PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES ON PHYLLANTHUS RETICULATUS POIR – A LESS KNOWN FOLK UNANI MEDICINAL PLANT

Abstract

This paper deals with the detailed pharmacognostical evaluation of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir (Euphorbiaceae); a lesser known medicinal plant. It is synonymously also called as Kirganelia reticulata (Poir) Baill. A survey of folk Unani herbal system of Amravati District (Maharashtra) shows that the leaves are used by local hakims to treat menstrual disorders and sexually transmitted diseases in males. Pharmacognostic studies were carried out including morphoanatomy of the entire plant and micromorphology and phytochemistry of leaves to establish the authencity of the P. reticulatus and differentiate the drug from its other species. The interview and discussion with the traditional healers proved the medicinal value of Phyllanthus reticulatus. Hence suitable measures should be taken for ensuring need based use of this valuable species and to preserve the same in its natural habitat by making use of the traditional knowledge from the unani hakims.

Key words: - Folk Unani system, Euphorbiaceae, micromorphology, pharmacognosy,  phytochemistry, Phyllanthus reticulatus.