Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of leaves of Vitex purpurascens

Vitex purpurascens (Verbenaceae) is a close relative of Vitex negundo which is a very important anti-inflammatory drug mentioned in Ayurveda. Though V. purpurascens is found throughout India, its pharmacognostical study remains unexplored. A detailed pharmacognostic investigation of fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of leaves of V. purpurascens was carried out to determine its macromorphological, micromorphological and phytochemical profiles. Morphologically, the leaves have a distinct purple lower surface. Diagnostic characters of its powder include various trichomes like unicellular covering trichomes, multicellular covering trichomes, sessile glandular trichomes, collapsed covering trichomes, cystolithic trichomes, knee-shaped trichomes and other characters like pericyclic fibers, annular xylem vessels and anisocytic stomata. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of important classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids and carbohydrates. The result of the study can be useful in setting diagnostic indices for the identification and the preparation of the monograph of the plant open up the avenues for standardization of its formulation following pharmacological profiling and comparison with V. negundo .