Pharmacognostic, Physico-Chemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaves of a Species of ‘Paarshva-Pippala’:Thespesia populnea

'Paarshva-pippala' is an important drug mentioned in the traditional medicinal texts. However, two completely different species are used as 'Paarshva-pippala': Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae) and Ficus arnottiana (Moraceae). Recent pharmacological findings indicate that leaves of Thespesia populnea possess significant anti-diabetic activity and can be used in cutaneous infections, which comply with the claims made in the traditional medicinal texts regarding 'Paarshva-pippala'. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study or phytochemical investigation of these leaves has been performed yet. The present work deals with the qualitative and quantitative pharmacognostic evaluation of the leaf material of Thespesia populnea and establishment of its quality parameters, including physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation. This would help in distinguishing Thespesia populnea from Ficus arnottiana and pave the way for isolation of phytoconstituents, therapeutic investigations and standardization of formulations containing its leaf material. Most importantly, it may shed light on the true botanical identity of 'Paarshva-pippala'.