Comparative Morphological and Chromatographic Studies on Mesua ferrea Linn. and Ochrocarpus longifolius B. & H. Source Species of Nagkesara in Commerce

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Stamens of Mesua ferrea Linn. is the source of “Nagkesara,” a drug considered to be astringent, stomachic and expectorant, but Ochrocarpus longifolius B & H is also available as Nagkesara in the commerce. The present communication deals with the comparative morphological and chromatographic (HPTLC) studies of both the species which may help to differentiate the drug Nagkesara resourced from both the botanical and available in commerce.
Keywords: Nagkesara, HPTLC, stamens