Pharmacognostic Specification Research Articles

Pharmacognostic standardization and phytochemical evaluation of Ficus rumphii blume leaves in Thailand

BackgroundFicus rumphii Blume has long been used in ethnomedicinal practices and is regarded as one of the medicinal plants in Thai traditional herbal formulas for diabetes treatment. At present, published data on pharmacognostic study of this plant for its identity, quality, and purity is still limited. ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic standardization parameters of Ficus rumphii leaves in Thailand. MethodsThe pharmacognostic study of F. rumphii leaves collected from 12 different sources throughout Thailand was conducted according to the methods described in WHO guidelines including macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, and TLC fingerprint. ResultsMacroscopic and microscopic characteristics of F. rumphii leaves were reported in this study. Physicochemical parameters showed the value of loss on drying (6.87 ± 0.79 %), total ash (16.28 ± 5.76 %), acid insoluble ash (7.54 ± 4.53 %), water content (9.58 ± 2.49 %), water extractive matters (4.71 ± 1.75 %) and ethanol extractive matters (1.30 ± 0.52 %). Preliminary phytochemical screening of hexane, ethanol, and aqueous extracted revealed the presence of phenolic, flavonoid, diterpene, triterpene, steroid, saponin, and cardiac glycoside which were confirmed by TLC fingerprint profiles of ethanolic extract of this plant. ConclusionThis study is the first report on the pharmacognostic specification of F. rumphii leaves in Thailand, which could be used as a reference for quality control and the species identification of this plant material.

Pharmacognostic specifications of Abroma augusta stems and Cissus quadrangularis aerial part

In present communication pharmacognostic specification of medicinal plants used in veterinary products have been described for the purpose of their standardization. The plants undertaken for the study were Abroma augusta stem (Sterculiaceae) and Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae). These plants are official in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The observed microscopic characters of Abroma augusta stems are suberized cork cells, pericyclic fibers, polygonal parenchymatous cells. Microscopic characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis aerial part shows chlorenchymas hypodermis, sclerenchyma sheath; large cells of mucilage along with clusters and bundles of acicular crystals of calcium oxalate were seen in abundant and were scattered throughout the section. Powder microscopy of both the plants was also studied and identifying features were noted down. The improved qualitative microscopic features would prove useful for their quick identification and laying down their pharmacopoeia standards. Additionally, present study also provides the information with respect to crude drug and may serve as a reference point for the proper identification of Abroma augusta stems and aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis. The present study would also fill the gap in providing evidential support concerning quality determination of plant material used in veterinary medicinal product. Emphasis is upon aiming to increase documentation on primary studies on medicinal plants used in veterinary medicines.

Assessment of pharmacognostic specification of Cannabis sativa leaves in Thailand.

ABSTRACTLack of quality control can affect the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of herbal products that may lead to health problems. Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has been widely used as an ethnomedicinal practice for its medicinal values. This study aims to establish pharmacognostic specifications of C. sativa as per standard procedures. Macroscopic-microscopic characteristics, physicochemical parameters, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprinting, and phytochemical screening of C. sativa leaves collected from various locations throughout Thailand were investigated. Leaves are palmate consists of seven leaflets with green color, margin is serrate with acuminate apex. Anomocytic stomata were found in the upper epidermis while unicellular and glandular trichomes with cystolith were found in the lower epidermis and the epidermis layer covered with cuticle. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the loss on drying (4.068 ± 0.084 %w/w) was within acceptable limits, total ash (14.360 ± 0.084%w/w), acid insoluble ash (2.726 ± 0.080%w/w), ethanol-soluble extractive (11.101 ± 0.223%w/w), water-soluble extractive (23.038 ± 0.306%w/w), and water content (7.523 ± 0.524%w/w). TLC fingerprint showed nine spots with Rf value 0.14, 019, 0.23, 0.29, 0.32, 0.45, 0.58, 0.70, and 0.76. Phytochemical screening of Cannabis leaves indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenes, triterpenes, and steroids. This study provided referential data for the accurate plant identity, and establishment of cannabis leaves monograph in Thailand.

Pharmacognostic Specifications of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton Leaf and Tribulus terrestris L. Fruit: Important Medicinal Plants Used in Veterinary Products

Present article deals with the pharmacognostic specification of selected medicinal plants used in veterinary products for the purpose of their standardization, as evidential support concerning quality determination of plant material in veterinary medicine is scarce and there is poor documentation on primary studies of many species. The plants undertaken for the study were Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) and Tribulus terresteris (Zygophyllaceae) on the basis of their usage relevance in veterinary products. Both plants are official in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described, which will help in authentication and quality control. The observed microscopic characters of Calotropis procera leaf were rubiaceous type apostomatic stomata, epidermis, collenchymas, parenchyma, vascular bundles, palisade cells, cortical fibres and lamina, trichomes on the cuticle of lamina. Microscopic characteristics of Tribulus terrestris fruit were epicarp cells showing clusters of calcium oxalate crystals, xylem vessels, group of thin walled sclerenchymatous fibres, group of stone cells of mesocarp. Powder microscopy of the Tribulus terrestris fruit shows abundance of epidermal trichomes - simple, short, long, thick walled, multicellular covered trichomes, sclereids. The qualitative microscopic features would prove useful for laying down their pharmacopoeial standards. The present study also provides the information with respect to identification and authentication of crude drug and serves as a reference point for the proper identification of Calotropis procera leaf and Tribulus terrestris fruit, thereby contributing to the scientific world of research.

Pharmacognostic Specifications, RP-HPLC Analysis of Chlorogenic Acid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Morus alba Linn. Leaves in Thailand

Background: Morus alba Linn. leaves have been widely used as herbal medicine with therapeutics and contain chlorogenic acid as a bioactive phenolic compound. Objective: The present study aimed to conduct the pharmacognostic specifications of M. alba leaves and the method validation for quantification of chlorogenic acid content. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic- and microscopic characteristics, physicochemical parameters combined with quantification of chlorogenic acid in M. alba leaves collected from 15 sources throughout Thailand and their antioxidant activity were reported in this study. Results: The physicochemical parameters of M. alba leaves were determined by indicating water content (7.97 ± 0.35%), loss on drying (4.55 ± 0.21%), total ash (14.38 ± 0.25%), acid-insoluble ash (6.21 ± 0.37%), water-extractive value (16.14 ± 0.50%) and ethanol-extractive value (8.61 ± 0.39%). In addition, the chlorogenic acid contents in M. alba leaves were found to be 0.4159 ± 0.1958 g/100g dry weight. The ethanolic leaf extracts exhibited their antioxidant activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values (326.09–467.55 μg/mL). Conclusion: This study showed the establishment of pharmacognostic study of M. alba leaves and validation of the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) quantitative analysis of their chlorogenic acid contents, which are applicable to be a reference for quality control and standardization of M. alba leaves.

Pharmacognostic Specification and Rotenone Content in Derris elliptica Stems

Pharmacognostic Specification and Rotenone Content in Derris elliptica Stems

Standardization of Leonurus sibiricus L. aerial part and capillary electrophoresis quantitative analysis of its leonurine content.

The quality parameters of Leonurus sibiricus L. aerial part crude drugs were evaluated. Fifteen crude drugs were collected from various locations throughout Thailand. The transverse section of the stem of L. sibiricus showed quadrangular character highlighted the ribs with angular collenchyma. The epidermis was uniseriate with abundant glandular trichomes distribution. Prismatic calcium oxalate prisms were found in the stem medullary parenchyma.The histological character of crude drug powder showed bordered pitted vessel, fragment of fiber, glandular trichome, prism crystal, spiral vessel, starch granule, and stomata. The loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and moisture contents should be not more than 8.18, 15.28, 4.04, and 8.91 g/100 g dry weight, whereas ethanol and water-soluble extractive values should be not less than 7.67, and 17.21 g/100 g of dry weight, respectively. Leonurine in the crude drugs were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with photodiode array detector. The ethanolic extraction performed by Soxhlet apparatus yielded 18.86 ± 4.09 g/100 g dry weight. The electropherogram detected at 277 nm showed the migration time of leonurine at 6.2 min. The developed CE was found to be valid for leonurine quantification in L. sibiricus ethanolic extract. The contents of leonurine in 15 crude drugs ranged from 0.79 to 4.23 mg/g with the average of 2.38 ± 1.10 mg/g dry weight. This study established the pharmacognostic specification of L. sibiricus crude drug in Thailand with special reference to a bioactive compound, leonurine. CE was beneficial technique for the analysis of leonurine in L. sibiricus aerial parts.

Quality evaluation, GC/MS analysis and antimicrobial activities of Morinda Citrifolia against oral Microorganisms ‎

In Thai traditional textbooks, Morinda citrifolia. fruit is an antidote to vomiting and cure oral diseases. The current study aimed to develop the standardization parameters, chemical evaluation, and anti-microorganisms activities of M. citrifolia fruit extracts against oral microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albican.  M. citrifolia fruit (MC) were collected from 15 sources throughout Thailand and then examined the pharmacognostic specification

Quality evaluation of Zanthoxylum rhetsa fruits and seeds - a Thai traditional medicine

Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC or Ma-khwuang (Rutaceae family) has long been used in Thai culinary and traditional medicine. Its fruits and seeds are used for anti-diabetic, antispasmodic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Based on its medicinal usage, we have evaluated the quality parameters of Z. rhetsa fruits and seeds. Ten samples of Z. rhetsa fruits and seeds from different topographical areas, throughout Thailand, were examined following WHO guideline for quality control of medicinal plant materials. The Z. rhetsa fruits and seeds were evaluated by microscopic and physicochemical studies. The GC-MS study showed the major phytoconstituents of Z. rhetsa are sabinene (56.62%), 4-terpineol (13.82%), germacrene (10.1%), gramma-terpinene (5.5%) and alpha-terpinene (3.5%). These pharmacognostic specifications with GC-MS can be used to develop some standard parameters for judge the quality, quantity and impurity of Z. rhetsa crude drug future.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Carapa guianensis Aubl. leaves: A medicinal plant native from Brazilian Amazon

Background: Carapa guianensis Aubl., known as crabwood, has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and for the treatment of flu and colds. Objective: The present study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic features of C. guianensis leaves. Materials and Methods: The leaves were investigated according to the World Health Organization guideline on the pharmacognostic specification, which comprised macroscopic and microscopic assessment, phytochemical screening, and physicochemical characterization of the leaves, besides the microscopic analysis of the powder. Results: Leaves were characterized as a compound, coriaceous with elliptic shape, entire margin, acuminate apex, obtuse base, and opposite phyllotaxis. The epidermis has straight periclinal and anticlinal walls. Calcium oxalate crystals were observed in druses, anomocytic stomata just on a lower side (hypostomatic), and dorsiventral mesophyll. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes, and steroids in the crude extract. The values of the physicochemical parameters such as total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and loss on drying are 7.16%, 1.03% and 7.93%, respectively; the ethanol and water-soluble extractive values are 19.47% and 15.97%, respectively. Conclusions: The information obtained with botanical, physicochemical, and phytochemical studies could be used to identify C. guianensis and to certify the authenticity of commercial samples.

Quality evaluation with reference to clitoriacetal and in vitro antioxidant activities of Clitoria macrophylla root.

Clitoria macrophylla Wall. (syn. Clitoria hanceana Hemsl.), is commonly known in Thai as Nontai-yak, An-chan-pa, or Ueang-chan-pa, which belongs to Leguminosae family. According to traditional Thai medicine, the root has been used for the treatment of skin diseased as well as for pest control in horticulture and animal husbandry. The aim of this study is to investigate for the pharmacognostic specification, the clitoriacetal content, and in vitro antioxidant capacities of C. macrophylla roots from 12 different sources throughout Thailand. Clitoriacetal content was quantitatively analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) - densitometry with winCATS software and TLC image analysis with ImageJ software. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, β-carotene bleaching assay, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents. The pharmacognostic specification of C. macrophylla roots in Thailand was established. The loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and water contents should be not more than 6.40%, 12.29%, 8.89%, and 8.16% of dry weight, whereas ethanol and water-soluble extractive values should be not less than 4.95% and 14.72% of dry weight, respectively. Furthermore, the clitoriacetal content of C. macrophylla roots determined by TLC-densitometry and TLC image analysis was found to be 2.20 ± 1.31 and 2.22 ± 1.16 g/100 g of dry roots, respectively. The clitoriacetal contents of both methods were not significantly different using paired t-test. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of C. macrophylla roots showed its antioxidant potential compared to the standard butylated hydroxyl toluene and quercetin.

Pharmacognostic Specifications and Lawsone Content of Lawsonia inermis Leaves.

Background:Lawsonia inermis L. has been used as a traditional or folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of skin infectious diseases.Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacognostic specifications and lawsone contents of L. inermis leaves.Materials and Methods:The pharmacognostic specifications of L. inermis leaves from 12 sources were evaluated according to the WHO guideline of quality control method for medicinal plant materials. The lawsone contents were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) coupled with densitometry and image analysis.Results:Microscopic evaluation of L. inermis powders showed the fragment of mesophyll, fragment of parenchyma, epidermis layer with stomata, and the rosette crystal of calcium oxalate. Physicochemical parameters revealed that total ash, acid-insoluble ash, loss on drying, and water content should be not <6.98, 1.12, 8.08, and 9.86% of dried weight, respectively, whereas ethanol and water extractive values should be not < 19.67 and 23.06% of dried weight, respectively. The content of lawsone in L. inermis leaves by TLC-densitometry was found to be 0.76 ± 0.05 g/100 g of dried crude drug, whereas the lawsone content evaluation by TLC image analysis was found to be 0.87 ± 0.11 g/100 g of dried crude drug. The validation of the methods revealed that both TLC-densitometry and TLC image analysis showed a good sensitivity and accuracy for lawsone quantitation in L. inermis.Conclusion:The pharmacognostic specifications could be used as the standardization data of L. inermis leaves, and the development of TLC method could be applied to determine lawsone content in this plant material.SUMMARY The pharmacognostic specification of Lawsonia inermis leaves could be used as the standardization data of L. inermis leaves in Thailand.Both TLC-densitometry and TLC image analysis showed a good sensitivity and accuracy for lawsone quantitation. Abbreviations Used: LOD: Limit of detection; LOQ: Limit of quantitation; RSD: Relative standard deviation; TLC: Thin layer chromatography; UV: Ultraviolet; Rf value: Relative to front value

Pharmacognostic Specification, Chlorogenic Acid Content, and In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Lonicera japonica Flowering Bud.

Background:Lonicera japonica Thunb. or Japanese Honeysuckle has been widely used in traditional medicine for antipyretic.Objective:To establish the pharmacognostic specification of L. japonica flowering bud in Thailand and to determine its chlorogenic acid content and in vitro antioxidant activities.Materials and Methods:Dried L. japonica flowering bud from 15 various herbal drugstores throughout Thailand were investigated for pharmacognostic specification. Their chlorogenic acid contents were quantitatively analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) densitometry with winCATS software. The mobile phase for TLC development consisted of ethyl acetate: formic acid: acetic acid: water (10:1.1:1.1:2.6). Antioxidant activities were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay, and β-carotene bleaching assays.Results:Qualified L. japonica flowering bud in Thailand was presented that the contents of loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and water should not be >10.11%, 6.59%, 1.14%, and 10.82% by weight, respectively. The ethanol and water soluble extractive values should not be < 16.46% and 28.88% by weight, respectively. Chlorogenic acid content in L. japonica flowering bud was found to be 2.24 ± 0.50 g/100 g of crude drug. L. japonica flowering bud showed DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activities as well as reducing power property.Conclusion:This pharmacognostic specification with special reference to the chlorogenic acid content can be used for quality control of L. japonica flowering bud in Thailand. The potential antioxidant of this crude drug was demonstrated in vitro.SUMMARY Pharmacognostic specification of Lonicera japonica flowering bud in Thailand has been establishedThe chlorogenic acid content has been quantified by thin layer chromatography-densitometryThe ethanolic extract of L. japonica flowering bud showed antioxidation potential, especially on reducing power property. Abbreviations Used: TLC: Thin layer chromatography, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, FRAP: Ferric ion Reducing Antioxidant Power, WHO: World Health Organization, ICH: International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use; LOD: Limit of detection; LOQ: Limit of quantitation; BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene; FeSO4: Iron(II) sulfate; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; TPTZ: 2,4,6-tripyridyl-s-triazine.

Pharmacognostic specification of Zanthoxylum limonella (Dennst.) Alston: Fruits and seeds in Thailand.

Zanthoxylum limonella (Dennst.) Alston. (Rutaceae) or Ma-khwaen is one of the medicinal plants in Thai traditional medicine. To investigate the pharmacognostic specifications and chemical constituents of Z. limonella fruits and seeds. Fruits and seeds of Z. limonella were collected from 15 sources throughout Thailand; then examined the pharmacognostic specification following WHO guideline of quality control method for medicinal plant materials. Microscopic determination of Z. limonella powders demonstrated fragment of mesocarp, fragment of brown vitta, oil glands, fragment of endocarp, and endosperm containing oil globule, trichome and pale brown stone cells. Stomatal index and pellucid dots in mm2 were 19.87 and 4.2 respectively. Physico-chemical parameters unveiled that loss on drying, water content, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash should be not >17.90%, 9.18%, 4.50%, and 0.60% of dried weight respectively; while ethanol, water, and hexane extractive values and volatile oil content should be not <2.24%, 2.27%, 1.57% and 9.63% of dried weight respectively. Rf values of thin-layer chromatographic fingerprint of Z. limonella fruits and seeds ethanolic extract were 0.38, 0.45, 0.90, and 0.97 detected ultraviolet (UV) light 254 nm, 0.30, 0.44, 0.67, and 0.77 detected UV light 366 nm, and 0.24, 0.73, 0.78, and 0.93 detected 10% sulfuric acid. There are three main chemical compounds in Z. limonella oil including limonene (43.63%), (+)-sabinene (16.72%), and terpinen-4-ol (10.95%). The result gained from pharmacognostic specifications and chemical fingerprints could be used as standardization data of Z. limonella fruits and seeds to apply or provide for guarantee of quality.

Pharmacognostic Specification and Coumarin Content of Alyxia reinwardtii Inner Bark

Alyxia reinwardtii Blume is used in traditional medicine for a long time. This study was carried out to investigate the standardization parameters by qualitative and quantitative analyses as well as coumarin content of A. reinwardtii inner bark. Loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water soluble extractives, ethanol soluble extractives and moisture contents were found to be 8.1 ± 0.2, 7.6 ± 0.1, 1.4 ± 0.1, 16.5 ± 0.1 , 8.9 ± 0.3 and 11.9 ± 0.2% by dry weight, respectively. Coumarin in dichloromethane extract of A. reinwardtii inner bark was analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using silica gel 60 F254 as stationary phase, hexane and ethyl acetate (1 : 1) as mobile phase. The content was evaluated by image analysis using image J software. The regression line of method was polynomial in range of 0.075 - 1.2 mg/spot, and correlation coefficients (R2) were 0.99. The repeatability and intermediate precisions were between 0.5 - 7.1% RSD. The percent recovery was found to be 96.8 - 107.3%. The robustness evaluated by slightly variation in mobile phase ratio was 1.3% RSD. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.05 and 0.16 mg/spot respectively. The coumarin content in A. reinwardtii inner bark crude drug was found to be 0.75 ± 0.01% by dry weight. This study provided pharmacognostic specification toward fundamental standardization of A. reinwardtii inner bark. Additionally, the simple TLC with image analysis can be applied to quantitatively determine coumarin in plant material.

Pharmacognostic specifications and quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol in Mollugo oppositifolia Linn.

Background: Mollugo oppositifolia, is one of the plants commonly used as, ‘Parpata’ by Ayurvedic practitioners. It is indicated as a bitter tonic, antiseptic and febrifuge. Aim: To generate and ensemble data of physical parameters for ascertaining the identification and to develop validated HPTLC method for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol in M. oppositifolia. Materials and Methods: M. oppositifolia was studied for establishing pharmacognostic standards including macro and microscopical characters, physico-chemical analysis and quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol by HPTLC method. Results: It is an annual, prostrate herb with linear-lanceolate leaf and white coloured flower. Microscopically root can be characterized by crescent shaped phloem associated with continuous or discontinuous rings of xylem; stem by epidermis bearing multi-cellular simple and glandular trichomes, and sclerenchymatous pericycle; and leaf by continuous band of a palisade cells and rosettes and prisms of calcium oxalate throughout parenchyma. Powdered drug can be typified by multi-cellular trichomes, fragments of epidermis of leaf in surface view, epidermis of corolla and entire or broken seeds. Saponins and flavanoids were found be the major components. HPTLC method was developed for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol using precoated silica gel plates as a stationary phase, and toluene: methanol (9.4: 0.6) as a mobile phase and scanning the plate at 545 nm. The amount of oleanolic acid and lupeol were found to be 0.027-0.029% w/w and 0.015-0.016% w/w respectively. Conclusion: The quality parameters and HPTLC method developed would serve as useful gauge in standardization of Mollugo oppositifolia.

Pharmacognostic specifications and quantification of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin in Pentace burmanica stem bark.

Background:According to Thai traditional medicine, Pentace burmanica Kurz. stem bark has been used as crude drug for treating diarrhea. However, the crude drug is also found susceptible to adulteration.Objectives:To develop specific standardization parameters of P. burmanica stem bark in Thailand and to determine the (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin contents of P. burmanica stem bark by HPLC analysis.Materials and Methods:P. burmanica stem barks from various sources throughout Thailand were investigated according to WHO guideline of the pharmacognostic specification. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed for (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin quantification.Results:Macroscopic evaluation was demonstrated as whole plant drawing. Microscopic evaluation of stem bark powdered drug showed fragment of fibers, resin masses, tannin masses, starch grain, calcium oxalate, and fragment of parenchyma. Physico-chemical parameters revealed that total ash, acid insoluble ash, loss on drying, and water content should be not more than 3.58, 0.50, 8.40, and 9.70% of dry weight respectively; while ethanol and water soluble extractive values should not be less than 21.90 and 19.06% of dry weight respectively. Both (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin were existed in P. burmanica ethanolic extract. Owing to the small amount of (+)-catechin, quantitation of its content was omitted. However, (-)-epicatechin contents was found as 59.74 ± 1.69μg/mg of crude extract.Conclusion:The pharmacognostic investigations can be used to set the standard parameters of P. burmanica stem bark in Thailand. HPLC method can be applied to determine (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin content in plant materials.

Pharmacognostic specifications of roots of Beta vulgaris cultivated in India

Beta vulgaris Linn. is an important medicinal plant of family Chenopodiaceae. It is commonly known as Beet root or garden beet. The root is used in Indian traditional systems of medicine specifically for the treatment of fertility, hypertension, cancer and urinary tract disorders. As the herb is used widely in the Indian traditional systems of medicine, it was thought worthwhile to undertake the standardization of its roots. The quality control parameters like morphological and microscopic characters, physico-chemical parameters viz. extractive of plant with different solvents, ash values, foreign organic matter, loss on drying and pH of aqueous solution were determined. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were also determined. The results obtained from preliminary pharmacognostic standardization of root of Beta vulgaris are very helpful in determination of quality and purity of the crude drug and its marketed formulation.

Pharmacognostic specifications of eight cultivars of Piper betle from eastern region of India

BackgroundPiper betle L. is a well-known and widely used herb especially in tropical Asiatic countries, which contains several bio-active constituents and possesses health promoting properties. The leaves of Piper betle L. have been traditionally known for its various therapeutic uses. The pharmacognostical and physicochemical investigations have not been carried out for eastern Piper betle cultivars. ObjectiveThe present investigation was therefore undertaken to determine the requisite pharmacognostic standards for their evaluation to ensure their safety and efficacy. Materials and methodsDifferent Piper betle L. cultivars (Desi, Bangla, Kali, Haldia, Sanci, Meetha, Birkoli and Magahi) were obtained from Indian States of West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar (Table 1).Fresh leaves were washed with water, sliced with a microtome and the transverse sections were stained with safranin, phloroglucinol, concentrated hydrochloric acid and mounted in glycerine medium. Leaves dried in the shade were finely powdered and passed through a sieve no.180 and a sieve no.125, separately, to obtain fine powder respectively and then subjected to microscopic examination.Mesophyll tissue is divided up by slendest vein, which is called vein islet. The numbers of vein islet in every epidermal cell is called Vein Islet Numbers (VIN); Vein termination number is the number of veinlet termination per square mm of the leaf surface midway between the midrib and the margin (VTN). Since vein islet and vein termination number is consistent and different from plant to plant, this parameter can be used in authentication. Stomatal Index (SI) is a basilic parameter in authentication, which can be obtained from the following formula: Stomatal Index ¼ (number of stomata/every millimeter-square) × 100/(number of stomata/every millimeter-square + number of epidermal cell/every millimeter - square), which also can be used as a reliable parameter in authentication since it is consistent in a species of plant. The results were studied using light microscope according to the usual microscopic techniques. Different physicochemical parameters such as ash value, extractive value and loss on drying were carried out as per WHO guidelines. ResultsIn present study eight cultivars of Piper betle were compared with their distinguishing morpho-anatomic details of leaf, dissociation and powders. The microscopic features were systematically described and illustrated. The physiochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value and extractive values were also carried out. HPTLC analysis of petroleum ether extract and essential oil showed confirming the presence of compound in Piper betle cultivars leaf. And detailed key authentication parameters based on these anatomic characteristics were presented. The various morphological, microscopical, physicochemical standards can be unambiguously used to authenticate standardization and distinguish eight cultivars of Piper betle.

Pharmacognostic specifications of five root species in Ben-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy: Thai traditional medicine remedy

IntroductionBen-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy is one of the Thai traditional medicines notified in Tumrapaadsard song khor. This remedy has been used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug in Thai traditional medicine practice. Establishment of the pharmacognostic profile of five roots species in Ben-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy will be able to guarantee quality, purity and identification of remedy. Materials and methodsFive root species in Ben-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy were collected from various sources throughout Thailand; then investigated the pharmacognostic specification of each root species following WHO guideline of quality control method for medicinal plant materials. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo diode arrays was applied to analyze their fingerprints. ResultsMacroscopic study was demonstrated as whole plant drawing; while microscopic study was investigated in powdered drugs and its transverse section for anatomy and histology evaluation. The comparative characteristics and physico-chemical parameters of five root species were revealed for standardization. The representative fingerprints revealed a common peak of each root species and Ben-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy under the same HPLC condition. ConclusionThe results obtained from macroscopic and microscopic inspections, physico-chemical parameters, and developed HPLC fingerprints can be used to standardize five root species in Ben-Cha-Moon-Yai remedy.