G.D. Nalini Mabel

E. littorale (Chota-kirayat or Chota–chirayata) is a glabrous perennial herb belongs to family Gentianaceae. It is traditionally used as antidiabetic, urinary astringent, antiperiodic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and carminative. It possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiedematologinic. antitumour activities. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical evaluation of Enicostemma litorale Blume. The physicochemical parameters like ash and extractive values were determined. The fluorescence analysis was observed both under ordinary light and UV light. The phytochemical analysis on extract was done by using different solvents and revealed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic compound, quinine, flavanoid, Tannin and Amino acid and identified by the basis of IR and gas chromatography-MS. The results of this study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for identification and preparation of the monograph of the plant.