PHARMACOGNISTIC STUDIES ON WAGATEA SPICATA DALZELL

Wagatea spicata Dalzell, family : Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae) known in vernacular as ‘Vagati” or “Vakeri”, is a montotypic genus of a robust woody, climbing shrub growing abundantly in Maharashtra State, especially in Konkan jungles and on the Ghats near Mahabaleshwar. The roots are known to be used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia since long in the Indian system of medicine. The bark is used for skin diseases. The seeds possess an oil which is sometimes used for lighting purposes. Since the plant is abundantly used in Indian system of Medicine the authors carried out pharmacognostic studies on its parts in order to find out adulterations, if any, which is presented here.