Published Paper Details:

The present investigation on the various parts of Nyctanthes arbortristis L. has been undertaken mainly to understand the anatomy, tissue components, phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity. It has been achieved by adopting the basic techniques in anatomy and histochemistry. The main focus of this study was on the internal structure of stem, leaf and flower so as to understand the role of specialized cells (secretary cells) and pigments (carotenoids). These microscopic features play an important role in authentication of crude drug samples in pharmacognosy. In transactional view, stem shows four cortical bundles characterized as conjoint, collateral, open and exarch, present at the four ridged portion of the stem. This is due to the abnormality of stem which shows secondary growth at maturity. Midrib vascular bundle is crescentric showing cambial divisions, xylem and phloem. The essential oil of N. arbortristis L. has a pleasant fragrance and has been established as a potent antimicrobial agent. Presence of essential oil secreting cells was localized in stem, leaf and flower with Sudan III stain. Oil secreting cells appear bright orange - red. In the present study, tannins, starch, glycosides and carotenoids have been identified. Interestingly, tannins, starch, glycosides and carotenoids are seemed to be responsible for aroma and colour of the corolla tube. Interestingly, the results pertaining to the bioactive principles of flowers of N. arbortristis L. remain similar to that of jasmine. Further, the alkaloid and the glycosides extracted in the present investigation are known as nyctanthine and iridoid glycosides respectively. Besides, the significant antibacterial activity of the leaf powder extracted in butanol exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition (19mm) against Gram negative bacteria. Thus these properties of the plant N. arbortristis L., make it as a very promising / potential candidate species in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as well