MICROSCOPIC, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GARDENIA JASMINOIDES (ELLIS)

Objective: To evaluate the microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of Gardenia jasminoides (Ellis).Methods: The leaves of Gardenia jasminoides (Ellis) was studied through macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical standards such as moisture content, ash values, extractive values and phytochemical analysis includes preliminary screening and quantification of important secondary metabolites were carried out as per the standard procedures are given in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia.Results: Microscopic studies of leaf showed the presence of epidermis, 4-5 layers of collenchymas cells, xylem, phloem and vascular bundles. The determination of physicochemical studies of leaves showed that it contains Total ash (6.98%), Water and Acid insoluble ash values and extractive values of 0.31% in Hexane, 0.87% in chloroform and 0.42% in Ethyl acetate. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloid, Flavonoid, Saponin, Tannin and phenol.Conclusion: The results obtained from the study provide information for proper identification and standardization of plant for its medicinal property, ensuring the quality of plant drug and also useful to distinguish it from its related species.