The aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis L. var-I collected from different soils were chemically analyzed for setting the standard to be of use in Indian Traditional Systems of medicine. Extractive value, ash value, loss on draying, powder analysis, qualitative and quantitative phyto-chemical estimation were estimated.

Solanum surattense Burm.f. has been largely used in the indigenous system of medicine. A preliminary pharmacognostical study of the seed has been undertaken and the physico-chemical, fluorescent and qualitative phytochemical tests have been worked out and the results were presented.

The aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis L.Variant I and II are being used therapeutically for various ailments in indigenous system of medicine. Detailed pharmacognostical studies on the aerial parts were made. Variant I and II were analysed for their physiochemical, microscopical, fluorescent, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical, TLC and HPTLC characteristics. Quantitative variations were noted among seasonal samples and between variants and the results are presented.

The aerial parts of Coldenia procumbens Linn. (Boraginaceae) are used in indigenous systems of medicine. The market sample is in the form of small pieces or nearly powdered, from which the morphological and anatomical characters are unable to study for the identification and conformation of its authenticity. The present study of physicochemical characteristics like physical constant values, behavior with different chemical reagents, fluorescent behavior and qualitative phytochemical studies were useful to identify the market sample even in the powdered form.

Cissus quadrangularis L. variant II belonging to the family Vitaceae was screened for its activity Hellcobacter pylori (Hp) human isolates. Flowering and vegetative period samples were analyzed. Aqueous (hot and cold) and solvent extracts (acetone, chloroform and methanol) were screened. Among them chloroform was observed to recover bioactive principles with low MIC and MLC. MIC and MLC was 40 μg/ml for flowering period. Whereas for vegetative period MIC was 40 μg/ml and MLC was 40 μg/ml respectively. Extracts from samples collected during flowering period were better than that of vegetative period. The results confirm the traditional use of the plant in PUD.

Toxicity studies of crude aqueous ethanolic extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R. Br. Was carried out in two growth phases. The drug was administered orally and intra-peritonealy. It was found to possess nonspecific changes in liver. The results are discussed in detail.

The alcoholic extract of Achyranthes bidentata (AAB) has been studied for analgesic, anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activities in animal models. Analgesic activity was studied using acetic acid-induced writing test for assessing peripheral analgesic effect and tail immersion test for central analgesic effect. Anticonvulsant activity was performed by maximal electroshock induced convulsions; while the locomotor activity was evaluated using actophotometer. AAB (250-500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of wriths induced by acetic acid and elevated pain threshold in hot water test. The extract (500mg/kg) exhibited anticonvulsant activity significantly (P<0.001) against tonic seizures induced by MES. The results of locomotor activity showed the significant (P<0.01) CNS depressant effect at the three doses (250,375 and mg/kg) employed. The results suggest that AAB exhibited analgesic, anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activity in a dose dependent pattern.

Toddalia asiatica var. gracilis (L) Lam is a commonly used medicinal plant in Indian system of Medicine. A detailed pharmacognostic study on the aerial parts of the medicinal plant is presented. Physico-chemical microscopical and fluorescent characteristics have been described. Qualitative phytochemical tests have also been carried out and the results presented.

‘Lingha chendooram’ number 1 is a single drug useful in Siddha system of medicine. This is prepared from Cinnabar, the chief ore of mercury. The standardization is carried out with respect to the presence of Mercury and Sulphur in the drug.