Aims: Aristolochia indica L. has been used as a medicinal
plant since ancient times. It is widely used as an antidote for snakebite,
treatment of wounds, arthritis and skin diseases. To ensure its quality,
safety, and efficacy, comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations
are essential. The present study focuses on the pharmacognostic and
phytochemical properties of stem and leaves of Aristolochia indica.
Study Design: The
freshly collected plant materials were used for the microscopic evaluations.
The leaves and stems were dried and powdered separately for powder analysis,
fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical screening.
Place and Duration of Study: The leaves and stem materials
of A. indica were collected from Pandalam, Pathanamthitta Dist., Kerala
(Latitude 9,2034089, Longitude76,7121783). The work was carried out in the
Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.
Methodology: Quantitative microscopic observations such as
palisade ratio, stomatal index and number of vein islets were recorded. Powder
evaluation included analyses such as organoleptic characteristics, powder
behaviour with various chemical reagents and fluorescence analysis of leaf and
stem powder.
Results: The stomatal index of abaxial side was found to be
26.8±0.43 and the vein islet number was 7.0±0.8. In distilled water, the stem
and leaf powders were middle brown and dark brown. Optical activity of stem and
leaf extracts with different reagents under visible and UV light was recorded.
Powder analysis of leaf often showed a green hue under visible and UV light. In
distilled water, the stem and leaf extracts were dark brown. Phytochemical
analysis of the stem extract indicated the presence of alkaloids,
carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and
glycosides. Apart from stem, the leaf extract contained cardiac glycosides and
saponins.
Conclusion: The present study will be helpful in
authenticating the plant material of Aristolochia indica in its crude form.
Author(s) Details:
Nisha Joseph,
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate
College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.
Deepthi A. S.,
Post
Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate College,
Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.
Meera Krishnan,
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate
College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V3/article/view/14244
