Phyto-Pharmacognostical studies of two endangered species of Malaxis (Jeevak and rishibhak)

Jeevak (Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze) and rishibhak (Malaxis acuminata D.Don) belongs to family Orchidaceae, are critically endangered medicinal plants and two of the eight components of the vitality strengthening polyherbal ayurvedic formulation “Astavarga”. The botanical identity of both plants suffers a lot of confusion and doubts in ayurvedic literature. In lack of proper production, supply system and the increasing demands of herbal drugs are the major factors promoting the practices of adulteration and substitution. Therefore the standardisation of herbal drugs are essential for assuring the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. The present study is to carry out and verify the botanical / pharmacognostical identity of genuine sample and their phytochemical differences of market samples used in the name of Jeevak and Rishibhak.