Pharmacognostic Studies on Methanolic Extract of the Aerial Part of Leucas zeylanica(L.)

The aerial part of Leucas zeylanica (L.) Benn (Fam. Lamiaceae) was studied to fix the parameters for pharmacognostical standards. The results of organoleptic study offer a scientific basis for the use of Leucas zeylanica which possess characters like deep green colour, characteristic odor and mucilaginous and slightly bitter taste. The fluorescence analysis under visible light and under UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed different colour changes. The presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavonoids and glycosides were confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening.