Pharmacognostic Studies of Aerial Part of Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.)

The aerial part of Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn (fam. Urticaeae) was studied to fix the parameters for pharmacognostical standards. The results of organoleptic study offer a scientific basis for the use of Pouzolzia zeylanica which possess characters like greenish grey colour, characteristic odour and mucilaginous and slightly bitter taste. The fluorescence analysis under visible light and under UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed different colour changes. The presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids was confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening.