Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaf of Tapinanthes bangwensis [Engl. and K. Krause] Danser Loranthaceae

ABSTRACT

Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaf of Tapinanthus bangwensis [Engl. and K. Krause] Danser was carried out using phytochemical and anatomical methods. Polygonal epidermal cell shape, straight - curved anticlinal wall pattern, paracytic stomata and presence of the crystals of calcium oxalate in the cell lumen are characteristic of the species. Other useful identification indices include glabrous leaf, arc-like closely spaced vascular bundle in the petiole and centrally located vasculature of the midrib. The phytochemical characters like tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing compounds and flavonoids are present but anthraquinones, alkaloids, phlobatannins and cyanogenetic glycosides are lacking. With these features, the plant can be identified without ambiguity and the chemical constituents underlie the potency of the plant as a plant of high medicinal value used in traditional medical practice for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi and virus, and also in rectifying sexuality problems