Micromorphological Study of Plant Fragments in Some Powdered Medicinal Plants Commercially Sold in Enugu Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Powdered samples of 10 medicinal plant species purchased from different herbal medicine sellers in markets across Enugu metropolis and Iwollo market in Ezeagu Local Government Area Enugu state Nigeria were studied anatomically in search of micomorphological characters to identify the original plants used in the preparation. Moistened head of the needle was used to transfer samples onto a labeled glass slide containing 1 - 2 drops of water and plant stains; covered with cover slip and warmed gently to remove air bubbles. Samples were observed under the microscope in search of intact whole tissues and cells which could be used to identify the species of plant. The main characteristics of the fragments recovered from the samples are, parenchyma cells, trichomes, sclereid tissue system and long, branching non-septate fibre as in E. sonchifolia, T. terrestis, P. santalinoides; stomata as in C. odorata; elaioplast/oil storing cells as in C. pallida and H. surattensis; and then sheath cells as in U. chamae. Two of the plant samples studied did not display structures clear enough to identify them; while one of the samples had some structures recovered but wasn’t helpful enough to identify the plant. Thus, the study suggested that an examination by microscopy can provide a form of identification of plants from processed plant materials.