ArticleViewAbstractPharmacognosy journal,2014,6,3,14-22.Published:8th April 2014Type:Original ArticlePharmacognostic Evaluation of Leaf and Fruit of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae)Shruti V. Hegde, Ganesh R. Hegde, Gangadhar S. Mulgund, and Vinayak Upadhya Shruti V. Hegde*1, Ganesh R. Hegde1, Gangadhar S. Mulgund1 and Vinayak Upadhya21Post graduate studies in Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad- 580 003, Karnataka, India2Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum – 590 010, Karnataka, India.Abstract:Introduction: Capsicum frutescens is a well known spice. Leaves and fruits of the species are used in Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional system of medicines to cure various disorders. Therefore the study was aimed to investigate pharmacognostic parameters of C. frutescens leaf and fruit. Methods: Pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of morphological, microscopic characters and physicochemical parameters of C. frutescens samples using standard methods. Results: Smaller fruit size and color of C. frutescens was the distinguishing morphological character observed in the present study. The detailed microscopy of leaf confirmed the presence of rod shaped calcium oxalate crystals, oleoresin cells, pitted parenchyma and fruits with specified oleoresin, sclereid and stone cells with unicellular trichomes on persistent calyx. Physicochemical parameters like ash values, extractive values and nutritive values were determined. Fluorescence analysis of both leaf and fruit powder was determined using organic and inorganic solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, carbohydrates and proteins. Conclusion: Observed pharmacognostic characters in this study may help in identification and standardization of C. frutescens leaf and fruit.Key words: African chili, Powder microscopy, Physico-chemical analysis, Thin layer chromatography.Keywords:African chili, Physico-chemical analysis, Powder microscopy, Thin layer Chromatography