Pharmacognostic Investigation of Valeriana hardwickii Wall. A Threatened Herb

Aim:Valeriana hardwickii Wall. belongs to family Valerianaceae grown in high altitude areas of north west Himalaya to Bhutan. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat insomnia; however, no reports are available regarding any pharmacognostic work on this plant. Material and Methods: The study includes morphological, microscopic and preliminary phytochemical investigations of the roots and rhizome. Anatomical studies of roots and rhizome shows the presence of diagnostic characters such as thick walled cortex cells, annular xylem fi ber, pitted xylem vessel and rhizome hair. Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening of petroleum ether, dichlomethane and aqueous extract revealed the presence of tritepenoids, alkaloids, irridoidal glycosides and fl avanoids. The study was carried out as per WHO guidelines. Conclusion: The outcome of this work will help the researchers to differentiate V. hardwickii from the other species of valerian.

Key words: Pharmacognostic investigation, phytochemical screening, valerianaceae, Valeriana hardwickii Wall.