Pharmacognostic Study of the Leaves of Piliostigma thonningii Schum (Ceasalpiniaceae)

The existence of huge species and varieties plants that bear resemblance in their macro-morphological features but differs micro-morphology phytochemical constituents has led to misidentification replacement one species/variety plant for another. Hence, the need standard documentation macro micro morphological features, unshared unique characters compositions individual drug cannot be over emphasized. This research studied pharmacognostic profile Piliostigma thonningii Schum leaf using tools crude standardization such as macromorphological / organoleptic evaluation, qualitative quantitative microscopy, analytical evaluation (physicochemical constants) screening. results microscopical showed it actinocytic stomata on upper epidermis, uniseriate trichomes schizo-lysigenous cavities lower reticulate spiral xylem vessels rosette shape calcium oxalate crystals. While powdered revealed 9 moisture content, 4.1 total inorganic ash, 2.2 water soluble 0.85 acid insoluble 4.8 sulphated 13 alcohol extractive, 11.5 extractive 4.61% n-hexane extractive. screening presence saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides terpenoids. overall this can serve reference proper identification plant.