Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Analgesic Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Euphorbia dracunculoides L.

Background: Euphorbia dracunculoides L is available in market in raw form. It is used by people for the treatment of warts, snake bite and epilepsy. Present study is about Euphorbia dracunculoides L. belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, comprises pharmacognostic study, physiochemical analysis and their pharmacological efficacy. Materials and Methods: The macroscopic study was carried out through sensory organs like size, shape, texture etc. Physiochemical analysis was carried out through proper procedure from relevant literature, and analgesic activity was done through proper method by following literature. Results: Macroscopic study showed that the plant is an annual herb, stem is branched from the base, yellow green at the bottom and light green at the top, glabrous, smooth, contains white latex, its leaves are sessile, alternate, dark green, simple, stipulated, sub-acute or acute at the apex and entire margin. Root is yellowish in colour, conical in shape, smooth texture, downward in position. Powder drug study which was performed revealed various structures. Phytochemical screening includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis which was carried out indicated the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, sterols, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, flavonoids and tannins. Proximate analysis showed proteins, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrates, moisture contents and ash. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of macro and micronutrients i-e Na, Zn, Mg and Fe, Cu, Ag and Au. Analgesic effect was dose dependent. Plant extract showed maximum inhibition of writhing 1.66±0.32 (96.61%) at 300 μg/ml. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic study, physiochemical analysis and their pharmacological efficacy is helpful in the standardization of drug.