PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BARK AND LEAF OF THESPESIA POPULNEA SOLAND EX CORREA

Abstract

newline quotIndia has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes are equally used by tribal and folklore traditions in India for treatment of various diseases. Indigenous medicine is generally transmitted orally through a community, family and individuals until quotquotcollectedquotquot. Within a given culture, elements of indigenous medicine knowledge may be diffusely known by many, or may be gathered and applied by those in a specific role of healer. Three factors legitimize the role of the healer - their own beliefs, the success of their actions and the beliefs of the community. The relationship between humans and plants goes back as far as human history itself. Humans have always relied upon the plant world as a source of food and medicine, sustenance and well being. newlineFrom prehistoric days, plants are used for shelter, food and medicine. The use of plants for medicinal purposes is as old as our civilization. The first known written record of curative plants was of Sumerian herbal of 2200 BC. In the 5th century BC, The Greek doctor Hippocrates list out some 400 herbs in common use. Dioscorides, in the 1st century AD, wrote an herbal by using 600 plants which ultimately became the base for many later works. Herbs have been used for uncounted time for various purposes like healing the sick and infirm. Most of the people still continue to use herbs to benefit their bodies. People thought that herbs keep the body in tune with nature as intended and maintain proper balance. Many scientific studies are still continued with modern research following the lead of old folklore and herbal uses to help finding new western medicine. Man has also been aware of the effects of herbs on the body, mind and emotion. For example - flowers were utilized to attract love, food and protection. Fragrant plants werequot newline