RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Blepharis sindica - T. Anders of family Acanthaceae is an important medicinal plant which is mainly used as an invigorating tonic, given to cattle to increase milk production and its roots are used for urinary discharge and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as "Bhangari". It is extensively used traditionally as Vajikaraka and Vrsya (Aphrodisiac) by vaidyas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The seeds of Blepharis sindica T. Anders are the parts of the plant valued for their medicinal value. AIMS: The present investigation deals with the pharmacognostic studies of the root, stem, seed and seed powder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical analysis and physicochemical evaluation using methods given in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. RESULTS: Physicochemical parameters such as total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value were determined to be 21.449 ± 2.629%w/w, 0.986%w/w, 18.746%w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extracts were carried out. Different extracts contain carbohydrate, protein, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and steroids prominently. Calcium, zinc, potassium and iron were also present. These secondary metabolites are the active constituents and may be responsible for B. sindica's pharmacological activities. Chief characters of transverse section of stem include ringed vascular bundles, radial striped pith rays and parenchymal pith. Seed shows presence of scalariform tracheids and lignified walls. CONCLUSIONS: The result of the present study can be useful for the identification and preparation of a monograph of the plant.
RESUMO
O presente trabalho descreve os resultados do estudo farmacognóstico, estudo fitoquímico preliminar, toxicidade em Artemia salina e atividade antiplasmódica contra cepa de Plasmodium falciparum resistente a cloroquina (W2) do extrato etanólico obtido do pó das folhas de Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott, Araceae. Para realização dos estudos farmacognósticos utilizou-se as metodologias descritas na Farmacopéia Brasileira. A prospecção fitoquímica foi realizada pelos métodos descritos por Mattos. No ensaio antiplasmódico foi utilizado o microteste tradicional e no ensaio de Artemia salina. Os resultados obtidos nos estudos farmacognósticos do pó das folhas de M. linifera demonstraram tratar-se de um pó moderadamente grosso, com teores de água e cinzas totais dentro dos limites aceitáveis, baixa densidade (0,324 e 0,339 g/mL), pH próximo de neutro (6,69±0,02). A análise fitoquímica preliminar evidenciou a presença de alcaloides, flavonoides, taninos, triterpenos e esteroides. O extrato etanólico das folhas de M. linifera apresentou moderada atividade antiplasmódica e baixa toxicidade para a Artemia salina.
The present paper describes results of a pharmacognostic, a preliminary phytochemical study, brine shrimp toxicity and antiplasmodic activity in a strain of Plasmodium falciparum that is resistant to chloroquine (W2) using ethanolic extract obtained from powder of the leaves of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott, Araceae. To perform the pharmacognostic studies methodologies employed in the Brazilian Pharmacopoea were utilized. The methods described by Mattos were utilized for phytochemical prospecting. In the antiplasmodic test the traditional microtest was employed, as well as in the test with brine shrimp. The results obtained in the pharmacognostic studies with the powder from M. linifera leaves showed that it was a moderate thick powder, with water and ash totals within acceptable limits, low density (0.324 and 0.339 g/mL), pH close to neutral (6.69 ± 0.02). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and esters. The ethanolic extract from M. linifera leaves presented moderate antiplasmodic activity and low brine shrimp toxicity. To summarize, the powder used in preparing the extract presented good quality in pharmacognostic terms.