Nyctanthes arbor-tristis-Linn.: Pharmacogenetic, Physicochemical, and Phytochemical Investigations

Abstract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn., commonly known as Parijat or night jasmine, belonging to the family Oleaceae, was investigated to establish detailed pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical profiles of its leaves. Pharmacognostic evaluation included macroscopic and microscopic analyses, with key findings such as vein-islet number (4), vein termination number (21), and stomatal index (17.85). Additional analyses encompassed powder microscopy and fluorescence characteristics. Physicochemical properties were determined, yielding values for total ash (9.387 ± 0.565%), acid-insoluble ash (0.3067 ± 0.029%), water-soluble ash

(4.067 ± 0.088%), alcohol-soluble extractive (16.57 ± 0.4927%), water-

soluble extractive (17.33 ± 0.577%), and moisture content (8.48 ± 0.08%). Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids. These findings provide a comprehensive pharmacogenetic standard for the identification, authentication, and quality control of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves, facilitating their medicinal and therapeutic applications.