Abstract

Shahana Sherin C. and R. Madharasi*

ABSTRACT

Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H.G. Hallier (syn: Hemigraphis alternata, family: Acanthaceae), is an exotic plant adapted to India. It is a versatile low-creeping perennial herb mostly valued as an ornamental plant. Since remote past, the leaves are ground into a paste and applied on fresh cut wounds to promote wound healing. Clinical studies also highlight its significant antimicrobial and anti oxidant activities. The present investigation study was focused to evaluate the pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical properties of Hemigraphis colorata leaves. The morphological and anatomical characters, quantitative microscopy, powder microscopy and the behavior of powdered sample with different reagents were recorded. Pharmacognostic study of crude drug would be essential for any advanced pharmaceutical research on this plant. The use of herbal plants in the medical system plays an important role in the treatment of illnesses. Researchers all over the globe are exploiting the medicinal plants because of their least side effects, high efficacy and safety. Exploitation of such medicinal plants has helped in treatment of ailments and it management. Among such plants Hemigraphis colorata is a plant that has significant part in the medicine system and has made a remarkable impact in traditional medicine treatment. The plant has been used in treatment of bacterial infection, fungal infection, haemorrhoids and as a wound healing agent. Along with these several pharmacological studies also suggest that the plant has potent antioxidant activities these activities can be a results of its vast photochemical composition which includes alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids.