Prismatic Calcium Oxalate Crystals Research Articles

Quality Studies on Cynometra iripa Leaf and Bark as Herbal Medicines.

Cynometra iripa Kostel. is a Fabaceae species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for C. iripa leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3-6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index-20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2-5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3-O-glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3-O-rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of C. iripa leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity.

Pharmacognostic Studies on the Stem Bark of &lt;I&gt;Psidium guajava&lt;/I&gt; Linn

The macroscopic and microscopic characters of the stem bark of Psidium guajava Linn, are described. Due to earlier defoliation of the previous cork layers the whole bark seems to consist of secondary phloem topped by cork cells. Absence of cortical tissue isone of the chief diagnostic characters. The bark is characterised by the presence of prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in smaller phloem parenchyma cells, fusiform medullary ray cells terminated by tapering apical cells and absence of cortical and phloem fibres.

Pharmacognostic Studies on the Stem Bark of &lt;i&gt;Streblus asper&lt;/i&gt; Lour.

The macroscopic and microscopic studies of the stem bark of Streblus asper Lour. are made. Macroscopic characters reveal that the outer surface of the bark has got longitudinal wrinkles with transverse channels. On drying the bark can be easily separated into two layers; the outer hard and the inner fibrous layer. Two types of stone cells, phloem fibres with broad lumen and large prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the chief diagnostic characters.

Pharmacognostic Studies on the Stem Bark of &lt;i&gt;Annona reticulata&lt;/i&gt; Linn.

The microscopic and microscopic characters of the stem bark of Annona reticulata Linn. are described. Groups of lignified phloem fibres with narrow lumen which seperate the phloem parenchyma in blocks, lignified stone cells, large prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and simple as well as compound starch grains the latter with 2 to 4 components are the chief diagnostic characters.

Anatomy of stem lesions caused by Citrus leprosis

Abstract The citrus leprosis is responsible for causing major damage in fruit production. The disease, in the stems, is characterized by caused “scaly bark” lesions of reddish tone, depending on the stage they can be called blisters and make ruptures in the longitudinal direction. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of leprosis lesions of type CiLV-C and the anatomical alterations in the twigs of field-collected plants in order to compare to the evolution of the foliar and twigs lesions of inoculated plants already described in literature. For anatomical analysis, the samples were fixed in Karnovsky solution, dehydrated in a graded ethylic series, embedded in hidroxy-ethyl methacrylate resin (Leica Historesin), sectioned (5-7 μm thick), and stained with Toluidine blue for usual histological analysis. Histochemical tests were also carried out. The digital images were capture in a microscope with video camera. The analyzed lesion followed the same pattern as described to foliar lesions, i.e., there was a necrotic center surrounded by a halo also necrotic. In the necrotic region there was the accumulation of lipid compounds. The cortical and, or phloematic parenchyma exhibited hyperplasia. In both lesions it was verified the decrease of starch amount and the increase of quantity of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, and the presence of gummosis traumatic ducts.

A Study on Justicia flava (Forssk.) Vahl.: Pharmacognostic Characterization and Antiplasmodial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Leaves

Justiciaflava (Acanthaceae) is utilized in folk medicine for treating malaria, inflammatory conditions, and respiratory infections. In this study, the antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities of the 70% hydroalcoholic leaf extract of J. flava (JFE) were investigated. The antiplasmodial activity was assessed by the suppressive test and Rane’s curative test. The carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay in chicks was used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity. In Rane’s curative test, JFE significantly suppressed the parasitaemia level ( p &lt; 0.0001) by 56.85%, 63.85%, and 77.85% at 30, 100, and 300 mg·kg−1, respectively. The highest suppression of parasitaemia in the suppressive test was 51.31% at 300 mg·kg−1. The extract prolonged the survival time of infected mice significantly and prevented weight loss and hypothermia which are cardinal signs of P. berghei-induced infection. JFE inhibited foot oedema in chicks with a maximum percentage inhibition of 54.00 ± 5.20%. Pharmacognostic characterization of J. flava revealed it to have simple, petiolate, oppositely arranged leaves which are broadly lanceolate in shape with entire to slightly crenate margins. Microscopy of the leaf showed wavy-walled epidermal cells, diallelocytic stomata, abundant clothing and secretory trichomes, pitted vessels, collateral conjoint vascular bundles, cystoliths, and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, triterpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and saponins were detected in the plant. This study has provided important parameters for the correct identification of J. flava and given the scientific credence to its antimalarial and anti-inflammatory effects in traditional medicine. J. flava is a potential source of new antimalarial and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Simarouba glauca DC Bark

Simarouba glauca DC also known as ‘Dysentery Bark’ is an important ethnomedicinal plant native to Tropical America. Later introduced India as “Lakshmi-Taru.” Bark is a potent anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and hemolytic drug. This study presents a pharmacognostic evaluation of Simarouba glauca DC bark, mainly shedding light on its macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Identification, authentication, macroscopic observation, and TLS, RLS and Powder microscopical examinations have been carried out.&#x0D; The macroscopic examination of the bark revealed distinctive features, including a rough, fissured surface, and a yellowish-brown colour. Microscopic analysis showcased the presence of a thick periderm with small flakes raised above the periderm surface. The outer part of phellem is crushed and the inner portion is modified into a thick cylinder of sclereids. The Phelloderm becomes thick walled and dark coloured and stores calcium oxalate crystals. Large prismatic calcium oxalate crystals located in uniseriate vertical row within thin parenchyma cells. TLS revealed that the phloem fibers in dense compact bundles. The fibers being highly thick walled and lignified with narrow cell lumen. The rays are 250-280 µm in height and 40-60µm. RLS showed the rays are rentered heterocellular. Parenchyma cells and fibers are vertical position at right angles to the rays. Bark powder microscopy exhibited the presence of narrow and wide fibers, fiber-sclereids, long sieve elements, thick brachy sclereids, and large quantity of quadrangular, rectangular, and polygonal Calcium oxalate crystals. These observations provide valuable diagnostic tools for the authentication and quality control of S. glauca DC bark.&#x0D; The pharmacognostic characterization presented in this study serves as a foundation for further research and development of S. glauca DC bark-based herbal medicines and pharmaceutical formulations. The insights provided in this article contribute to the understanding and utilization of this valuable botanical resource, fostering a bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific approaches in pharmacognosy.

Macro-microscopic and HPTLC Atlas of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. Fruit

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,277-287.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.030Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy, Achintya Kumar Mandal, Shakila Ramachandran, Senthilvel Govindaraju, and Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan Author(s) affiliations:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy1,*, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy2, Achintya Kumar Mandal1, Shakila Ramachandran1, Senthilvel Govindaraju1, Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan1 1Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, A. A. Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. (Family Leguminosae) is a large annual or perennial climber with a terete glabrous stem, native to Indo-Malaysian and also distributed in tropical, subtropical regions. C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC. is generally confused with another closely related species i.e. C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC (Jack bean). The tender pods of both the above species have close similarity in morphology, especially shape and size of fruit, therefore it is difficult to differentiate on their vegetative and also fruiting stages. The plant C. ensiformis mentioned as a synonym of C. gladiata in many of the earlier literature though they are 2 different taxa. Some authors published different colour seeds in the name of C. gladiata. It is doubtful if C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC. or C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC was studied during that analysis. Objectives: A systematic pharmacognostical study has been executed to identify the correct botanical source. Materials and Methods: All the studies were carried out by standard procedures in Pharmacopoeias and other authentic literature. Results: Macroscopically surface characters followed by odour and taste, anatomically TS of the pericarp, plecenta, testa, cotyledon and radical, powder microscopically epidermal cells with stomata and prismatic crystal cystolith, trichomes, testa palisade cells, sclereids with different shape and size, brownish content, starch grains, tracheids, fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the unique diagnostic characters observed. HPTLC with different spots having unique Rf values in the pericarp, testa, cotyledon and seeds will be helpful for critical identification of the species. Conclusion: The findings of the present study will be helpful in the identification and differentiation of related species as the whole drug or in powder form. Keywords:Jack bean, Seed anatomy, Sword bean, Vegetable Crude Drug.View:PDF (1.49 MB)

Comparative Pharmacognostic and Powder Microscopic Studies of the Bark of Four Ficus Species (Nalpamaram)

Nalpamaram is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic system for the treatment of several ailments. It is very effective for the treatment of skin diseases like pigmentation, wrinkles and dark circles. This has a brown texture and a unique aroma. Nalpamaram is a mixture of four plant species of the family Moraceae - Ficus religiosa (Asvattha), Ficus benghalensis (Nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (Udumbara) and Ficus microcarpa (Plaksah). The barks of the species are usually interchanged or adulterated with other species of Ficus because of the limited knowledge in identification and differentiation. Therefore, a detailed comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of the four species has been carried out with the aim to establish the diagnostic keys of these important drugs based on the pharmacognostic and powder macroscopic profiles. Pharmacognostic study of all these shows differences in values. Total ash is low in F. racemosa and high in F. benghalensis Acid insoluble ash is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Water soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Alcohol soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Unique identification features like stone cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate were found in the powder of all four species. The information from the present study provide data which is useful for the development of suitable monograph, determining the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down Pharmacopoeia standards for Nalpamaram.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Development of Quality Control Parameters for Root of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,1,101-111.DOI:10.5530/097484900263Published:December 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Deshraj Shyamkant Chumbhale, and Mahendra Shivshankar Khyade Author(s) affiliations:Deshraj Shyamkant Chumbhale1, Mahendra Shivshankar Khyade2,* 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrutvahini College of Pharmacy, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, INDIA. 2Department of Botany, Sangamner Nagarpalika Arts, D.J. Malpani Commerce and B.N. Sarda Science College (Autonomous), Sangamner, Maharashtra, INDIA. Abstract:Background: In traditional medicine, Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik, which belongs to the Malvaceae family, has been used to treat boils, sores, sprains, inflammations, tuberculosis, and leucoderma. Objectives: The objective of this study was to establish identification and quality control standards. Materials and Methods: For pharmacognostic evaluation, macroscopy, micromorphology and physicochemical constants have been used. Microchemical colour reaction tests and HPTLC studies were performed for qualitative phytochemistry. Results: Externally the root is yellowish-brown to yellowish-white and has a distinct odour, bitter taste, wavy shape, and smooth texture. The periderm was composed of 4-5 thin-walled cells. The secondary phloem has dilated rays and broad pyramid-shaped mucilage-packed rays. The fibres have thin walls and are narrow, and the secondary xylem is a compact circular cylinder with eight to eight radial lines of vessel chains. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, lignified long, narrow, thick-walled fibres with parenchyma cells, lignified cork cells, and cylindrical vessel elements were discovered in powdered samples. Physicochemically, the ash value was found above 8% which shows more than 75% solubility in acid whereas water and methanol extractive values were found to be just above and below 8% respectively. In UV-fluorescence study, very distinctive colour changes of the powdered root have been recorded. The phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. GC-MS and HPTLC are also used to characterize lipid and phenolic molecules. Conclusion: These findings will help in the future identification and quality control of A. manihot as reference standards. Keywords:Abelmoschus manihot, Pharmacognosy, Physicochemistry, PhytochemistryView:PDF (854.67 KB)

Diospyros villosa Root Monographic Quality Studies.

Diospyros villosa L. (De Winter) (Ebenaceae) is a shrub whose root (DVR) is used as a toothbrush and to treat oral infections in Mozambique. The present work aims at establishing monographic quality criteria to allow the sustainable and safe development of pharmaceutical preparations with this herbal drug. This includes setting botanical (qualitative and quantitative) and chemical identification parameters, purity tests (loss on drying and total ash), quantifying the major classes of constituents identified, and particle size characterization of the powdered drug. DVR samples are cylindrical and microscopically characterized by: a periderm, with six layers of flattened phellem cells, with slightly thickened walls and few layers of phelloderm; cortical parenchyma with brachysclereids with a short, roughly isodiametric form (13.82-442.14 μm2 × 103), surrounded by a ring of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals; uniseriate medullary rays and prominent vessels of the xylem with single or double shape; numerous single and clustered starch grains, within the cortical parenchyma, medullar parenchyma, and ray cells. Polyphenols, mainly hydrolyzable tannins (212.29 ± 0.005 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried DVR), are the main marker class of constituents. Furthermore, the average diameter of the particles of the powder, 0.255 mm, allows its classification as a fine powder.

Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Glycosmis perakensis V.Naray (Rutaceae)

There are a number of underexplored plant species from the family of Rutaceae despite their economic importance, including Glycosmis perakensis V.Naray. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to enhance its taxonomic characterization and identification of this plant species by examining the morphology and anatomy of selected parts. The histological procedure for G. perakensis stems and leaves were optimized by increasing the incubation time for the fixation, clearing, and infiltration steps of the standard paraffin embedding method. Different types of stains were also used to identify and differentiate the plant tissues. The anatomy of plant parts such as stem, leaf, and petiole were studied using light microscopy. Pellucid dots and stomata exist on both abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. Statistical analysis on stomatal index and stomatal density showed a significant difference between abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Histological analyses showed the presence of sclerenchyma, collenchyma, and parenchyma cells, vascular bundle, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and secretory cavities in the plant leaf and stem transverse sections. This is the first study reporting on the histological morphology of stem, petiole, and leaf of G. perakensis. The findings of this study will be a valuable tool for the identification of this plant.

Morphological characters, pharmacognostical parameters, and preliminary phytochemical screening of Curcuma sahuynhensis Škorni?k. &amp; N.S.Lý in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam

Abstract. Chen TV, Lam DNX, Thong CLT, Nguyen DD, Nhi NTT, Triet NT. 2022. Morphological characters, pharmacognostical parameters, and preliminary phytochemical screening of Curcuma sahuynhensis Škorni?k. &amp; N.S.Lý in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Biodiversitas 23: 3907-3920. Curcuma sahuynhensis (Vegetable Turmeric or Rau Nghe) has been used as a flavor and a spice in Vietnamese cuisines. Information on micromorphological characters, pharmacognostic parameters, and phytochemical screening of C. sahuynhensis has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, the accurate verification of plants requires further research to determine their quality and safety in order to make optimal use of them as raw materials for medicines and food. In this work, macro-and micromorphological features, pharmacognostic parameters, and phytochemical screening were performed according to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V guidelines and other published data. Macromorphologically, it can grow up to 75 ± 5 cm tall and up to 10 per pseudostem. The inflorescence consists of 10–24 bracts. Rhizome branched, and remote tubers were present. The flower was yellow with a warm yellow midrib band, and an incision up to 0.6 cm long on the apex labellum. Anthers are L-shaped, stalked with no knobs below the thecae. Micromorphologically, there are anatomical similarities between the species in the genus Curcuma, particularly in terms of leaves, roots, and rhizomes. Under the lower epidermis of the leaf midrib are small vascular bundles (8–10 bundles). The stomatal index (SI) was 8.97 in abaxial and 1.06 in adaxial of the leaf. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals were found in the leaf but they were absent in the root. Starch grains were also found in leaf powder (11–12.5 µm) and rhizome powder (15–20 µm). Additionally, the presence of oleoresin (in leaves and rhizomes) and the absence of crystals in the cortex region of the rhizome was found to be significant features in identifying C. sahuynhensis. Phytochemical screening found that its rhizome and inflorescence contain essential oil, amino acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, triterpenoids, polyuronides, and reducing compounds. Pharmacognostically, rhizome powders' moisture content, total ash value, and acid-insoluble ash value were 11.79 ± 0.20%, 7.32 ± 0.60%, and 0.24 ± 0.08%, respectively.

Pharmacognostical Study of Bark of Shimshapa (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb)

Purpose: Pharmacognostical evaluation of bark of Dalbergia sissoo is done for identification in field and differentiates from other species of Dalbergia. Methods: Drug is studied taxonomically and its macroscopic, microscopic features were studied including powder microscopy of bark with suitable instruments. Results: Macroscopic study reveals on drying bark is flat curved inward with presence of cracks color reddish brown outer surface rough warty while inner surface was tough, longitudinally striated whereas microscopic study reveals outline of transverse section (TS) exposed rhytidome covering the upper part of section. It was continue with cork cells followed wide zone of secondarycortex. Concentric rings of fibres were present throughout the secondary phloem. The detailed TS showed dark coloured rhytodome cells followed by multilayered cork cells. Secretory cells containing tannin was present in secondary cortex zone. Presence of calcium oxalate crystals present in rays cells and parenchyma cells of cortex. Starch grains were present throughout the parenchyma cells. Powder was dark red in colour, bitter .taste , fruity odor. Powder microscopy reveals fragments of cork cells, stone cells, septate fibres, Pitted medullary ray cells, Prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple starch grains and fragments of fibres found present. Conclusion: Finding of this study will falicitate pharmacognostic standardization of plant material and become an aid for identification as well as preparation of herbal monographs for the species and to enjoy the Ayuvedic classical claims.

Microscopic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii (Harms) Pellegr. (Mimosaceae)

Microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation gives detailed valuable information that is useful in determination of the identity, quality and purity of medicinal plants, crude drugs and herbal products. The research was carried out in order to determine the microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of stem bark extract of Aubrevillea kerstingii. The macroscopic, microscopic, chemo-microscopic and physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical screening parameters were determined according to standard methods.The microscopic features revealed the presence of thin walled, radially arranged cork cells, well developed cortex, bundles of sclerenchymatous cells and numerous prismatic calcium oxalate crystals The chemo-microscopy of the powdered stem bark revealed the presence of some cell wall materials and cell inclusions. Physicochemical parameters determined in this study showed moisture content to be 8.2 ± 0.07, total ash value 9.23 ± 0.56, acid insoluble ash 1.49 ± 0.12, water soluble ash 5.52 ± 0.10, alcohol extractive value 26.50 ± 0.61 and water extractive value 33.4 ± 0.36. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and carbohydrate. The parameters of stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii determined in this study will help in establishing the quality and purity of the plant.&#x0D; Keywords: Aubrevillea kerstingii, Fabaceae, Physicochemical, Phytochemical

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni-Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.

Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The plant and the therapeutical potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature.Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs ofplant and animal origin based on macroscopic and microscopic examination for the authentication and quality control. In present study, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of root, was performed. Powder macroscopy as well as microscopy of powderof the drug was conducted. Assessment of colour, texture, odour and taste of powder were done in powder macroscopy. The macroscopic features of root, such as size, shape, external characters, type of fracture, colour, odour and taste were analysed. In microscopicevaluation of root, the different types of cells, their arrangement and cell contents were observed. The presence of cell constituents like prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, starch grain, stone cells, cork cells and fibres etc in the powder was observedusing powder microscopy.

Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation of Huberantha senjiana (Annonaceae) leaf: An endemic tree of Gingee Hills Tamil Nadu India

Context: Huberantha senjiana (Annonaceae) is a small tree found in dry rocky soils. It is an endemic species native to the Gingee hills of the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The literature survey provides no scientific evidence on its pharmacognostical as well as pharmacological aspect. Aims: To evaluate the detailed pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical characters of H. senjiana leaves. Methods: The pharmacognostic evaluation, such as macroscopic and microscopic characters of fresh leaf and powder, was done. Physicochemical constants like moisture content, extractive values, ash values, foaming index, swelling index, and fluorescence analysis were carried out. The phytochemical screening test and elemental analysis of the powdered leaves were also studied. Results: Microscopy of the leaf revealed a single layer of square-shaped epidermal cells, the adaxial epidermal layer is apostomatic, and the abaxial epidermal layer is stomatiferous with paracytic stomata, an arch-shaped vascular bundle, clusters of prismatic crystals, spongy parenchyma cells, and palisade cells. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, fibers, epidermal trichomes, palisade mesophyll, xylem vessels, and a fragment of the epidermal cell with paracytic stomata were also identified in the microscopy of powdered samples. The phytochemical analysis of sequential extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins, and steroids. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals within the standard limit and trace elements in different concentrations. Conclusions: The pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical data have been reported for the first time, which provides referential information for the right identification and standardization of this unexplored species.

Pharmacognostic study of roots and aerial parts of less explored Heracleum candicans Wall. ex DC.from Betaab Valley, Pahalgam, Kashmir, India

Plant derived products have sparked considerable attention due to their versatile applications. The plants are among the richest bio-resource of drugs for traditional and modern medicines and leads for synthetic drug development and various pharmaceutical intermediates. Heracleum candicans Wall. ex DC. is reported as a medicinal herb of Apiaceae family. It is also known as White-leaf Hogweed and traditionally reported to be effective in various disease conditions like skin diseases, sunburn, and external tumours. The present work deals with the pharmacognostic evaluations of root and aerial parts of H. candicans. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis was carried out along with various physicochemical analysis, phytochemical screening as well as thin layer chromatography studies. Moreover, the presence of heavy toxic metals by ICP-OES method was also evaluated. The pharmacognostic studies of H. candicans showed the presence of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, anomocytic stomata, reticulate and spiral xylem vessels along with lignified fibres with two types of covering trichomes. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the occurrence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, phytosterols, diterpenes, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, fats and oils. The estimation of various physicochemical constants could be beneficial in determining various quality control standards for crude drug. The findings from this study would be beneficial for the identification of H. candicans.

English

Many claims from herbal medicines have been developed to manage COVID-19. Tests for identity and purity are important parameters in the quality assurance of herbal medicines. The aim of this study is to confirm the presence of Artemisia annua as a component of COVID-ORGANICS, an acclaimed herbal product for the management of COVID-19 in comparism with A. annua cultivated at NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria. Pharmacognostic and physicochemical investigations, thin layer and high-performance Liquid chromatography of Covid-Organics along with A. annua were carried out using standard procedures. Similar microscopic features viz T-shaped, glandular, unicellular and uniseriate trichomes, wavy epidermal cells with anomocytic stomata and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of A. annua were observed. Moisture, total ash and sulphated ash contents ranged from 8.5 &plusmn; 0.0 to 10.4 &plusmn; 0.2%w/w; 7.8 &plusmn; 0.5 to 12.1 &plusmn; 0.1%w/w and 9.7 &plusmn; 0.3 to 15.9 &plusmn; 0.4%w/w, respectively while water and alcohol soluble extractive values ranged from 20.6 &plusmn; 0.5 to 33.7 &plusmn; 0.7%w/w; and 23.4 &plusmn; 0.6 to 38.2 &plusmn; 0.6%w/w respectively. TLC and HPLC profiles showed artemisinin in evaluated samples. The findings confirm that Covid-Organics contain A. annua. The domestication of A. annua in Nigeria along with studies carried out has shown the capacity and technical know-how to develop a phytomedicine from A. annua for management of COVID-19 associated symptoms. This is possible with the provision of the enabling environment in order to provide medicines&rsquo; security. Relevant policies are therefore needed to prioritise the development of the sector. Key words: Covid-Organics, Artemisia annua, pharmacognostic studies, chromatographic fingerprint

Distribution and chemical composition of crystals in Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr Jussieu) Muell. Arg. wood.

In order to comprehend the intraspecific changes that occur in the rubber tree wood from Sao Paulo and Parana (Brazil), the distribution and the chemical composition of crystals were investigated by morphological and chemical analyses using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, respectively. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals were frequently found in vessels and in parenchyma cells for both sites. Some functions were suggested for crystal roles in rubber trees such as calcium storage, mechanical effort, and defense against rubber tapping.