The term 'pharmacognosy' is derived from two Greekwords 'Pharmacon' means drug and 'gignosco' or 'gnosis' to acquire knowledge means knowledge of drugs. It may be defined as an applied science which deals with the biological, biochemical and economical features of natural drugs and their constituents. Any plant which is used medicinally requires detail study prior to its use because the therapeutic efficacy is absolutely depends on the quality of the plant drug used. The detailed Pharmacognostical study of plant help us to differentiate between closely related species of the same genus or related genera of the samefamily. It is also the first step to standardize a drug which is the need of the day. If the plant drugs are adulterated, then the quality of preparation cannot give the desirable results. Macroscope and microscopic pharmacognostical studies will be done in R.R.I (C.C.R.A.S) unit of Lucknow. Thin layer chromatological studies and fluorescence analysis have also been done. These observations will have recored in this chapter. Apart from this some literature produced from Database and other books related to pharmocognosy and photochemistry of Ghritkumari (Aloe-vera). Apart from this, by the help of the Pharmacognostical study we can suggest substitutes to some rare species and save them from extinction. So before using a drug it is very much essential to carry out it's detailed Pharmacognostical study as it is not only helpful for correct identification but also to get a clue for it's phytochemical, pharmacological and medicinal properties.

1. Pandeya G. Dravya Guna Vijnana, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
2. Yagi A. Aloe Vera 1^st, DHC, Tokyo, 1997
3. Frawley D. & Lad V., The Yoga and Herbs, 1986
4. Fujita K., Aloe Daihyakka, Shufunotomo, Tokyo, 1996
5. Tanaka K. Medicinal Plant Encyclopedia 1^st Ienohikari5kyokai,

Samhitas

1. Agnivesha, Dridhabal –Charaka Samhita V5VI Part. Shri Gulabkunvarba Ayurvedic Society, Jamnagar 1^st 1949.
2. Ashtaga Hrdya “Sarvanga Sundara”. “Ayurvedic Rasayana” Tikadvaya Krishnadasa Academy, Varanasi.
3. Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Samhita, Vidyotini Commentary, Caukhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 2^nd 1949.
4. Bhela: Bhela Samhita, Caukhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 1961.
5. Kashyapa: Kashyapa Samhita Ed. Pandit Hemaraja Sharma & Y.T. Acharya, Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay.
6. Sharangadhara: Sharanghadara Samhita Baidyanatha Ayurveda Bhavan, 1975
7. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tatva Sadipika “Commented by Ambika Dutta Shastry, I5II Part, Caukhamba Sanskrit Bhavan, Varanasi 8^th1993.Singh D.P.
8. Role of certain indigenous drugs on Yuvanapidika in 1982, Jamnagar.Agravat H.P
9. Yuvanapidika and role of Lodhradi lepa there in 1993 from Jamnagar.Gandhi M.
10. Asthentics in medical science and personality damaging disease particular reference to Yuvanapidika in 1995 from Jamnagar.

Web

1. Aloe Vera Company UK, Properties of Aloe Vera Constituents, http://www.aloevera.co.uk/aloeprop.thm
2. Aloe Vera Products, http://www.aloeveraproduct.com/about_aloe_vera.htm
3. Herbal Information Center, Aloe Vera, http://www.kcweb.com/herb/aloevera.htm
4. Holistic5 online, Herbal Information, AloeVera,                 http://holisticonline.com/Herbal5Med/_Herbs/h2.htm 
5. Properties and Actions of Aloe Vera, http://www.miyakojima.ne.jp/kyuyou/shoukai.htm
6. .Aloe Senka, http://www.wind.ne.jp/hirata/aloesenk.htm

http://www.wind.ne.jp/hirata/aloesenk.htm

Dr Raman Ranjan

MD (ay), AMO, GAD, Raigarh

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