FOLIAR TRICHOME AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF JATROPHA GOSSYPIIFOLIA (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Leaf of Jatropha gossypiifolia was studied. A detailed pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation was done. The study revealed several interesting characters such as anticlinal cell wall pattern (ACWP) and glandular trichomes(GT). Trichomes, glandular unicellular, uni-seriate, multi-cellular head with uniseriate stalk. Thus the above-mentioned leaf features are studied as SEM images which are of great taxonomic significance, trichome character is an important data for systematics. Powder Microscopy and phytochemical screening was also studied. The name “Jatropha” is derived from the Greek words “jatros,” which means “doctor” and “trophe,” meaning “food,” which is associated with its medicinal uses. The leaf decoction of this plant is used for treating wounds, sores, sprains, rash and other skin diseases. Presence of high amounts of alkaloids and flavonoids contribute to the medicinal effects that are exhibited.