Characterization of pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical features of seeds of a Folk Plant - Gnetum ula Brongn

Abstract

Ayurveda opines that every plant has its own medicinal values, but there are many less explored plants which are not popular though beneficial either as food or as medicine. But this knowledge is passed from tradition to tradition in folk lore practices but within a few groups of a society. One such plant from gymnosperm group is Gnetum ula Brongn. (Gnetaceae) found commonly in and around Udupi. Locally known as kumti beeja, the plant is dioecious, branched woody climber. Seeds are roasted or boiled and consumed as food and the seed oil is used in rheumatism by folk practitioners. On account of these utilities of this less explored plant material, a detailed pharmacognostical study including macro and microscopy. Seed is enclosed by 3 layer envelope, outer fleshy and fibrous sarcotesta, hard sclerotesta and inner endosperm with two cotyledons having an embryo. Inner cotyledon contained of large parenchyma cells containing aleurone grains and starch. Preliminary phytochemical study of the seed revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, resin etc. HPTLC photo documentation showed a single spot under short UV, 4 spots under long UV and 3 spots under white light after derivatisation with vanillin sulphuric acid reagent. Results of this study can be utilized for identification of the drug as well as systematic document on purity standards of this extra pharmacopoeial drug.