Prismatic Calcium Oxalate Crystals Research Articles

Physico-Chemical Analysis of the Aerial Parts of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) SW. (Family: Athyriaceae)

Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (Family: Athyriaceae) is one of the very popular edible ferns, a common pteridophytes usually included in one of the major ingredients in the traditional 'Ulam' (salads) preparations in Malaysia. The plant is highly valued for its several medicinal attributes. The present paper reports the physicochemical studies of the aerial parts. Diagnostic characteristics of the aerial parts powder showed presence of lignified xylem fibres and non-lignified phloem fibres, fragments of epidermal cells containing anomocytic stomata, mesophyll, palisade cells, parenchyma and collenchyma tissues, covering trichomes and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts showed presence of steroids, triterpenoids, tannins and phenolic substances, flavonoids, carbohydrates, gum and mucilage. The findings of the study will provide substantial information for the proper identification of the plant drug to the future investigators.

Pharmacognostic studies and elemental analysis of the aerial parts of <i>Cassytha filiformis</i> Linn. (Family: Lauraceae)

Cassytha filiformis Linn. (family Lauraceae) a leafless and perennial vine with small scales as a replacement of the leaves is currently being used in the treatment of various disease conditions including jaundice. The aim of this work is to study the pharmacognostic characters of C. filiformis Macroscopic/organoleptic characters, microscopic, chemo-microscopic characters, numerical standards, and elemental analysis were determined from the whole plant of C. filiformis. Findings from this study revealed the presence of some diagnostic microscopical features such as paracytic stomata, unicellular covering trichomes with cystoliths, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and annular xylem vessels. Quantitative physical constants include moisture contents (5.5 %), ash value (17 %), acid insoluble ash value (1 %), total tannins (27.3 %), swelling index (165 %), water, alcohol and oil extractive indices (20.6 %, 13.6 % and 1.6 % respectively). Trace metals detected in C. filiformis such as Fe (165.4279 ppm), Mn (14.4093 ppm) and Ni (2.7933 ppm) which are essential were higher than FAO/WHO (1984) permissible limit for edible plants. While others: Pb (0.0568 ppm) Zn (0.1094 ppm), Cd (0.0103 ppm) and Cu (0.0535 ppm) were found to be within the safety limit.Keywords: Cassytha filiformis; Rumfar gada; Lauraceae; Pharmacognostic characters

POWDER MICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE FRUITS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS OF SOUTH INDIA–A COMPARATIVE STDY

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of present study includes the collection of <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> fruit samples from three geographical locations of south India. Whose powder microscopical characters were assessed by the comparative study by using standard pharmacognostic methods prescribed in standard reference books to ensure quality and identity of all three fruit samples.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Collected fruit samples were shade dried and pulverised to get the coarse powder. Fruit powder has taken on a micro slide and treated with various colouring reagents to give colour to various tissues by following standard pharmacognostic methods prescribed in reference books. The slide was mounted by adding glycerine and observed under the microscope.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The fruits consist of five triangular cocci which develop from the penta carpellary syncarpous ovary. Each coccus has two long sharp and two short spines. All fruits showed significant variation in the diameter, radial length of the coccus and length of the spines. The tomentum in fruit sample 3 is less when compared with fruit samples 1 and 2. The entire growth period in all geographical regions, the basic characters of cell inclusions like thick-walled parenchyma cells, epidermal, sclerenchymatous, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and type of cells like sclereids (fibre sclereids and brachy sclereids), trichomes (short, long and thick-walled trichomes) and their pattern of arrangement are almost same.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Three geographically different fruit samples showed variation in the quantity of cell inclusions and size of sclereids, trichomes and wall thickness of parenchymatous, epidermal and sclerenchymatous cells. All three fruit samples showed significant variation in morphological characters. Powder microscopic observation can be employed to detect the source of adulteration in powdered raw medicinal plant materials.</p>

Calcium oxalate crystal production and density at different phenological stages of soybean plants (Glycine max L.) from the southeast of the Pampean Plain, Argentina.

Glycine max L. (soybean) is one of the major crops of the world. Although the process of biomineralisation has been reported in some organs of soybean, we now report the description and quantification of calcium oxalate crystals in vegetative and reproductive organs of soybean during its life cycle, as they act as an important source of calcium to the soil, once the harvesting is finished. Through diaphanisation, cross-sectioning, optical and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the organs, morphology, size and location of the crystals were identified. In addition, crystal density (n°crystals·mm-2 ) and the input of crystals to soil (n°crystals·ha-1 ) were calculated. Soybean produced prismatic calcium oxalate crystals in vegetative and reproductive organs, generally associated with vascular bundles, resulting in a potencial transfer to the soil of 81.4x107 crystals·ha-1 throughout its life cycle. Pods were the organs with higher calcium oxalate crystal production (1112.7±384.6 crystals·mm-2 ), but with the smaller size (12.3±2.1μm long). However, cotyledons were the organs that produce the larger crystals (21.3±3.5μm long), but in lesser amounts (150.9±64.4crystals·mm-2 ). In leaves, although crystal size did not differ from vegetative to reproductive stage (14.5±4.2 and 14.5±4μm in length, respectively), the crystal density increased (293.2 and 409 crystals·mm-2 , respectively). These results will contribute to knowledge of the amount of calcium oxalate crystals involved in the process of Ca recycling through cultivated vegetation in fields from humid plains at medium latitudes, which therefore have biological, botanical, biogeochemical and pedological relevance.

Morphological & microscopic identification of Curcum albiflora Thw

Curcuma albiflora Thw.(Harankaha) is an endemic medicinal plant used in Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine. However, it has not been studied systematically in terms of its identity. Therefore, several other plants have been used as adulterants or substitutes. In order to establish its correct botanical identity, morphological and microscopic studies were carried out on various its plant parts of C. albiflora. Plants were collected from Ratnapura/Kegallearea in flowering season and procedures were performed according to WHO guidelines and other published data. Morphologically, heights of the plant up to 35 ± 5 cm and 5-7 leaves, both surfaces were glabrous. Inflorescence up to 10 x 8 ± 2 cm, but coma bracts were absent. Fertile bract tip rounded and curved (light green). Flower was white with centre yellow tinged on labellum. Rhizome has many primary fingers, and remote tubers were absent, not as C. zedoaria. Microscopically double layer palisade, subsidiaries dicyclic stomata, palisade ratio 1:5-7, and two sizes of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5 ± 2 µm, and 10 ± 2 μm) were found in leaf. Stomatal index was 13% in ventral side and 5% in dorsal side of the leaf. Three sizes of starch grains (small: 5-10 μm, medium: 15-25 μm, and large: 30 μm) in rhizome, and collateral vascular bundles were found. External morphologically, the bracts were angularly attached to the inflorescence and lower bracts are spreading which is a differentiation character from the other Curcuma species. Microscopically, absence of crystals in cortical region of rhizome, cup shaped starch grains and double layered palisade cells under the upper epidermis of the leaf were found to be significant features of the identify of C. albiflora.

Contribution of Light and Electron Microscopy to Identification of Bark from Frangula azorica, an Azorean Medicinal Plant.

Frangula azorica V. Grubow is a Macaronesian flora medicinal plant, endemic from Azores islands and inscribed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This species, known as "sanguinho," belongs to the family Rhamnaceae, the same as Frangula alnus Mill. and Frangula purshiana (DC.) J. G. Cooper, two widely used official laxative herbal medicines of the western Pharmacopoeias constituted by the dried barks of each species. Morphological and chemical studies on F. azorica dried bark are scarce although it is potentially recognized as a Portuguese laxative herbal medicine. Macroscopically, the bark occurs in quills or nearly flat pieces. A channeled external surface with transversely elongated lenticels is characteristic. When the outer phellem layer is removed, a bright purple inner phellem layer is disclosed. Light and electron microscopy observations revealed flattened phellem cells with slightly thickened walls, cortical parenchyma with secretory ducts and groups of sclereids, phloem with groups of fibers and sheaths of parenchymatous cells containing druses or more frequently prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and parenchymatous medullary rays one to three cells wide with spherical starch grains. Observation of these botanical characteristics must be included in quality monographs of F. azorica bark herbal medicine.

Adulteration in commercial buchu dietary supplements: Analyses of commercial and authentic buchu samples and comparative studies of Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata by microscopy and HPTLC

Buchu is a popular medicinal plant known for its beneficial properties such as diuretic, urinary tract antiseptic, stimulant and tonic. It has traditionally been used to treat urinary tract infections and stomach troubles. It is widely marketed in the USA in various forms as dietary supplements. Buchu used in commerce is mainly derived from Agathosma betulina known as round-leaf or short buchu. However, leaves of Agathosma crenulata, which may contain high levels of pulegone in the essential oil, and other closely related species are often marketed as or used to adulterate buchu thus making the product potentially unsafe for human consumption. In the present work, 43 samples of authentic and commercial buchu were assessed by microscopy and high performance thin layer chromatography methods. Adulterations or contaminations with senna, grass and various other extraneous materials were observed in some of the buchu products. HPTLC fingerprinting showed that the profiles of 11 samples were not comparable to those of authentic and botanically verified buchu samples. Detailed morphology and anatomy of the leaves of A. betulina and A. crenulata by light and scanning electron microscopy are illustrated and discussed. Minute prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate were observed for the first time in A. betulina.

Identity Characteristics of three Guatemalan Edible and Medicinal species

The diagnostic characteristics for the correct identification of Fernaldia pandurata, Cucurbita argyrosperma and Solanum nigrescens, popularly used as food and medicine, were established in the present study. The macroscopical and microscopical description, histochemical screening of secondary metabolites, organoleptical analysis of fresh and dry drug, acute toxicity, determination of total and acid ashes, and moisture percent for each species, were carried out. F. pandurata flowers, strongly aromatic and greenish-white in fresh plant material, become brown in the dry drug, which include some leaves and stem parts. Microscopically, large epidermal cells, evident cuticle, lacunar collenchyma, paracytic type stomata, and different varieties of hairs, appear. Non-glandular hairs show multicellular, verrucous, or acicular shape, and diversity of bases; glandular ones with unicellular blunt heads, and unicellular short stalks; sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and pollen of circular shape with size ranges from 60-80 microns and pore-like opening were also found. C. argyrosperma seed with green color, microscopically exhibits reticulated cover and undulations; the leaves and stem, like other Cucurbitaceae members, show angular collenchyma, anomocytic type stomata, bicolateral vascular bounds surrounded by sclerenchyma, abundant non-glandular multicellular large and short elevated hairs, multicellular glandular ones with unicellular foot. S. nigrescens flowers are pale purple or white and exhibit a dark zone near de base; microscopically, leaves and stem shows non-glandular hairs, multicellular, verrucous with four and six cells in the base, plains and unicellular with blunt end with diversity of bases, glandular ones with unicellular foot and multicellular blunt heads and calcium oxalate druses. None of the species showed significant toxicity.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of aerial parts of Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. (Syn: Justicia picta Linn.): A well-known folklore medicinal plant.

Objective:Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. (Family-Acanthaceae) occupies a key role in traditional system of medicine. Since an extensive literature survey did not provide any information about studies on its standardization. Therefore, we designed the current study to establish the quality control parameters of G. pictum aerial parts.Materials and Methods:The investigation included determination of various standardization parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic studies, physicochemical parameters as well as phytochemical analysis of the crude drug.Results:The microscopy study of aerial parts revealed that stem shows typical dicotyledonous characters with prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in the cortical region and dorsiventral leaf. Physicochemical constants such as moisture content, ash values, fluorescence analysis, and extractive values were established. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, etc.Conclusion:The present study suggests establishing the parameters for pharmacopoeial standardization of G. pictum.

Development of quality control parameters for the standardization of Limonia acidissima L. leaf and stem

ObjectiveTo evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of Limonia acidissima L. (L. acidissima) leaf and stem, an important traditional medicinal plant. MethodsThe present study provides pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical details of leaf and stem of L. acidissima. Micro and macroscopic characters were analyzed. WHO recommended parameters were followed in the entire study. ResultsThe macroscopic study showed that the leaf was alternate, imparipinnately compound leaf with entire margin, long petiole, apex obtuse and base decurrent, with surface appearance and txture glabrous. The inflorescence was lateral and terminal panicles. The microscopic study of leaf revealed the presence of actinocytic stomata, multicellular trichome, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. The powder microscopy also revealed prism like calcium oxalate crystals, multicellular trichome and actinocytic stomata. Physiochemical analysis of dried leaf powder showed total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash as 9.33%, 1.83% and 1.16% w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of maximum amount of flavonoids and tannins. The main microscopic characteristic of stem was 2-3 layers of phellem, phellogen 2-3 layered followed by 7-8 layered phelloderm. Among other microscopic components were presence of xylem parenchyma, xylem vessels, xylem fibres and tracheids. The powder microscopy also revealed presence of annular, spiral vessel, prism crystals and multicellular trichome. Physiochemical analysis of dried stem powder showed total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash as 3.16%, 0.66% and 0.66% w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of maximum amount of only flavonoids. ConclusionsVarious pharmacognostical characters observed in this study will help in botanical identification and standardization of leaf and stem of L. acidissima and will also help in quality control and formulation development.

Phytochemical and pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Pongamia pinnata L. (Fabaceae)

Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out phytochemical and pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Pongamia pinnata L. (Fabacea). Method: The present study provides pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical details of the leaves of P. pinnata. Macro and microscopic evaluation and WHO recommended parameters were followed in the study. Results: The macroscopic study showed that the leaf was ovate or elliptic with smooth margins, short petiole, alternate imparipinnate, hairless, acuminate at apex, rounded to cuneate at base and slightly thickened. Microscopic study revealed collateral, closed vascular bundles, trichomes, paracytic stomata, xylem vessels and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Physiochemical analysis of leaf showed total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash as 8.33±0.31, 2.33±0.36 and 0.5±0.0 %w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, steroids and saponins. Conclusions: The results of this study can serve as valuable source of information for identification of this plant for future investigation and applications.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Citrus jambhiri Lush. fruit.

Background:Citrus jambhiri Lush., commonly known as Jambīra Nimbū in Sanskrit is medium to large indigenous tree with spreading habit, less spiny than lemon and belonging to the family Rutaceae. In Ayurveda, it is used in many pharmaceutical procedures of purification (Śodhana), calcination (Māraṇa) etc., Though it is an important plant, till date, no pharmacognostical reports have been available on its fruit.Materials and Methods:Study of fruit and its powder, histochemical tests and preliminary physicochemical investigations were done.Results and Conclusion:Results showed prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, aerenchyma cells, oil globules, pitted vessels, scalariform vessels, juicy sac, etc., Preliminary physicochemical analysis revealed loss on drying (1.1%), ash value (1.4%), alcohol soluble extract (28.6%), and water soluble extract (53.3%). These observations can be of use in future studies.

Chemical and pharmacognostical characterization of two Malaysian plants both known as Ajisamat

Ajisamat, an herb commonly used as an aphrodisiac in the Malaysian traditional medicine, corresponds to two different species from different families - Salacia macrophylla Blume, Celastraceae, and Prismatomeris glabra (Korth.) Valeton, Rubiaceae. Macromorphological inspection of the vegetative parts both plants reveals only a slight difference in the arrangement of the petioles. Microscopic investigation of the plants roots used as crude drugs revealed however distinctive anatomical features. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and banded paratracheal parenchyma are characteristics of S. macrophylla while P. glabra displays an abundance as crystals. Other features such as vessels diameters and arrangements are also of diagnostic importance. Some of these characters were also identified in the powder of thes e plant materials and proposed for diagnostic purpose. The values for extraction of ethanol and water as well as total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash and sulfated ash were determined for both plants. Phytochemical studies were carried out on hexane and chloroform extracts of S. macrophylla and methanolic extract of P. glabra. S. macrophylla was shown to contain highly oxidized pentacyclic triterpenes while P. glabra contains anthraquinones. The pharmacognostical and phytochemical information can be utilised as the identification tools for Salacia macrophylla and Prismatomeris glabra

Characterisation and fractioning of Tectona grandis bark in view of its valorisation as a biorefinery raw-material

The anatomy and chemical composition of Tectona grandis bark from mature trees in East Timor are described as well as the characterisation of fractionation by grinding and granulometric separation.Teak bark is composed of secondary phloem, periderm and a narrow rhytidome that included various periderms with phloem tissues between them. The layer of phellem cells in each periderm was thin. The phloem showed an orderly stratification with tangential bands of fibres in concentric rings that alternated with thin bands of axial parenchyma and sieve tube elements. Abundant prismatic calcium oxalate crystals were present.The bark fractured easily into clean particles. The yield of fines was low and 64.4% of the particles were over 2mm.The mean chemical composition of teak bark was: ash 18.5%, total extractives 10.7%, lignin 20.0% and suberin 1.9%. The polysaccharides, corresponding to approximately 47%, showed a predominance of glucose (60.3% of total neutral monosaccharides) and an important content of xylose (20.0%). The content of rhamnose was also comparatively high (4.9%). The content of soluble phenolics was 1.6%. Ash elemental composition showed the predominance of calcium, representing about 93% of the total inorganics, followed by potassium (4.8%) and magnesium (1.9%).Extractives were present preferentially in the fines, with about 30% more extractives than the coarse fraction. Lignin content and monosaccharide composition were similar in the different bark fractions. A difference between fractions was found in relation to suberin content which was lower in the fines: 0.6% and 3.5% in the fine and medium fractions, respectively.

Morpho-anatomical analysis of Aspidosperma olivaceum and A. polyneuron, Apocynaceae

The family Apocynaceae includes many medicinal species, such as Aspidosperma olivaceum Müll. Arg. and A. polyneuron Müll. Arg. The first, popularly known as "peroba-branca", is a source of indole alkaloids that are recognized for their antitumor activity. The second, known as "peroba-rosa", is used by some people for treating malaria. To contribute to the knowledge about Brazilian medicinal plants and potential vegetal drugs, a morpho-anatomical analysis of the leaves and stems of these tree species was carried out. The botanical material was fixed, sectioned and stained using standard techniques. Histochemical tests were performed and the material was also analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Aspidosperma olivaceum and A. polyneuron are morphologically similar, both presenting alternate, simple, elliptic-lanceolate leaves. The leaves are hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata and have non-glandular trichomes. In the stem, there are peripheral phellogen, lignified fibers and some stone cells in the cortex and pith, as well as numerous gelatinous fibers near the phloem. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and laticifers are present in the leaves and stems. Unlike A. olivaceum, A. polyneuron also has cyclocytic stomata, predominantly unicellular non-glandular trichomes and a biconvex midrib with a sharper curve on the adaxial side. In addition, A. olivaceum differs because it has some idioblasts with phenolic content.

Morpho-anatomy of the leaf and stem of Eugenia pyriformis

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., known as uvaia, is a species of Myrtaceae native to Brazil. Its leaves are used in folk medicine to treat gout because they possess the property of inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of xanthine into uric acid. The objective of this work was to study the leaf and stem morpho-anatomy of E. pyriformis, in order to contribute to what is known about the Brazilian flora, and this medicinal plant and potential vegetal drug. Samples of mature leaves and young stems were fixed and sectioned by freehand, or embedded in glycol methacrylate and sectioned with a microtome, and then stained. In addition, microchemical tests and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The leaf is simple, symmetric, elliptic-lanceolate, with an acute apex and base, and an entire margin. The epidermis is uniseriate and coated with a moderately thick cuticle. The stomata are anomocytic and inserted at the same level as the adjacent cells. Unicellular non-glandular trichomes are abundant on the abaxial surface. The mesophyll is dorsiventral. In transverse section, the midrib is plano-convex and the petiole is circular, and both of these structures have a single bicollateral vascular bundle. In the stem, the vascular cylinder consists of external phloem, xylem and internal phloem, traversed by narrow rays. Phenolic compounds, druses and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are also present in the leaf and stem.

Anatomy and Pharmacognosy ofLeptadenia Reticulata, an important medicinal plant of India

Leptadenia reticulata, an important medicinal plant of India, was subjected to a detailed pharmacognostical analysis to locate distinguishing biomarkers. Multicellular uniseriate smooth trichomes, bi-collateral vascular bundles, anisocytic stomata and absence of any cell inclusions were the features seen in leaf. Stem possessed broad patches of sclereids in the pericycle and irregular patches of intraxylary phloem and internal phloem consisted of radial rows of angular cells with starch grains. Secondary xylem consisting of large vessels and tracheids and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in cortex are very distinct. Large sclereids, starch grains and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals in cortex, bast and parenchyma differentiate roots. X-shaped pits and multiseriate medullary rays were seen in stem whereas roots possessed simple pits and mostly uniseriate medullary rays. Other micromorphological characters were stomatal index 11.67±0.68, palisade ratio 6.0±0.39, vein islet number 9.5±0.97, and vein termination number 11–12.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of leaf of Bada Rasna [Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng.; Acanthaceae

Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng. (Acanthaceae), a well-known plant in traditional systems of medicine, known as “Bada Rasna” by the traditional practitioners of Odisha, is being used as Rasna for managing pain and inflammation. The detailed macroscopic and microscopic characters of the plant, except its root, are lacking. Hence, it was thought worth to study the leaves of the plant for its detailed morphological and microscopical characters, by following the standard pharmacognostical procedures. The study shows the presence of diacytic stomata in the lower epidermis of lamina, microsphenoidal and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in the mesophyll cells, simple and glandular trichomes. The observed major diagnostic characters of the leaf may find useful for its standardization.

Phytochemical investigation and pharmacognostic standardization of Cissampelos pareira root

Background:In ethno-medicinal practices, the roots of Cissampelos pareira(Patha) are used in the treatment of various ailments related to urinary problems and skin infections, and in tumorinhibitor activity, antibacterial, antimalarial, diuretic activity,anticonvulsant activity etc., The main problem encountered in standardization of Ayurvedic drugs is proper identification of the source plant.Materials and Methods:The macroscopic features of each anatomical component have been observed by a high-resolution camera. The moisture content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and water—alcohol and ether extractive values of the powdered sampleswere determined by the method as per WHO guidelines. The phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira root was performed by the standard chemical ltests and by TLC on silica gel G using solvent systems proposed by Harborne.Result:The microscopic characteristics showed the wavy epidermis with unicellular trichomes. Lignified xylem vessels, radial medullary rays, and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals had also been found. Phytochemical screening revealed that the Cissampelos pareira root extract contains terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, amino acid proteins, and carbohydrates. Alkaloids and essential oil were detected in TLC of the Cissampelos pareira root extract developed using blends of methanol:concentrated ammonia (200:3) and n-butanol:acetone:water (3:1:1) and benzene:ethyl acetate:formic acid(9:7:4) as solvent systems for alkaloid whereas chloroform(100%), benzene (100%), chloroform:benzene(1:1),and ether:benzene(1:1) as solvent systems for essential oil.Conclusion:These findings will be useful toward establishing pharmacognostic standards on identification, purity,quality, and classification of the plant, which is gaining relevance in plant drug research.

ANÁLISE MICROSCÓPICA FOLIAR DE MUTAMBA (Guazuma ulmifolia LAM., MALVACEAE)

Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. é uma planta arbórea, nativa das Américas e reposicionada atualmente na família Malvaceae. É conhecida comumente como mutamba ou chico-magro, e utilizada na medicinal popular como cicatrizante e no tratamento de distúrbios gastrointestinais e respiratórios. Estudos fitoquímicos indicaram a presença de taninos e flavonoides nos órgãos vegetativos aéreos. Ensaios farmacológicos comprovaram as atividades gastroprotetora e antibacteriana de extratos da planta. Ao analisar a anatomia foliar de G. ulmifolia, este trabalho buscou estabelecer os caracteres estruturais de fácil reconhecimento para a identificação microscópica dessa potencial droga vegetal. O material foi coletado de espécimes cultivados no Cerrado. Estudaram-se o terço inferior do limbo e o pecíolo de folhas adultas, por meio de observações feitas em microscopia fotônica e eletrônica de varredura. Testes microquímicos foram também conduzidos com reativos usuais. Em ambas as faces epidérmicas, ocorrem tricomas estelares e glandulares. Os primeiros são formados por tricomas tectores unicelulares, reunidos pela base. Os glandulares são capitados, apresentando um pedicelo curto e glândula ovoide. A cutícula é nitidamente estriada e os estômatos são anomocíticos e restritos à superfície abaxial. O mesofilo é dorsiventral e a nervura central tem secção biconvexa e é percorrida por um único feixe vascular em arco aberto, envolto sucessivamente por bainhas esclerenquimática e parenquimática, esta contendo compostos fenólicos. O pecíolo tem contorno circular e um ou mais feixes vasculares colaterais. Ocorrem células com conteúdo mucilaginoso e fenólico na folha, bem como cristais prismáticos de oxalato de cálcio.