PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANDROSACE FOLIOSA (COMMON ROCK JASMINE) USING DIFFERENT STANDARD LAID DOWN PROTOCOLS

Abstract

Natural products derived from natural sources and they are used to treat numerous diseases. Herbs play vital role in traditional practices and ancient civilizations foundation of modern medicines. Ongoing scientific research uncovering bioactive compounds with potential application in modern medicines. Pharmacognosy has become increasingly linked to the standardization and quality control of herbal medicines. Standardization ensures safety, effectiveness, and consistency of herbal formulations through strict quality assurance practices. Additionally, pharmacognosy serves as a foundation for discovering new therapeutic compounds by exploring bioactive substances found in nature. The application of modern analytical techniques enhances the credibility of herbal medicine, bridging traditional healing practices with contemporary pharmaceutical research and development. Additionally, pharmacognosy serves as foundation for discovering new therapeutic compounds by exploring bioactive substances found in nature. The application of modern analytical techniques bridging traditional healing practices with contemporary pharmaceutical research and development. Androsace foliosa possess important phytochemicals e.g. saponin & sapogenin and is used for liver, kidney diseases amenorrhea, skin allergies, leucorrhoea and abortifacient. Morphological study shows leaves diverse & shape is speculate & elliptical. Organoleptic study shows taste (astringent), odour (aromatic), fracture (brittle), stem (straight), color (brownish green) and flower (pinkish). Number of flowers (12-15), petals (5), sepals (7), style (1.5mm) and capsule (3 mm).  Color of powder leaves and roots, (greenish & brown), odor (astringent & aromatic) & taste (bitter & acrid). Microscopic & Physicochemical study shows vascular bundles, upper & lower epidermal cells. moisture content of roots and leaves (2.5%) and (3%). Total ash of roots and leave (25% & 22.5%), acid insoluble ash (12.5% & 9%)) and water soluble ash (10% & 8.9%)). Extractive value of roots & leaves water (0.8% &1%), ethanol (4% & 2.25%), chloroform (8% & 8.5%), ethyl-acetate (9% & 7%) and methanol (11% & 13%).  Leave Constants stomatal number (5), stomatal index (2.5-7), vein islet (11-17), veins termination (9-12) & palisade ratio (2:6). Fluorescent study of leaves & roots are Light brown and Dark brown. Histochemical study shows lignified cellulose & cuticular cell wall, aleurone grains, calcium oxalate, fatty acids, resins, inulin & mucilage, tannins and hydroxyl anthra-quinones. Natural products, particularly those derived from medicinal plants, have been foundational in traditional and modern medicine. Androsace foliosa (Common Rock Jasmine) is a traditionally used herb for treating liver and kidney disorders, amenorrhea, leucorrhoea, skin allergies, and as an abortifacient. The plant contains key phytochemicals, including saponins, sapogenins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, mucilage, and resins. This study aimed to establish pharmacognostic markers and perform standardization of A. foliosa following validated protocols recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Solvent extraction was carried out using methanol, ethanol, water, chloroform, and ethyl acetate to determine extractive values and compound solubility profiles. Macroscopic and organoleptic evaluations confirmed characteristic features such as elliptical leaves, pink flowers, astringent taste, aromatic odor, and brittle texture. Microscopic examination revealed distinct vascular bundles and epidermal tissues. Physicochemical markers included total ash (roots: 25%, leaves: 22.5%), acid-insoluble ash (roots: 12.5%, leaves: 9%), and moisture content (roots: 2.5%, leaves: 3%). The highest extractive values were recorded in methanol (roots: 11%, leaves: 13%). Leaf constants measured included stomatal number (5), stomatal index (2.5–7), vein islet number (11–17), vein termination number (9–12), and palisade ratio (2:6). Fluorescence analysis and histochemical screening confirmed the presence of calcium oxalate, hydroxyl anthraquinones, lignified and cuticular cell walls, fatty acids, and inulin. These comprehensive findings provide critical standardization markers for A. foliosa and support its continued investigation as a potential therapeutic agent in modern pharmacognosy.