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Microscopic Features and Preliminary Phytochemical Testing of Alectra Parasitica A. Rich. Var. Chitrakutensis Rhizomes

Shriniwas P. Patil1* and Subhash T. Kumbhar2

India has variety of mega biodiversity hotspots like Kashmir valley, Gangetic plane, Semi-arid region, Deccan peninsula and hilly region of southern-western India, these regions have been found to be the habitat of various types of plants including the rare ones. Since long ago, it has been experienced that plants can be used to treat various illness in human being. Mainly, tribal people have this knowledge of various plants and their pharmacological applications. Considering the adverse effects of modern synthesized drugs, nowadays herbal medicines are gaining importance and attention for research. Several times, natural products were proved to be pharmacologically active or can be used as precursor for development of a series of new active drug molecules. One of such a rare plant is Alectra parasitica A. with existence in traditional medicine. Alectra parasitica A. Rich. var. chitrakutensis, (Scrophulariaceae) plant grows as parasite on roots of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) plant, found mainly in Chitrakut region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Traditionally, it has been claimed as crude drug for various illnesses like skin and infectious diseases, rheumatism, constipation, intestinal worms, fevers, swellings, paralysis. Present work describes its primary information related to morphology, microscopy and preliminary phytochemical analysis.