Aerva lanata (L.) A.L. Juss ex Schultes, commonly known as ‘Pashanabeda’, is known to have high medicinal value. The different parts of the plant were used since antiquity in the indigenous systems of medicine. The present investigation deals with the pharmacognostic studies of market and authentic sample of Aerva lanata (L.) A.L. Juss ex Schultes (Amaranthaceace). Pharmacognostic studies include fluorescence analysis, Ash values, Phytochemical analysis. The total ash value, water soluble and acid insoluble value of the authentic sample and was found be 5.82%, 6%, and 24% respectively whereas for market sample showed 12.6%, 65.5% and 9 % respectively. Fluorescence analysis was carried out at visible and UV spectrum. Phytochemical analysis of authentic sample showed the presence of alkaloids, coumarin, quinol and tannin whereas market sample showed the presence of tannin, coumarin and quinol. The anti-oxidant value in Authentic sample was found to be 42.17% in Petroleum ether, where as in market sample it showed 17.65%. Petroleum ether extract of the plant was found to be effective active against the Escherichia coli.