PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the pharmacognostical and quality control parameters of Tribulus terrestris L. whole plant except fruits. Method: The plant was collected from the university campus and was got authenticated from NBPGR, Delhi. Various standardization parameters viz. loss on drying, ash values, extractives values, swelling index, foaming index etc. were determined as per the procedure laid down in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and WHO Guidelines. Macroscopic and microscopic studies were also performed. Results: The present study provided pharmacognostical, physicochemical details, elemental analysis and microbial contamination of the plant which will help in designing the pharmacopoeial monograph.  The microscopic studies established that the leaves are of dorsiventral type having single celled trichomes all over the stem and leaves. The plant extracts contained safe pesticides as revealed by the GCMS analysis. The phytochemical screening establishes the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenol, flavonoids, saponins and phytosteroids. Conclusions: The monograph of the plant can be established for pharmacognostical parameters, thereby confirming the credibility of the plant as a medicinal herb.