Abstract
Background: Cystoliths are deposition of calcium carbonate found in different parts of plants. Family Acanthaceae is identified by occurrence of cystoliths and presence of acicular crystals of calcium oxalate. Family shows various types of cystoliths which differ from species to species. Aim: A detailed work has been carried out to differentiate plants which are used in Ayurvedic system of medicine belonging to family acanthaceae on basis of structure and size of cystoliths, with special emphasis on the plant Andrographis panniculata Nees (Kalmegha). Materials and Methods: Free‑hand sections and leaf surfaces were studied to analyse cystoliths and its types. Micrometric evaluation of cystoliths has been done by taking the mean or average values. Results and Conclusion: Cystoliths usually present in all parts of plant including root while calcium oxalate crystals are largely found to be present in stem ‑ pith region among plants under study. In present study, vasa leaf shows round cystoliths in epidermal region, while in Kalmegha grape bunch‑shaped cystoliths were observed in the surface study. Thus it can be conclude that various types of cystoliths can help to differentiate the species belonging to family Acanthaceae. Key words: Acanthaceae, calcium carbonate, double cystolith, micrometery, Kalmegha
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