Pharmacognostical and Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of Acorus calamus linn.

Acorus calamus Linn. also known as Vacha is one of the oldest herbs with creeping rhizome in Indian traditional system and has been used as laxative, diuretic, antioxidant, antimicrobial. The present study was carried out to investigate morphological, microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical screening of Acorus calamus rhizome and powder. Morphological studies showed the presence of various diagnostic characters. In the microscopical studies, t.s. showed the presence of epidermis, cortex, fibrovascular bundle, endodermis contain parenchymatous cells and vascular bundle and powder of drug shows vessels with starch grain. Ash value, extractive value, foreign organic matter,moisture content and TLC were determined for quality standard of drugs. Phytochemical investigation shows the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, glycoside, phenolic compounds and tannins. The result of the study could be useful for identification and preparation of monograph of the plant.