Pharmacognostic investigations of Achyranthes aspera Linn

Brij Raj Singh,Lokesh Brind,Sanjay Yadav,Satyawan Singh

doi:10.47552/ijam.v2i4.76

Abstract

Aims & objective: Some pharmacognostical investigations were carried out on the leaves, stems and roots of Achyranthes aspera Linn to record parameters for identifying and differentiating various species of Achyranthes. Methods: The research specimens were authenticated and preserved both in fresh and dry forms. The leaves and stems were morphologically screened followed by anatomical studies with the aid of Labphot 2 microscopic units. Powder microscopy and micrometric studies, including leaf constants, were performed using suitable tools and reagents under different magnifications. Important observations and results: The leaves were petiolate and opposite, decussate, elliptic-obovate, acute apex with decurrent base, abaxial surfaces which turned blackish on storage, and had irritant smell with a slightly bitter taste. The vein islets were squarish and polygonal. Covering and glandular trichomes; anisocytic and anomocytic stomata were evident. Anomalous secondary growth of xylem and phloem in stem and roots; Vessels were helical, spiral and pitted; rosette shaped calcium oxalate crystals were also evident.

Highlights

Amaranthaceae is a cosmopolitan family consisting of 64 genera and about 800 species, mostly abundant in tropical regions of America, Africa, and India [1]
Based on the foregoing, the present study entails the pharmacognostic investigation of the whole plant of Achyranthes aspera Linn., with a view of providing pertinent information/data on its identification
Achyranthes aspera Linn were collected in the month of October, from local place of the Allahabad district and were authenticated by Dr Alok Lahri Incharge, CIF Division N.B.R.I., Lucknow, U.P., India

Summary

Introduction

Amaranthaceae is a cosmopolitan family consisting of 64 genera and about 800 species, mostly abundant in tropical regions of America, Africa, and India [1]. The family represented by herbs and few shrubs, contains most of the important allergic species [2, 3]. Achyranthes aspera Linn, Family: Amaranthaceae or its common name Apamarga is a stiff, erect. Brij Raj Singh et al, Pharmacognostic investigations of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Possess a number of medicinal properties [6]. Based on the foregoing, the present study entails the pharmacognostic investigation of the whole plant of Achyranthes aspera Linn., with a view of providing pertinent information/data on its identification

Materials and methods

Discussion