Initial pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis of Ctenolepis gracinii

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the active principle in Ctenolepis gracinii Burm.f., (Cucurbitaceae) and to
establish its physicochemical properties. According to Atkinson, the roots, seeds, and fruit may all be utilized
medicinally. Traditional Tamil medicine prescribes this species for quinsy and other throat conditions. Despite the
importance of verifying the identification and purity of a medicine by microscopic inspection, standardized criteria
for Ctenolepis gracinii have not been reported in the literature. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying,
extractive values, Ash values, and preliminary investigations into the phytochemicals present in the extracts with
respect to thin layer chromatography were carried out as part of the present work, which aims to establish methods for
quality control of drugs. Therefore, it was deemed important to investigate this threatened species using its
standardized criteria.The research will give a benchmark for accurately identifying the unprocessed medication.