves of Moringa olifera and roots of Boerhaevia diffusa have been selected. Due to pharmacological effects present in these plants, they are widely used in different traditional medicines. All the chosen plants are standardized by powder microscopy, physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, heavy metal testing etc. Comparative analysis of these parameters helped detect adulteration in each of these selected plants. Further, the comparative study of in-vitro antioxidant profiles of all these selected plants helped develop the herbal formulation for treating diseased conditions.