Characterization Of Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Foliar epidermal study on selected medicinal plants used in homeopathy

Background: Homeopathy is a complementary alternative medicine system which was introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe in the last part of the eighteenth century. In homeopathy, drugs are obtained from various source materials such as plants, chemicals, minerals, and animals. However, plants are the major source and about 65% of medicines homeopathic medicines obtained from plants (HPI Vol. I to XI). Authentication and identification of genuine drugs is major concern for manufacturing units/industries. The present study will help to add key parameters in the identification of drugs. Objective: The objective of this study is to characterize the foliar epidermal characteristics of selected plants used in homeopathy. Materials and Methods: The foliar epidermal studies of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb., Cannabis indica Lam., Cephalandra indica (Wight and Arn.) Naudin, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Gaultheria procumbens L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm., Justicia adhatoda L., Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., and Ricinus communis L. Results: The study showed various characteristic features such as presence or absence of hairs or trichomes, trichomes if present were uni to multicellular, types and size of stomata, stomatal index on dorsal and ventral sides, vein-islet per mm2, vein termination per mm2, and presence or absence of idioblasts, etc. All these features will help in the identification and characterization of medicinal plants. Conclusion: The study revealed that the diversity of foliar characters of the leaf was varying from plant to plant and this variation may be a valuable tool for the authentication and identification of drug.

Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of Medicinal Fructus in Apiaceae

Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface. Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.

Optical Characterization of Medicinal Plants’ Extracts Used for the Treatment of Diabetes

The fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy on the medicinal plants’ extracts used for the cure of diabetes in Eastern Himalayan region viz. Darjeeling and Sikkim are presented. The extracts from the seeds of Totola (Oroxylum indicum Vent.) and fruits of Harra (Terminalia chebula Retz.) and Barra (Terminalia belerica Roxb.) are studied using thin layer chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results are compared with those of commercially prepared polyherbal formulations from Totola, Harra and Barra viz. Dashmool Kwath, Haritaki Churna and Triphala Churna.

Characterization of medicinal plants used by different tribes in the Sikkim Himalaya

An ethno-botanical field survey was carried out in the Sikkim Himalaya along with the characterization of some medicinal plants used by the different tribes. To meet their day to day requirements like food, fodder and medicines, the tribes are totally dependent on forest and forest products. Use of medicinal plants to cure specific ailments is an old practice and has been documented in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other types of therapies. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India; which covers about 36.3% of the total state land under forest and is the richest phytogeographical region of Eastern Himalaya. From the forest area about 67 plants having ethno-botanical uses were collected, identified and studied. These are presented in this paper.

The role of WHO in the selection and characterization of medicinal plants (vegetable drugs)

The guidelines followed by WHO for the selection and the characterization of medicinal plants are exposed. “Medicinal plants and vegetable drugs” are defined, and the criteria for an international nomenclature are indicated. A list of medicinal plants has been drawn up by WHO following these criteria.