PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF AERIAL PARTS OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS VAR. ALBUS

Abstract

Rosmarinus officinalis Albus is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white flowers grown in many parts of the world. It is widely used in the treatment of genitourinary conditions, liver diseases and scalp treatment. The present study was performed to highlight the micro-anatomical, physiochemical and phytochemical aspects of the plant. The thin transverse section and powdered microscopical studies were carried out for leaf and stem separately. The chemo-microscopical studies were done using different staining reagents. Physiochemical parameters were performed. Thin layer chromatographic analysis was carried out for the methanolic extract and compared with the standard rutin, quercitin and gallic acid. The anatomy of the leaf, stem showed abundant number of different trichomes and fibres in leaf. Scalariform xylem vessels, pitted fibres were observed in stem. The preliminary phytochemical chemical tests showed the presence of volatile oil, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, steroids amino acids and proteins.