Pharmacognostical studies on Sankhapushpi (Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng. and Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.

Sankhapushpi is an important drug used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is considered as one of the controversial drugs in Ayurveda since more than one botanical source is assigned to the drug. To facilitate correct and easy identification of the drug, pharmacognostical studies covering morphology, macro- and microscopical studies and physico-chemical analysis along with diagnostic characters on two sources - Convolvulus microphyllus and Evolvulus alsinoides is presented. The study helps in the standardization of the drug.