Micromorphology of endemic Centaurea glaberrima subsp. divergens (Asteraceae)

In this study, the micromorphology of the vegetative and reproductive structures of the endemic Centaurea glaberrima Tausch subsp. divergens (Vis.) Hayek (Asteraceae), using scanning electron microscope (SEM), is presented for the first time. Uniseriate whip-like non-glandular and biseriate glandular trichomes are found on the surface of all aboveground parts (stem, leaves, peduncles, involucral bract). On the adaxial leaf epidermis ribbed thickenings (striation pattern) of outer periclinal cell walls, slightly curved anticlinal cell walls and anomocytic stomata are noticed. Rugose abaxial surface with thorny protuberances of the involucral bract is documented. Corolla is glabrous with longitudinally parallel epidermal cells with distinct straight outline. Isopolar, radially symmetric and tricolporate microechinate pollen grains are seen. Short stylar hairs, without cuticular striations, are present along the outer sides of the style, while the inner sides (abaxial surface) constitute the papillate stigmatic surface. Microcharacters found in cypsela are as follows: slightly ribbed body; rotund base; lateral and concave insertion; short, unicellular curly acute trichomes; smooth epidermis; fine-sulcate ornamentation; rod shaped epidermal cells with short, obtuse end walls and straight anticlinal walls; poorly developed minutely dentate pericarp rim; and dimorphic pappus with bristles of different length and morphology, with pinnules restricted to the margins of the bristles. The results obtained contribute to knowledge about the micromorphology of the studied endemic species and provide features for its better identification. The taxonomic significance of the analyzed characters is discussed. Some well defined microcharacters of the studied species might have taxonomic value

Pharmacognostical Investigation of Trapa natans L Leaves

Background: Trapa natans L., is annual aquatic plant generally kwon as Water caltrp, Water chest nut belonging to the Trapaceae or Lytraceae family. Trapa natans L is use for the treatment of wide no of diseases without proper standardization. Objective: To give the right pharmacognostical and photochemical information of the Trapanatan L leaves. In this study pharmacognostical investigation of the fresh leaves and powder drug were done to determine the macroscopical, microscopical, quantitative physicochemical and phytochemical property of the drugs. Method: Macroscopical, quantitative and qualitative microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, extractive value, florescence analysis and phytochemical analysis were done according to the WHO guideline. Result: Macroscopical analysis showed that, leaves are greenish to purplish color, rhomboidal shape; alternate, acute, margin is dentate, pinnate venation. Microscopic evaluation showed that leaf is dorsi ventral in nature, upper layer epidermis cells were covered with cuticle layer. Single layer of barrel shape cell were present bellow the upper epidermis layer. Trichomes are generally multicellular. Anomocytic stomata were observed in upper epidermis. From the experiment it was found that methanolic extract give the highest extractive value. Phytochemical analysis gives the evidence for the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, glycoside, steroids, flavonoids, tannin, and triterpenoids. Qualitative phytochemical analysis give the evidence for presence of high amount total phenolic content. Conclusion: Different pharmacognostical parameters assessed in this examination help to detection and standardization of Trapa natans L., leaves.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Ocimum basilicum L

Aim: Standardization of Ocimum basilicum through pharmacognosy. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai “Between” Dec 2014-April 15. Methodology: Organoleptic evaluation was carried out based on sensory characters. A free hand anatomical section of the stem was observed. Powder analysis, maceration, Phytochemical test and Fluorescence analysis were conducted according to standard protocol. Results: The organoleptic characters of the dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum were green, aromatic, pungent and brittle in texture with anomocytic stomata with stomatal index 71.87% in the lower epidermis. A prominent bundle sheath in the leaf was evident. The macerated stem showed annular xylem vessels. The aqueous extract showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Alkaloids and lignins were evident in the histochemical study. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic evaluation of Ocimum basilicum would help in identification, detection of adulterants and development of a monograph.

Morphological study of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. fruit and seed in different growth stages

Qualitative and quantitative morphological characterization in different growth stages of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. fruits and seeds were investigated. Capsules are compressed, two celled, green, cordate to round or elliptical with one flattened seed in each half. Both LM and SEM study were conducted to gather micromorphological features of matured epicarp and seed testa. Non-glandular, uniseriate, slender trichome and anomocytic stomata were found on epicarp, whereas same was absent on seeds. Some crystalline substance was noticed on both epicarp cells and seed testa. The fruiting stages were divided into 0 to V stages starting from first day of fruit appearing and total required days needed for maturity. Remarkable differences such as fruit and seed size, weight and colour were varied in each stage. Significance of surface micromorphology of matured epicarp and seed testa of N. arbor-tristis is also discussed here. Single-factor ANOVA analysis and Regression were performed to test the significance level of the studied parameters and their relationship.

Phytopharmacognostical and Chromatographic Evaluation of Leaves of Launaea procumbens

Launaea procumbens leaves are galactagogue, diuretic, antifungal, anorexic, anti-arthritic and hepatoprotective according to Ayurvedic texts as well as modern research. Launaea species, particularly L. pinnatifida, is mentioned as one of the sources of Gojihva, regarding which there is controversy with respect to its true botanical identity. However, no detailed anatomical, phytochemical or chromatographic investigation is available for leaf of L. procumbens which can differentiate it from L. pinnatifida. The aim of this work is to develop standardization parameters of L. procumbens leaves by performing its pharmacognostical evaluation, preliminary phytochemical screening, HPTLC and GC-MS fingerprints. Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaves was performed by its morphological study, qualitative and quantitative microscopy as well as powder microscopy. Extraction of leaves was done by maceration using methanol. This extract was used for preliminary phytochemical screening and chemoprofiling by GC-MS, as well as for developing its HPTLC fingerprint. A mobile phase system was developed by pilot TLC, following which an HPTLC fingerprint was performed using the solvent system chloroform: methanol: ethyl acetate (3:7:6). Diagnostic microscopic characters identified in powder include unicellular covering trichome, xylem vessels, anomocytic stomata, and prisms of calcium oxalate crystal. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents classes like phenolics, anthraquinones, saponin glycosides, carbohydrates, sterols, triterpenoids and flavonoids. HPTLC fingerprinting detected 6 peaks with Rf 0.25, 0.37, 0.41, 0.50, 0.65, 0.78 at 254nm and 4 peaks with Rf 0.32, 0.37, 0.50, 0.66 at 366nm. GC-MS fingerprint revealed presence of propanoic acid anhydride, valeric anhydride, 2- Pyrrolidine acetic acid, phthalan, 5- (Hydroxy methyl)-2-(dimethoxy methyl) furan, vanillin, methyl β-l-Arabino pyranoside, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-Gluco pyranose and 6-Methyl-2-Heptanone, 6-(3,5-dimethyl-2-furanyl). Present study will be very useful for herbal industry in differentiating Launaea procumbens from other species of the genus Launaea, particularly L. pinnatifida (Gojihva) as well as for authentication, standardization and detection of adulteration in the leaf formulations of Launaea procumbens.

Struktur Anatomi Daun Phyllanthaceae di Kabupaten Banggai Kepulauan

Abstrak Pengenalan ciri makhluk hidup dalam praktik identifikasi sebagian besar menggunakan ciri morfologi. Ciri anatomi memperkuat ciri morfologi atau menyelesaikan permasalahan kerancuan identifikasi secara morfologi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakter anatomi daun pada 11 spesies famili Phyllanthaceae yang ditemukan di wilayah eksplorasi Kabupaten Banggai Kepulauan. Metode yang digunakan adalah pembuatan preparat paradermal dan transversal helai dan tangkai daun. Karakter yang diamati pada setiap preparat adalah karakter paradermal yaitu epidermis dan derivatnya, karakter transversal meliputi bentuk dan jumlah lapisan epidermis, mesofil, keberadaan kristal dan karakter khusus spesies serta bentuk berkas pengangkut pada tulang daun dan tangkai daun. Berdasarkan preparat paradermal daun diperoleh tipe daun hipostomatik dengan tipe stomata umumnya parasitik dan anomositik, dan ditemukan variasi tipe stomata anisositik pada Baccaurea nanihua dan Antidesma excavatum. Pada preparat transversal diperoleh tipe daun dorsiventral, bentuk epidermis dan jaringan tiang yang beragam. Pada organ tangkai daun, ditemukan empat tipe berkas pengangkut, yaitu bentuk lonjong dengan dua tambahan berkas pengangkut, bentuk dasar menyerupai ginjal, bentuk semi-lunar, dan bentuk lonjong dengan satu berkas pengangkut. Abstract Morphological characters are commonly used as a tool for plant identification. Anatomical characters can also be used as additional characters to provide strong descriptions of morphological characters and to resolve unclear identification of morphological characters. This study aims to identify leaf anatomical characters of 11 species of Phyllanthaceae family collected from the Banggai Kepulauan Regency. The characters are observed in each slide were paradermal characters, namely epidermis and its derivatives; transverse characters including the shape and number of epidermal layers, mesophyll, presence of crystals and species-specific characters as well as the shape of the vascular bundle on the midrib and petiole. The observation on paradermal section of lamina showed that all species have hypostomatic leaf, parasitic and anomocytic stomata types with variation of the anisocytic types were found in Baccaurea nanihua and Antidesma excavatum.Observation of the transverse section showed dorsiventral leaf types, size variation of upper epidermal cells as well as variations of palisade cells. The observation on transverse section of the petiole showed four types of vascular bundles in the petiole: oval shape along with two small separated vascular, the kidney – like shape, the semi-lunar shape and oval single vascular bundle.

Crude drug analysis and elemental content of the leaves and stem bark of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), an indigenous Ghanaian medicinal plant

Adansonia digitata L. is a tree indigenous to Ghana and West Africa. It is traditionally used for medicinal, religious and nutritional purposes. Different parts of the plant are used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as anaemia, malaria, asthma and diarrhoea among others. It is therefore necessary to provide standard parameters for identification and for the purpose of quality control. This study thus sought to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics and elemental properties of the leaves and stem bark of A. digitata grown and used in Ghana. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, phytochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence and elemental properties of the leaf and stem bark were determined using standard protocols. The results of the study showed that the leaves of A. digitata were palmate compound and alternately arranged with stipules at each node. The outer bark was observed to be grey in color while the inner bark was pink to brown and laticiferous. Anomocytic stomata and stellate trichomes were also observed microscopically on the leaf surface. The powdered stem bark contained brachysclereids and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in both leaf and stem bark. They additionally exhibited different fluorescence characters in various solvents. The plant contained major and minor nutritional elements in varying quantities. The results of this study can serve as reliable parameters for accurate identification and authentication of A. digitata L. hence ensuring quality.

Pharmacognostic Investigation of Leaves and Bark of Cochlospermum Religiosum Linn

Cochlospermum religiosum (Linn.) Alston. (Bixaceae) otherwise known as Yellow silk cotton tree.Traditionally, the plant is used in the treatment of cough, asthma, jaundice, tuberculosis, inflammation, gonorrhea, fever and dysentery. In the present studymicromorphological investigations and the physicochemical analysis of Cochlospermum religiosumleaves and stem bark were carried out.The macromorphological examination indicated simple, palmately lobed, alternate distichous leaves possessing the prominent parallel venation, acute apices and crenate margin. Similarly, smooth, fibrous, ash coloured bark containing an orange-coloured gummy exudate observed. The microscopy of leaves presented a dorsiventral lamina, long filamentous unicellular uniseriate covering trichomes, anomocytic stomata, annulated lignified xylem vessel, mucilaginous brown matter, starch grains and prisms of calcium oxalate whereas the microscopic examination of the bark indicated lignified cork cells, thick-walled lignified sclereids, bundles of lignified fibres, rounded starch grains, elongated cellulosic medullary rays, tetragonal and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate. Thequalitative analysis of inorganic elementsexhibited the presence of aluminium, sodium, calcium, chlorides and ironin leaves and the bark ofCochlospermum religiosum.The present investigation on pharmacognostic characters and analytical standards of Cochlospermum religiosumwill provide a diagnostic tool in the authentication and the assessment of its quality.

PRELIMINARY STUDIES RELATED TO MICROSCOPY AND THE SEDEM EXPERT SYSTEM PROFILE ON FREEZED-DRIED EXTRACT OF LYTHRI HERBA

"The floral tips of the plant species Lythrum salicaria L. represent a rich source of total polyphenols, among which with the largest share we mention tannins, and this is why this plant material has a standardized monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia 10.0th edition. According to the literature accessed so far, the plant material has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, along with modulatory action on carbohydrate metabolism. Powder microscopic examination is an important step in establishing the identity of the plant species used, highlighting elements specific to the aerial part such as spiral vessels of the stem, fragments of the spongy mesophyll with calcium oxalate clusters cells and anomocytic stomata. The application of the SeDeM method on dried plant extracts represents an innovative trend in pharmaceutical technology and contributes to the collection of data in a structured and standardized form. In this paper, the functions and applications of the SeDeM expert system are illustrated upon the freeze-dried extract of Lythri herba for the purpose of easier identification and standardization. Future applications may include obtaining chewable gums or tablets by direct compression."

Standardisation of Holarrhena floribunda (G. Don) Durand & Schinz: pharmacognostic evaluation and HPLC profiling of some of its steroidal alkaloids as chemical markers

The World Health Organization has encouraged the development of medicinal plant monographs in various countries. The present study therefore aimed at developing pharmacognostic standards for the quality evaluation of Holarrhena floribunda (G. Don) Durand & Schinz, used as anti-infective in folklore medicine. The macromorphological and micromorphological features, physicochemical, phytochemical and thin layer chromatograms of the leaves and stem bark were evaluated using standard methods. An HPLC method was also developed and validated to profile some steroidal alkaloids of the stem bark. The plant has simple, glaborous leaves, broadly lanceolate to ovate in shape and opposite in arrangement. The leaves were hypostomatic with paracytic and anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface. The flat stem bark is light brown on the inner surface. Three alkaloids were profiled as chemical markers for the quality control of the stem bark of H. floribunda, to aid its correct identification for research and industry.