Pharmacognostic Studies on Xanthium Strumarium L -a Folk Unani Medicinal Herb

Xanthium strumarium L. widely used in traditional as well as folk medicinal systems is locally known as Gokhru and in unani as Kutta Jhad. In Amravati district (Maharashtra), it was found that the whole plants as well as leaves are used by hakims as blood purifier and in scabies. Here pharmacognostic studies are made regarding whole plant and also only leaves. For standardization of drug material morphological and anatomical characterization is done. Phytochemical investigations were made to know the presence of various bioactive molecules, amino acid composition and minerals. The herb is characterized by unisexual capitula, scabrid surface with scales, trichomes and glands. Root with pith and multiseriate rays; stem with secondary growth restricted to fascicles and xylem with broad vessel elements; mesophyll with multilayered palisade and anomocytic stomata. Plant is rich in potassium and containing flavonoids, catechol, alkaloids, cardenoloids and many free amino acids.