~ 1664 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2020; 9(2): 1664-1666 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 www.phytojournal.com JPP 2020; 9(2): 1664-1666 Received: 06-01-2020 Accepted: 10-02-2020 Meenakshi Sudhir Vaidya S.V. K. M’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics Autonomous Affiliated to University of Mumbai, Vile Parle - West, Mumbai, Maharasthra, India Jyoti Vishwakarma S.V. K. M’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics Autonomous Affiliated to University of Mumbai, Vile Parle - West, Mumbai, Maharasthra, India Corresponding Author: Meenakshi Sudhir Vaidya S.V. K. M’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science and Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics Autonomous Affiliated to University of Mumbai, Vile Parle - West, Mumbai, Maharasthra, India Use of pharmacognosy to study Pithecellobuim dulce (Roxb). Benth. Stem and leaves Meenakshi Sudhir Vaidya and Jyoti Vishwakarma DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2020.v9.i2ab.11095 Abstract Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources. The present study is of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. which belongs to family Leguminosae and sub family Mimosae. It includes the evaluation like physicochemical parameters like preliminary phytochemical screening, total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash and extractive values in different solvents which are also required in correct identification of crude drug i.e. Pithecellobium dulce as mentioned in the Pharmacopoeia of India. Leaves yield quercitin, kaempferol, dulcitol and afezilin which are used as medicine against cancer and as antioxidants. Keywords: Pithecellobium dulce, phytochemical screening, ash value, extractive values Introduction Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. belongs to family Leguminosae and sub family Mimosae. It is commonly called Madras thorn, monkey pod in English, Vilayati chinch in Marathi, Jungle Jalebi, Vilayati babul in Hindi [1] . Morpholohy of Pithecellobium dulce Erect trees or large spiny tree, often cultivated by roadsides and in gardens. It is also grown in form of hedges after proper cutting. The tree is called rain tree, because of a legend that it was always raining under its branches. Bark grey white. Leaves are bipinnate. White Flower, Flowers in Globose axillary heads, usually hermaphrodite and pentamerous. Stamens monadelphous, much exerted; Anthers not gland -crested. Ovary Sessile or stalked, many ovules; style filiform, stigma minute capitate. Pod strap-shaped, falcate or circinate, usually dehiscent and much twisted in a late stage, the sutures not thickened. The seeds yield Oil. They also used in diabetes. Seed Black, enveloped in pulpy white aril. Fig 1: Erect trees or large spiny tree, often cultivated by roadsides and in gardens Chemical Constituents: Leaves yield quercitin, kaempferol, dulcitol and afezilin. Fatty acid analysis of seed extract yielded 9 saturated and 17 unsaturated fatty acids. Total protein content was highest in the seeds (50.3-67.1%), followed by stems, roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits [2] . Uses: It is used as antiseptic, lightens skin, prevents hair loss, treats oily scalp, aids weight loss, good for pregnant women, boosts immune system and treats fever [3] .