Morphological and microscopical studies and Phytochemical analysis of Markhamia falcata (Seem)

Abstract

Markhamia falcata (Seem) synonym Dolichondron falcata is belonging to family BIGNONIACEAE. Markhamia falcata commonly known as ‘Medhshing’ in hindi, ‘mesasinghi’ in Sanskrit (means look like sheep horn, showing in plate.) Markhamia falcata native to Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, and India. In India it is found in Rajputana, Bundelkhand, Bihar, Deccan, Mysore, most forests of Madras Presidency. It is also planted as ornamental plant in Gardens. The plant Markhamia falcata (Seem) (Syn. Dolichandrone falcata) has been used mainly for diabetics, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiesterogenic and for anxiolytic activities. The leaves are also used in the treatment of leucorrhea, body aches, abortion piles etc. Markhamia falcata contain chemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, sugars, saponin, amino acids, phenolic group etc. There are many medicinal plants for which limited phytochemical studies have been carried out and hence intensive efforts are required in this direction. Phyto-chemical quality of any herbal remedy is ensured by identification of biological compound present in it. Keeping this thought in mind, the present study was conducted in order to discover the qualitative and quantitative nature of leaves, and bark Markkhamia falcata. Since there is no proper information regarding histological character of this plant our efforts were devoted to study the pharmacognostical properties of this plant.