PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF RAUVOLFIA TETRAPHYLLA L.

Rauvolfia belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. is an endangered evergreen woody shrub and it is economically important medicinal plant because of the presence of various alkaloids. Because of a wide use and demand for this plant in the trade, it has been banned to be exported, which has increased the sort of adulterations made to it. To avoid this we need a correct identification of drug. So here an attempt has been made for the correct identification through its morphological and pharmacognostical parameters of the root stem and leaves. Study revealed the presence of stone cells and twin prismatic crystals characteristically present in the root. Presence of non-lignified fiber in cortex and stone cells in pith is characteristic to stem where as in leaf, parasitic stomata in lower epidermis and trichomes in both epidermis.