Pharmacognostic Evaluation Studies on Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Fam. Asteraceae)

Parthenium hysterophorus is a poisonous weed which should be controlled and the best way to control is "control through utilization". Many useful biological and pharmacological activities of this plant have been reported and more research is required to elaborate its further useful aspects to control this weed through utilization. This book describes parameters for authenticity of flower heads, leaves, stem and root of P. hysterophorus i.e., morphological and organoleptic characters, detailed microscopic evaluation, histochemical studies, fluorescence analysis, loss on drying, extractive values, swelling index, foaming index and phytoconstituents. Any researcher who wants to use P. hysterophorus for research purposes can check the authenticity of this plant by using these easy, inexpensive and quick parameters which are affordable even in developing countries.