The genus Michelia, belonging to family Magnoliaceae, consists of about 80 plant species mainly distributed in South Asian countries. The plants of this genus have been traditionally used in curing various diseases like fever, colic, leprosy, eye disorders, inflammation, antidote for scorpion, etc. Ninety-four compounds isolated from nine species of the genus Michelia like sesquiterpenes, steroids, flavonoids, aporphines, phenols, esters, benzenoid and alkaloids have antibacterial, anticancer and antiplasmodial activities. This review presents first time detailed information on chemical and biological properties of constituents isolated from the genus Michelia.

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostical study of leaf of Toona ciliate M. Roem. Methods:The qualitative and quantitative microscopy, phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation and fluorescence analysis of the plant were done according to the standard procedure recommended in the WHO guidelines. Results: Macroscopic study shows that leaves are compound type, 30-50 cm length, shape: lanceolate, apex: acute and having the entire margin. Stomata present in the leaf are anomocytic type of stomata. Microscopic evaluation of the leaves powder shows the presence of trichomes (multicelluar), lignified vascular bundles and stomata. The transverse section of the leaf shows the presence of epidermis layer followed by cuticle layer, lignified vascular bundles, trichomes, collenchyma, and palisade cells. Conclusion:Various pharmacognostical parameters evaluated in his study help in the identification and standardization of the Toona ciliata M. Roem.