Available online on www.ijppr.com International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research 2013-14; 5(4); 282-284 ISSN: 0975-4873 *Author for correspondence:Email: ds.janoti@gmail.com Research Article Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Leaves of Meizotropis pellita Wall. Ex Hook, F & Grew. (Patwa) *Deepak Singh Janoti, Mahesh Kumar Institute of Biotechnology Patwadanger Nainital ABSTRACT Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Meizotropis pellita (Wall. Ex Hook, F & Grew) family Fabaceae ( Papiloneaceae), commonly known as Patwa, was done. Organoleptic characters, qualitative microscopy, moisture content, physicochemical ash, soluble extractives, and fluorescence analysis was performed. Starch crystals, Trichomes are present in transverse section of midrib of leaves; nature of stomata was Anomocytic (irregular-celled) in the leaves. Ether soluble extractive signifies the presence of least fraction of fats, lipids and some steroids. Total physiological ash and non- physiological ash content was 6.628+ 0.773%. The silica content, especially as siliceous earth in the ash of leaves was found to be 0.708+ 0.30%. Fluorescence analysis of air dried leaves revealed presence of fluorescence compound. Keywords: Meizotropis pellita, Physicochemical analysis, Fluorescence analysis. INTRODUCTION Meizotropis pellita (Wall. Ex Hook, F & Grew.) commonly known as Patwa, is native species of in open Chir Forest at around 5000 feet in May-June. Plant Patwa was first reported by Osmoston in 1925 at Patwadanger (1530 m). It was also seen in Kali Kumaun and subsequently its presence was also reported from Dhoti District of Nepal. It is a rare, endangered, endemic plant species1, angiospermous plant, belong to family fabaceae (Papilionaceae). Leaves of the plant are 18-30 inches long1. This plant has small population and grows in very specialized and sensitive habitats; therefore any change and ecological disturbance may lead its extinction from the region. Pharmacognostic evaluation systematic study of a crude drug comprises of (i) origin, common names, scientific nomenclature and family, (ii) geographical source (and history), (iii) cultivation, collection, preservation and storage, (iv) macroscopical, microscopical and sensory (organoleptic) characters, (v) chemical composition wherever possible, (vi) Identity, purity, strength and assay, (vii) substitute and adulterants, etc. Such systematic study of a drug as complete as possible, is claimed to be the scientific for pharmacognositical evaluation2. MATERIALS AND METHODS The plant Meizotropis pellita was collected from Institute of Biotechnology Patwadanger, Nainital. Authentication and Preparation of herbarium and voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium section of Biotech Pharmaceutical Lab of Institute of Biotechnology, Patwadanger, Nainital, G.B.Pant University of Agriculture Organoleptic characters: Various sensory parameters of the plant material viz. colour, odour, size, shape, and taste Table: 1. Organoleptic characters of Meizotropis pellita leaves. Colour Green Odour Unpleasant Taste Tasteless Shape Deltoid Size 10-30 inches Surface Hairy Apex Obtuse Base Truncate Margin Entire Table: 2. physicochemical analysis of Meizotropis pellita air dried leaves. Loss on drying 15.668+ 4.657% w/w Water soluble extractive 17.166+ 1.04% w/w Alcohol soluble extractive 7.5+ 1.5% w/w Ether soluble extractive 3.2+ 1.058% w/w Total ash 6.628+ 0.773% w/w Water soluble ash 1.252+ 0.642% w/w Acid insoluble ash 0.708+ 0.30% w/w Available online: 25 October, 2013 G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantagar U.S. Nagar Uttarakhand hill tops as well as on the vally slopes near dry ridges and using milling machine at room temperature. Patwadanger situated at 12 km away from Nainital District and Technology Pantnager. Plant leaves were allowed to in Uttarakhand. The plant occurs more gregariously on flat air dry in shade and converted in uniform powder form by