Macro and Microscopical Evaluation and Phytochemical Analysis of Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. Stem

Abstract

Background: Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Vitaceae) is one of the wild edible plants used traditionally to treat urinary disorders, inflammatory diseases, wound, rheumatism and cancer etc. Though various parts of the plant have been used for therapeutic purpose, stem of the plant has not been studied for its Pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics in detail, following scientific parameters. Methods: Plant material (stem) was collected from Gandhamardan hill ranges of Odisha in the month of September 2017 following Good collection practices (GCP) and shade dried. Pharmacognostical study, physicochemical and phytoconstituent study was performed following standard Pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Stem bears longitudinal ridges on its entire length, Presence of collenchyma, cork, epidermis, chlorenchyma, cluster crystals, ground tissue, xylem, phloem, simple starch grains and raphides are certain microscopical characters. Stem is astringent in taste, powder microscopy showed presence of cluster crystals, lignified annular and sclereriform vessels, pittete vessels, lignified cork, lignified fibers and raphides. Physico-chemical analysis showed loss on drying as 1.04% w/w, total ash content as 7.78% w/w, acid insoluble ash as 0.19% w/w, water soluble and alcohol soluble extractive values were 11.41% and 4.20% w/w respectively. Phytochemical estimation showed the presence of Proteins, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponin glycoside and carbohydrates. Conclusion: Leea macrophylla stem has longitudinal ridges on its entire surface, becomes hollow inside when dried. Phramacognosy study showed presence of typical characters of vitaceae family. Physico-chemical characteristics will help in future for standardization of it. Stem is rich in secondary metabolites such as phenols, tannins, steroids, and alkaloid.