Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of root and fruit of Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. Ex Sm. - An extra pharmacopoeial drug.

Introduction: Root and fruits of Bhumi Udumbara (Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) are traditionally used in the treatment of aphthous complaints, leprosy, headache, abdominal diseases, bladder ailments, visceral obstruction, and various disorders. Aim: Present study reports the microscopic including powder microscopy, physiochemical and preliminary phytochemical characters of root and fruit of F. semicordata. Materials and methods: Root and fruit of the plant, after proper authentication, were evaluated following standard pharmacopoeial recommended procedures. Results: Striking characters of the F. semicordata root is the presence of profusely branched root-like structures, nearer to the trunk, and reaches the ground as a supporting root (aerial root or false root). The diagrammatic section of the root, circular in outline, made up of an outer cork, followed by cortex, vascular bundle, and central pseudo pith. Fruit is shortly peduncled, in pairs or clusters, globose in shape, hispid and warted surface, reddish brown in color. Loss on drying at 110°C was found to be 10.54% and 11.73% of root and fruit respectively. High-performance thin-layer chromatography results showed 2 peaks at 254 and 366 nm of root and 3 peaks at 254 and 1 peak at 366 nm of fruit respectively. Conclusion: F. semicordata is a small or medium-sized evergreen tree, bears a supporting root (aerial root or false root) nearer to the trunk region. Root reddish brown in color with smooth surface, prominent nodes, and internodes, presence of fruits over nodes and internodes is the key identifying character. Stone cells found in root and the presence of pollen grains, simple starch grains, and compound starch grains in fruit are the diagnostic characteristics of F. semicordata.

Comparative pharmacognosy and phytochemical evaluation of leaf, root and stem of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Bakuchi).

Background: Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. Corylifolia L.), frequently familiar as Bakuchi in Samskrit, is an endangered and medicinally important plant. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American Pharmacopoeia, and in different traditional systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. However, no scientifically pharmacognosy study has been reported on leaf, root, and stem part of P. Corylifolia L. Classics emphasized the use of leaf, root and stem of P. Corylifolia L. for on the management of dental carries, diarrhea, dysentery, etc., in the form of local application as well as internal administration. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate comparative pharmacognosy, phytochemical studies, and physicochemical analysis of leaf, root and stem of P. Corylifolia L. Materials and methods: Studies of leaf, root, stem, and their powder for phytochemical tests, histochemical tests, psoralen chemical test, and physicochemical analysis were performed by standard methods. Result: All the different parts of the plant exhibit oleoresin and other cellular contents, i.e., vessels fibers, lignified pitted vessels, etc., in pharmacognosy studies. In phytochemical study; observations indicate that coumarins, steroids, and flavonoids are present in leaf, stem, and root samples. Basified alcoholic extracts of powders of all test samples showed yellowish color of fluorescence at 366 nm whereas none of the samples showed any color at 254 nm during chemical test of psoralen. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study on leaf, root and stem of Bakuchi (P. corylifolia L.) contributed Certain pharmacognostical parameters i.e; oleoresin, vascular bundles, parenchyma cells with rhomboidal crystals, pericyclic fibres etc parameters that will be applicable for authentication and identification of the parts of drug. There is a need to focus on the preliminary throughput phytochemical screening of plants for their probable use in therapeutics. As no published evidences are developed on comparative pharmacognosy and preliminary physicochemical analysis of leaf, root and stem of P. corylifolia L. plant, the results documented in the present study may be used as a standard in subsequent studies. These observations can be of use for further research studies.

Standard operating procedure of Purification of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.) along with pharmacognostical and analytical profiles of Plumbagin.

INTRODUCTION: Shodhana (purification) is the process by which one can remove the impurity or toxicity of the raw drug and make the drug suitable for therapeutic purpose. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.) is well known drug in Ayurveda and root of this plant is being used for therapeutic purpose and requires purification before used as a medicine. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: There is no data available for pharmacognostical and analytical profile of processed Chitraka, hence it was planned to develop SOP of processed Chitraka for its identity, purity and strength through pharmacognostical and analytical profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chitraka roots were procured from Pharmacy, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. Purification was done in five batches with Churnodaka (lime water). Organoleptic characters, microscopic features, pH, loss on drying, ash value, water soluble extracts, methanol soluble extracts and plumbagin quantification through high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out, before and after the purification. RESULTS: Average 98.07% yield of Chitraka was obtained after purification. Differences were found in the processed samples of Chitraka in organoleptic features, pharmacognostical characters and physicochemical parameters, which show the impact of purification procedure on Chitraka. In HPTLC profile, plumbagin content was 0.29% in unpurified Chitraka powder, where in it was noted 0.98% after purification. CONCLUSION: Increase in plumbagin content through pharmaceutical process of Chitraka purification with lime water indicates that, this operating procedure is simple, convenient and can be considered as standard procedure. The organoleptic features, pharmacognostical characters, values of physicochemical parameters and quantity of plumbagin of purified Chitraka powder may be utilized for quality assurance in future studies.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. belonging to Fabaceae family is an important endangered plant that has been therapeutically used to treat different pathological manifestations since ages. It is commonly known as Bakuchi in Sanskrit. Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its seed. A lot of adulterations are also present in the market. The present study is aimed towards evaluating pharmacognostical and histochemical characteristics of the seeds of P.corylifolia Linn. in detail. Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of seeds and histochemical studies were noted by following standard methods. Pharmacognostical evaluation of seed shows the presence of volatile oil, silica deposits and stone cells. The observations found in current work can be considered as reference standards in future studies.

Phytopharmacognostical investigations on root and stem of Dalbergia volubilis Roxb.: An extrapharmacopoeial plant of Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION: The roots and stem of Dalbergia volubilis Roxb. are used by tribals for management of various ailments. AIMS: The aim was to study the macro- and microscopic characters, physiochemical and preliminary phytochemical parameters including high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) of D. volubilis root and stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on authenticated plant materials, following standard procedures and standard deviation was calculated using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Externally, the root is creamish to dark brown in color and internally creamish, and its transverse section reveals general anatomy of dicot root. Young greenish stem, on drying, turns maroon or dark brown in color and microscopy shows dicot stem anatomy with secondary growth. Powder microscopy of root and stem reveals the presence of starch grains and rhomboidal crystals. Physicochemical parameters reveal that loss on drying of root is 10.02% w/w and stem is 7.51% w/w. Spectral comparison of similar Rf is 0.95, 0.82, 0.94 and 0.95 at short and long ultraviolet, respectively. CONCLUSION: D. volubilis root can be identified by the presence of abundance of starch grain, brown content and intraxylary pitting. Presence of hooks, interxylary phloem and crystal fiber are one of the rare anomalous growth patterns in stem. Results of preliminary phytochemical analysis including HPTLC on root and stem will help in further standardization.

Comparative pharmacognostical analysis through quantitative micrometry and analytical study on Mridu and Tikshna Apamarga Kshara.

INTRODUCTION: Kshara is derived from the word "Ksharana" that means as something that mobilizes and removes the deformed flesh, skin, tissue, etc., due to its corrosive nature (Ksharanata). Pratisarniya Kshara has been further classified into three types on the basis of its potency - Mridu (mild), Madhyama (moderate) and Tikshna (strong). This study aims at comparison between (Mridu and Tikshna) Apamarga Kshara on the basis of pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apamarga Panchanga (whole plant of Achyranthes aspera Linn.) was collected, and authentication was done by the expert. Mridu Apamarga Kshara (MAK) and Tikshna Apamarga Kshara (TAK) were prepared as proposed by Sushruta Samhita. Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analyses were carried out according to standard protocol. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: Both the Kshara showed their own peculiar crystal system and analytical findings showed higher pH value (10.65) and calcium content (6.1%) in TAK as compared to MAK. DISCUSSION: Quantitative micrometric microscopy showed more amount of crystals in TAK (13/mm2) than MAK (6/mm2), which may be due to Kapardika and Chitrakamoola (roots of Plumbago zeylenica Linn.). pH of MAK and TAK was 10.2 and 10.65, respectively. This result showed that TAK is more alkaline, which may be also due to Kapardika and Chitrakamoola. CONCLUSION: Sodium and potassium ion concentration was higher in MAK (Na+ = 26%, K+ = 45%) as compared to TAK (Na+ = 12.6%, K+ = 32.5%). Calcium ion estimation was lower (2.31%) in MAK and higher (6.1%) in TAK. These findings can be further used for the standardization purpose of Tikshna Kshara which may enrich the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

Detailed cyto-anatomy and cytometry of Cassia mimosoides L. leaf - An unexplored plant.

BACKGROUND: Cassiamimosoides L. is one of the nonclassical folklore plants of Gujarat, known as Aval ni jaat. Root and leaves of this plant are used in diarrhea, wound healing and mouth ulcers by tribal people. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Review revealed that the leaf part of this plant are unexplored from the pharmacognostical aspects. Hence, the present study focuses on the pharmacognostical study of leaf along with its powder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collection, macroscopy and microscopy have been carried out as per standard protocol. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: The leaves are alternate, compound with opposite glabrous leaflets. T. S. of rachis consists of epidermis, pericycle and vascular bundle. T. S. of dorsiventral leaflet shows epidermis and vascular region with 1/5 palisade ratio. Leaf powder is dark green in color. Palisade parenchyma cells, rhomboidal crystals and unicellular warty trichomes are present in the powder of leaf. DISCUSSION: Yellow pentamerous flowers and paracytic stomata are key characteristics of genus Cassia. The value of stomatal index always remains constant even in different environmental conditions which play a very significant role in the identification of plant. CONCLUSION: Microscopy of leaf and its powder of Cassia mimosoides can be helpful in identifying the plant in powder form and the values can be helpful in further standardization.

Pharmacognostical and preliminary physico-chemical profiles of Blepharispermum subsessile DC. root.

INTRODUCTION: Blepharispermum subsessile DC. is a folklore medicinal herb, found in Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. It is locally known as Rasnajhadi in Odisha and its roots are being used as Rasna in treating rheumatic, gynecological, nervous disorders. In spite of its high medicinal as well as market values, the pharmacognostical characters of its root is not reported till date. AIM: To evaluate pharmacognostical and preliminary physico-chemical profiles of B. subsessile root. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Roots of B. subsessile were collected from Odisha; its macroscopic, microscopic, powder characters and preliminary physico-chemical characters were studied following standard procedures. RESULTS: Microscopically, outer multilayered lignified cork cells, cortex, border pitted xylem vessels, tracheids, isolated or groups of thick-walled xylem fibees were seen. Physico-chemical parameters showed that water soluble extractive value (31.3%) is more than alcohol soluble extractive value (23.2%) and 5.5 pH value, etc. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study will be useful in the identification and standardization of the B. subsessile root.

Microbial evaluation of Limnophila rugosa Roth. (Merr) leaf.

BACKGROUND: Limphonia rugosa Roth. (Merr.), family-Scrophulariaceae is considered as a botanical source of classical Ayurvedic drug Bhringaraja by the traditional practitioners of Odisha and is being used for the management of various disorders. AIM: To study the antimicrobial activity of leaf of L. rugosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanol extract of L. rugosa leaf (LRLM) has been studied, at various (5, 25, 50, 100, 250 µg/ml) dilutions, against medically important human pathogenic bacteria (two Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and two Gram-negative-Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, A. clavatus, Candida albicans) by using the agar disc diffusion method. A zone of inhibition of extract was compared with that of different standards such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol for antibacterial activity and nystatin and griseofulvin for antifungal activity. RESULTS: The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the LRLM increased linear with the increase in concentration of extracts. When compared with standard drugs, the results revealed that, for bacterial activity S. pyogenes and S. aureus were more sensitive and in fungal activity C. albicans was more inhibited. The range of growth inhibition zone for all the sensitive bacteria was 11-20 mm and 13-19 mm for fungal strains. CONCLUSION: Methanolic extract of L. rugosa leaf is having antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Citrus jambhiri Lush. fruit.

BACKGROUND: Citrus jambhiri Lush., commonly known as Jambira Nimbu in Sanskrit is medium to large indigenous tree with spreading habit, less spiny than lemon and belonging to the family Rutaceae. In Ayurveda, it is used in many pharmaceutical procedures of purification (Sodhana), calcination (Marana) etc., Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its fruit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of fruit and its powder, histochemical tests and preliminary physicochemical investigations were done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results showed prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, aerenchyma cells, oil globules, pitted vessels, scalariform vessels, juicy sac, etc., Preliminary physicochemical analysis revealed loss on drying (1.1%), ash value (1.4%), alcohol soluble extract (28.6%), and water soluble extract (53.3%). These observations can be of use in future studies.

A preliminary physicochemical evaluation of Darvyadi Yoni Varti: A compound Ayurvedic formulation.

BACKGROUND: Darvyadi Yoni Varti is an Ayurvedic formulation indicated for the management of Garbhasaya Grivamukhagata Vrana (cervical erosion). Though a number of drugs are available in modern medicine, interest towards Ayurveda is gaining. Drugs with Vranasodhana, Ropana and Prasadana properties like Sphatika, Darvi, Haridra, and Lodhra are useful in this situation and are selected to prepare Yoni Varti. AIM: To standardize and evaluate preliminary pharmacognostical as well as physicochemical profiles of Darvyadi Yoni Varti. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Raw material was analyzed in the Pharmacognostical Laboratory for genuinity before converting into Varti. Finished product was analyzed by following pharmacopoeial standards. RESULTS: The pH value of Darvyadi Yoni Varti was 5.0, water soluble extract was 23.3%w/w, alcohol soluble extract was 8.7%w/w, ash value was 5.16%w/w, loss on drying was 71.73%w/w. High performance thin layer chromatography was carried out; in which maximum 10 spots at 254 nm and 3 spots at 366 nm were distinguished. CONCLUSION: Pharmacognostical study of raw drug revealed the quality and genuineness of all the constituents of Darvyadi Yoni Varti.

Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of Alysicarpus longifolius W. and A. Prodr.

Ayurveda, the science of life, deals with the drugs of animal, herbal, or mineral origin. Drugs of plant origin occupy more than 90% of the constituents of the Ayurvedic formulations used during treatment. Due to over exploitation and non-availability of medicinal plants, certain classical drugs are being substituted by locally available ethnomedicinal plants that are being claimed to possess similar activity by the tribal and local practitioners. The authentic source of Prishniparni is Uraria picta Desv. (Fabaceae) and is being substituted by Alysicarpus longifolius W. and A. Prodr. (Fabaceae) by some traditional healers of Gujarat (Saurashtra region). Both the plants are locally known by the names Samervo or Pithvan and both have similar characteristics with reference to leaves and flowers (inflorescence type). Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical evaluation of Alysicarpus longifolius W. and A. Prodr has been carried out and results are reported.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) schultz-bip.ex Kuntze root.

Launaea sarmentosa (Willd) Schultz-Bip.ex Kuntze (Asteraceae), locally known as Kulhafila in the Maldives, is a creeping herb, native to tropical Indian coastlines. According to anecdotal evidence from locals in the Maldives, the roots of this plant are used as an ingredient of a popular medicinal preparation (Hilibeys) taken by mothers after childbirth. It is also used in various other ailments in different parts of the Maldives, as well as in India. So far, there has been no scientific documentation of this plant. The only source of information available is held by natives and traditional medical practitioners. The present study was conducted on the root of L. sarmentosa for its pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoea of India (API) parameters. The microscopic characteristics of the root show prismatic crystals, multiseriate medullary rays, laticiferous cells, and pitted parenchyma. Qualitative analyses, such as loss on drying, ash value, pH, etc., were conducted. Preliminary phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, tannin, steroids, etc.

A comparative pharmacognostical and preliminary physico-chemical analysis of stem and leaf of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel and Bacopa floribunda (R.BR.) Wettst.

Brahmi is a well-known herbal drug having an effect on brain as a memory enhancer. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennel and Bacopa floribunda (R.Br.) Wettst are both marketed in the name of Brahmi. The present study differentiates Bacopa monnieri and Bacopa floribunda in morphology, transverse section (T.S.) of root and leaf, powder microscopy, and chemical constituents. Morphological characters show color difference in flower, stem and leaf and differences in microscopic study, organoleptic study, and powder characteristics. Morphologically, Bacopa monnieri leaf is fleshy and more succulent than Bacopa floribunda leaf. There is also a difference in the interval of the stem internodes of the two. Physico-chemical analysis revealed presence of 26% bacoside A in Bacopa floribunda leaf and 27% in Bacopa floribunda stem, which is higher than the bacoside A content in leaf (22%) and stem (18%) of Bacopa monnieri. However due to the hemolytic action of bacoside A, which is the toxic effect of the chemical constituent, it seems likely that Bacopa monnieri is more popular in regular use than Bacopa floribunda.

Pharmacognostical and Preliminary physicochemical evaluation of Triphaladi granules - A polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation.

Triphaladi Kwatha, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, is recommended by Chakradatta and Yogaratnakara in the management of Prameha which has resemblance with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study deals with development of pharmacognostical and preliminary pharmaceutical profile of Triphaladi granules. The pH (5% aqueous extract) was 6.0, water-soluble extract 48.66% w/w, alcohol-soluble extract 33.91% w/w, ash value 5.97% w/w, and loss on drying at 105°C was 6.53% w/w. High performance thin layer chromatography were carried out after organizing appropriate solvent system in which maximum nine spots were distinguished and few of the Rf values were identical in the alcoholic extract.

Comparative pharmacognostical and phytochemical study on Bergenia ligulata Wall. and Ammania buccifera Linn.

"Pashanbheda" is a controversial plant. Pharmacopeia considers Bergenia ligulata as official source of Pashanbheda and official substitute is Avera lanta. Review of the literature reveals that 23 different plants are reported in name of "Pashanbheda". Ammania buccifera is an adulterant, which is used in Kerala under the name of Pashanbheda, found in moist places of India. The present study was undertaken to compare the roots of both the plants and to have a brief view point on similarities and dissimilarities between the plants. The pharmacognostical evaluation reveals that the rosette crystals of B. ligulata are bigger in size compared to that of A. buccifera and cork is present in B. ligulata, whereas it is absent in A. buccifera. HPTLC shows similar Rf values of both the drug, The quantitative estimation showed that total phenol content of both the drug was almost equal.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of Vara Asanadi Kwatha.

Vara Asanadi Kwatha (VAK) is a compound Ayurvedic formulation prescribed in the management of obesity. Pharmacognostical study counting both macroscopic and powder microscopy of raw drug exposed the quality and genuineness of all the constituents of VAK. Organoleptic features of coarse powder made out of the crude drugs were within the standard range. Specific gravity of the decoction was 1.0185 and pH was 5.5.Total solid content present in the Kwatha was 4.525% w/v, total ash 0.949% w/v, and acid insoluble ash was 0.052% w/v. Iron assay showed the presence of Fe(2)O(3) as 0.065% w/v. Qualitative scrutiny demonstrated the presence of flavonoids and tannis. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out after organizing appropriate solvent system in which maximum three spots were distinguished in TLC and nine spots in HPTLC and most of the R(f) values were identical when done with different sample extractive methods. This shows the presence of certain definite constituents in the decoction and is helpful for the easy separation of these constituents.

Pharmacognostical and physicochemical analysis of Tamarindus indica Linn. stem.

Tamarindus indica Linn. fruits (Chincha) are extensively used in culinary preparations in Indian civilization. Its vast medicinal uses are documented in Ayurvedic classics and it can be used singly or as a component of various formulations. Besides fruit, the Kasta (wood) of T. indica L. is also important and used to prepare Kshara (alkaline extract) an Ayurvedic dosage form. Pharmacognostical and physicochemical details of Chincha Kasta are not available in authentic literature including API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India). The study is an attempt in this direction. T. indica L. stem with heartwood was selected and morphological, microscopic and physicochemical standardization characters along with TLC finger print, and fluorescence analysis were documented. Transverse section of stem showed important characters such as phelloderm, stone cells layer, fiber groups, calcium oxalate, crystal fibers, and tylosis in heartwood region. Four characteristic spots were observed under UV long wave, in thin layer chromatography with the solvent combination of toluene: ethyl acetate (8:2). The study can help correct identification and standardization of this plant material.

Development of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers for authentification of Cissus repanda vahl.

Cissus repanda Vahl. belongs to the family Vitaceae, commonly known in Hindi as "Panivel," is a large climber distributed all over India. The crushed or powder of root is prescribed by tribal people and traditional medical practitioners of Orissa for its healing properties in cases of bone fracture, cuts and wounds, swellings, and so on. In spite of its reputation, its leaves have not been investigated scientifically. The present study deals with pharmacognostical and molecular characterization by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and their role in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeial parameters. Genomic isolation of DNA from fresh leaves was amplified by RAPD markers. The diagnostic characters are mucilage, calcium oxalate rosette crystals, spiral vessels, and fibers. The unique bands obtained in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification clearly discriminated having, many bright and light bands indicating the genuinity of the plant. RAPD may serve as a complementary tool in quality control of many herbal sources.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Curcuma neilgherrensis (Wight) leaf - A folklore medicine.

Curcuma neilgherrensis Wight is a folk medicinal plant used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The leaves of this herb are said to be successful in managing high blood glucose levels. This study is aimed at assessing the scientific appraisal of C. neilgherrensis in the course of pharmacognostical characters and phytochemical parameters, as these are not yet been done. Pharmacognostic study mainly covered the macroscopic and microscopic features of the leaves including powder microscopy, and revealed the presence of trichomes, spiral vessels etc. Phytochemical parameters such as pH, total ash value, water-soluble extract and MeOH extract values were assessed in the preliminary physicochemical screening. Qualitative analysis revealed the existence of certain chemical constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, organic acids and saponin glycosides. The crude extract of leaves was subjected to TLC and HPTLC for the separation of components.