Mushtaq M. Int J Pharm 2021; 11(5): 1-6 ISSN 2249-1848 Research CODEN: IJPNL6 Pharmacognostic Features, Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Studies of Calotropis gigantean Maida Minahil Mushtaq 1* , Sohaib Peerzada 1 , Saiqa Ishtiaq 2 1 Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore. Pakistan 2 College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan * Corresponding author email: chemistryresearch5@gmail.com Received on: 04-05-2021; Revised on: 18-05-2021; Accepted on: 25-05-2021 ABSTRACT Calotropis gigantea is a common plant found numerously in Pakistan and well known for its folklore uses it belongs to Apocynaceae family. The current research work based on its identification and for the purification techniques of crude plant drug for its uses in modern medical sciences. This study includes pharmacognostic features evaluation, preliminary and phytochemical studies, microscopic evaluation and powder microscopy. In this study transverse section of the different parts of the plants shows arrangements of fragment and cells. Fluorescence analysis is used for the color identification of plant and in this study fluorescence analysis is performed with different chemical and solution and results are observations are noted in short and long wavelength. For the identification of presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids phytochemical tests were performed for the evaluation of crude drug powder. Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy is used for the functional group identification of plant parts which would be used for the identification and characterization of plant parts. Physio chemical parameters such as total ash value, Water soluble Ash, Swelling Index, Foaming Index and moisture contents were performed for the physical evaluation of crude powder. Anti-oxidant in-vitro studies have been performed for the evaluation of any anti-oxidant property which make it a brief description about its pharmacological effects regarding rancidity and provide a description about its further usage in any of anti-oxidant formulation. Keywords: Apocynaceae, Phytochemical studies, C.gigantea, FTIR, DPPH. INTRODUCTION Plants are the immense power of nature. Mother Nature provide us with various kind of plants and trees which are not only complete our basic need of food and other basic necessities but also provide medicines. As with the evaluation of mankind world also proceed with medical science and technology but the basic origin of drug is remained form our mother nature [1,2]. As with the passage of time medical industry evaluate as well as allopathic but now scientist understand the effectiveness of plants and move towards plant origin. So as a result there is need to increase the identification and evaluation techniques and this research work based upon on this evaluation [3]. This research work include phytochemical and physiochemical evaluation which disclose its effectiveness for its folklore uses as well as for the medicinal properties of the plant. Histological studies, fluorescence analysis, proximate analysis and phytochemical analysis. Microscopic evaluation of C.gigantea powder was subjected for the diagnostic characteristics of individual stem and leaves Calotropis gigantea is widely distributed in south Asia and North Africa. It is widely distributed in Thailand, India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Srilanka, Cambodia Malaysia and Indonesia. It also found in Somalia and tropical Africa [4]. This plant is drought resistant and salt tolerant and distributed mostly in sandy soils. It quickly get be grown anywhere by spreading its seeds by animals or wind. The folk uses of Calotropis gigantea are very important leaves of the plant C.gigantea were used for the treatment of swellings, paralysis in Ayurveda. Other folklore uses include Wound Healing Activity, Cytotoxic Activity, Anti-diarrheal Activity, Antioxidant activity [5]. Some of the validated folkloric uses of C.gigantea are analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-pyretic, anti-convulsant, contraceptive, anti- ulcer and wound healing. One of the major folklore uses is that it was used as an antidote for snake poisoning and it was also used as International Journal of Pharmacy Journal Homepage: http://www.pharmascholars.com