Pharmacognostic Profiling of Cleome gynandra L. - A Traditional Folk Medicine

The pharmacognostic features   of Cleome gynandra L. a traditional anticancer drug for ascertaining its authenticity. Macroscopic, microscopic, histochemical localization studies and preliminary phytochemical screening along with HPTLC analysis were carried out for the aerial parts of the selected plant. The results of macro, microscopic, quantitative and histochemical localization studies revealed the presence of some unique microscopic features. Preliminary phytochemical screening data suggested the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponin and sterols.  HPTLC profile was recorded for the chloroform extract. Totally 11 spots were observed and the Rf values were calculated and this profile can be used as a fingerprint for the authentication of the drug in dry condition. The above evolved characters can be used as pharmacognostic standards for the future identification and authentication for deciding the quality of this drug.