A Pharmacognostical Study of Pongamia pinnata Linn. (P.glabra Vent.) Family Leguminosae

Abstract

Family Leguminosae (pea family or bean family) (l-4) is an enormous plant family, with a worldwide distribution, having a currently estimated I 6,000 to 19,000 species, in about 750 genera.

In economic importance it is second only to family Gramineae <4 > and it is the third largest family of angiosperms following Orchidaceae and Compositae. (S)

Genus Pongamia includes only one species; pinnata, (also called glabra) and it is native to India In Hindu medicine Pongamia pinnata Linn. is used as remedies for rheumatism, for the treatment of scabies and other skin diseases.<6.7)

Pongamia pinna/a Linn. is reported to be a rich source of flavonoids, including; simple flavones, furano flavones, chromeno flavones, chromeno chalcones and furano diketones.<8>

The aim of this work is to study the active ingredients of the plant and to investigate the different pharmacological activities of different plant organs. Botanical study was also undertaken to help its identification in entire and powdered form.

This work includes the following:

Part 1: Botanical study, including:

a-Macrornorphological study of the different organs of the plant, viz. leaf, stem, flower and fruit.

b-Micromorphological study of the different organs of the plant,viz. leaf, stem, flower and fruit.

Part II: Phytochemical study, including:

1- Pre!iminary phytochemical screening of the flowers, seeds and pericarp of Pongamia pinna/a Linn.