ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters of Physalis minima leaf. Methods: The leaf of Physalis minima was examined for macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis. Extracts obtained from the leaf was analyzed for phytochemical screening and estimation of total tannin, phenolic and flavonoid content following the standard procedure available in the literature. Results: Morphologically, the leaf was found to be ovate in shape, 5 to 8 cm long and up to 3 cm width with dentate margin, asymmetrical base, hairy surface, reticulate veins on each side of midrib, green in colour, characteristic odour and slight bitter in taste. Microscopic study has shown the important diagnostic characters of Solanaceae family which is characterized by presence of dorsiventral leaf with anomocytic stomata, grandular or uniseriate trichomes and cluster crystal of calcium oxalate. Physicochemical parameters like foreign organic matter (0.78%), loss on drying (8.23%), total ash (11.4%), acid insoluble ash (2.2%), water-soluble ash (6.1%), sulphated ash (2.4%) alcohol soluble extractive (10.4%), water-soluble extractive (9.5%), ether soluble extractive (1.8%) foaming index (below 100), swelling index (1), volatile oil and heavy metal content were quantified. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts of Physalis minima leaf has shown the presence of phytoconstituents viz. alkaloids, steroids, tannin, flavonoids, protein. Quantification of phytoconstituents was also reported like phenols (10.59±0.65 mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid), tannin (8.24±0.27 mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid) and flavonoids (87.17±0.87 mg/gm equivalent to rutin) respectively. Conclusion: This present study was provided the qualitative and quantitative standard of Physalis minima will help to prevent the possible steps of adulteration with other species of the same genus.