Abstract
Oxystelma esculentum is a perennial twiner growing near water-logged areas in the Indian subcontinent. The leaves are traditionally used as diuretic, galactagogue, anthelmintic, antiulcer, laxative and antiperiodic. The plant is also used ethnomedicinally in throat infections, skin diseases and jaundice. The present investigation deals with the pharmacognostical study of the leaves of the plant and establishment of its quality parameters. The study revealed important diagnostic features. Transverse section of leaf showed the presence of a sheath of calcium oxalate rosette crystals in the mid-rib and 2-3 layered palisade in the lamina. Microscopy of the powdered leaves revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata, various types of covering trichomes and parenchymatous tissue filled with numerous rosette crystals. Various physico-chemical parameters and quantitative microscopic parameters were established. From the phytochemical screening, the leaves were found to contain cardenolides, flavonoids, phenolics and sugars, which were estimated by their respective procedures. The present work can serve as a useful tool in the identification, authentication and standardization of the plant material.
Highlights
Estimation of phytoconstituents included that of cardenolides, phenolics, flavonoids and sugars [11,12,13,14] (Table 4)
The spongy mesophyll region (Sm) in the lower lamina consists of polygonal parenchymatous cells and shows obliquely cut vessels
The most important diagnostic feature of the powder is a parenchymatous tissue filled with large number of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate (Cr)
Summary
Periploca esculenta, Periploca secamone, Sarcostemma secamone, Sarcostemma esculentum and Asclepias rosea (Family – Asclepiadaceae) is commonly known as ‘Jaldudhi’ or ‘Dudhlata’ and is found near water logged areas of the plains and lower hills of the Indian subcontinent and Java. The whole plant, especially leaves, have been reported to possess antiperiodic, anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, antiulcer and galactagogue activity. It is used ethnomedicinally in throat infections, skin diseases and in the treatment of jaundice[1,2,3]. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical study of the leaves of the plant and establishment of its various quality parameters
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
