Pharmacognostical, preliminary phytochemical probe and phenetics of Heliotropium indicum Linn leaves

Abstract

Heliotropium indicum Linn belongs to Boraginaceae, is an annual herb commonly known as Indian Heliotrope. H.indicum is native to Asia, Tamil Nadu and is widely used in traditional medicine. In Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, India, tribal communities used this plant to treat skin infections, poisonous animal bites, Stomach related problems and nervous diseases. Phytochemical report on H.indicum revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, sterols, amines and volatile oils. The plant is reported to possess antibacterial, antitumor, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and diuretic activity. The fresh leaves of Heliotropium indicum were authenticated, collected, shade dried, coarsely powdered and extracted with hydroalcohol (70%). The extract was concentrated and stored in air tight container for further use. The present study was aimed to investigate the Pharmacognostical, Physico-chemical parameters, Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents present in Heliotropium indicum leaf along with phenetics are studied.