Pharmacognostic Study of Justicia beddomei (C. B. Clarke) Bennet

Justicia beddomei (C. B. Clarke) Bennet synonym Adhatoda beddomei C.B. Clarke consists of the fresh or dried leaves Dried leaves are of a dull brownish-green colour, characteristic odour and bitter taste. The leaves of the plant contain major alkaloids called vasicine, vasicinone and deoxyvasicinone, sitosterol and its glucoside, which are shown to be having bronchodilator and antihistaminic effects. These alkaloids are said to exist in combination with an acid that has been named adhatodic acid. Leaves yield essential oil and an alkaloid vasicine. Roots contain vasicinol and vasicinone. Roots also contain vasicoline, adhatodine, anisotine and vasicolinone. Several alkaloids like quinazoline and valicine are present in this plant. The leaf extracts of Justicia beddomei (C. B. Clarke) Bennet is used as an expectorant especially in chronic bronchitis and asthma. It relieves cough and breathlessness. It is also prescribed commonly for local bleeding due to peptic ulcer, piles etc. Its local use gives relief in pyorrhoea and in bleeding gums. In the present study, detailed Pharmacognosy of this plant is studied as it is used as substitute for Adathoda vasica.