Pharmacognostic Study of Asclepias curassavica Linn.

Asclepias curassavica L. (Family: Asclepiadaceae), commonly known as 'Kakatundi' an important Ayurvedic drug used as emetic, astringent, anthelmintic and a remedy in piles and gonorrhoea. All the parts are used in the indigenous system of medicine. The present investigation deals with the macro-microscopical structure of the leaf, micro chemical tests, quantitative study, study of the powdered drug, fluorescence analysis and determination of physical constant values. Leaf is dorsi-ventral, stomata present on both the surfaces. Latex is present in laticifers.