Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaves and rhizomes of Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex Sweet

Abstract

Pharmacognostic investigation of the fresh powdered and anatomical section of the leaves and rhizomes of Geranium wallichianum was carried out to determine its morphological, histological and physicochemical characteristics. Macro and microscopic studies indicated that leaves are large, simple, petiolate, stipulate and palmatisect with five lobes. Lamina was 4 to 11 cm in diameter and green on the upper surface and light green on the lower surface. Venation was reticulate, multicostate and divergent. The upper epidermal cells were slightly larger then the lower ones. Orbicular anomocytic stomata were present on the lower epidermis. Below the upper epidermis was a single layered columnar celled palisade parenchyma filled with chloroplast pigments and contain aggregates of calcium oxalate crystals. Rhizomes were brown, stout, vertical, and 0.3 to 0.7 cm in diameter. Vascular bundles were about 6 to 8 groups, each consisting an outer phloem and inner radiate xylem. Physicochemical parameters such as total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash values were calculated. The results of the study will possibly provide diagnostic parameters for the quality, purity and correct identification of this plant material. Key words: Geranium wallichianum, pharmacognostic, microscopy, physicochemical parameters.