Distinguishing Features of Medicinal Herbaceous Species of Phyllanthus Occurring in Lucknow District (U.P.) India

Abstract

The small, herbaceous species of Phyllanthus, commonly called “Bhumyamalaki” in Sanskrit are widely used medicinal plants, especially for treating jaundice. In Uttar Pradesh, P. amarus Schum. & Thonn., P. fraternus Webster, P. urinaria L. and P. virgatus Forst., grow commonly in the wild. The similarity in appearance and common vernacular names “Bhumyamalaki” or “Bhuianavalah” assigned to these Phyllanthus species create confusion in identifying a particular species. Pharmacognostic studies on the above species of Phyllanthus from Lucknow district (Uttar Pradesh) have been carried out to identify each of them correctly and to avoid confusion and adulteration in commerce.