Total Ash Value Research Articles

PHYSICOCHEMICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND EVALUATION ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF TAMOENJU (Hibiscus surattensis L.) LEAVES EXTRACT

Tamoenju (Hibiscus surattensis L.) is one of the ethnomedicinal plants used in treating hypertension. One of the potential antihypertensive mechanisms includes angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors, considered the firstchoice treatment for hypertension. This research presents a physicochemical, phytochemical, and ACE inhibitory activity test of tamoenju leaf extract (TLE). The leaf extract was evaluated to determine the physicochemical and phytochemical profiles using standard methods. The physicochemical evaluation indicated 20.66 ± 3.51% water content, 26.67±5.77% drying shrinkage, 2.0 ± 1.0% total ash value, 0.30 ± 0.13% acid insoluble ash value, 20.00 ± 4.00% water soluble extractive value, 57.00 ± 4.61% alcohol soluble extractive value, and 0.89±0.01 g/ml specific gravity extract. The total plate and yeast mold numbers were 15x103 CFU/g and 92 x 10 CFU/g, respectively. The results of metal contamination showed Pb 1.05 ± 0.15 mg/kg and Cd 0.14 mg/kg. The phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of tannins (69.02%), flavonoids (27.63%), alkaloids (14.18%), saponins (2.12%), and steroids (1.06%). ACE inhibitory activity was tested and obtained at 38.50±1.41 µg/mL for TLE and 9.44±0.58 µg/mL for captopril. Based on the research results, TLE qualifies as a standardized extract and can be used as a reference for developing herbal medicines. Tamoenju leaves extract is quite high as a natural ACE inhibitor and has the potential as an antihypertensive.

Predicting proximate composition of mutton by fourier transform-near infrared spectroscopy

A study was conducted to predict the proximate composition viz., moisture, crude protein, crude fat and total ash contents of mutton by Fourier transform-near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy.Atotal of 200 longissimus dorsi muscle samples of mutton were collected from the retail meat outlets in and around Chennai in of September, 2020. The correlation coefficient ((R2)between true (conventional) and prediction (FT-NIR) values for moisture, crude protein, crude fat and total ash in mutton were 0.98, 0.98, 0.89, and 0.84, respectively. The root mean square errors of cross-validation (RMSECV) were 0.106, 0.095, 0.188 and 0.034, respectively. Ratios of prediction to deviation (RPD) were 7.80, 8.08, 3.15 and 2.53, respectively. Nonsignificant (P>0.05) difference was observed between the true and predicted values for all the proximate composition. It was concluded that FT-NIR spectroscopy canbeusedas a promisingtoolforassessing theproximate composition of mutton.

Study of the effect of treatment with aqueous extracts by oregano and wild basil on raw poultry meat

The effect of treatment with aqueous antioxidant extracts of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare L.) in refrigerated storage of raw poultry meat was studied. Physicochemical analyzes of meat samples were performed - total protein, ash, fat, dry matter, cooking loss and pH value in dynamics. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the protein profile were determined. The microorganisms’ growth rate in meat during storage at 4°C for a period of 14 d was monitored. After the 7th d, the total number of mesophilic microorganisms in the meat samples increased to 7.00 log cfu/g, which is indicative of decay. A significant increase in pH value was observed after 14 d of storage, but there were no significant changes in total protein content and protein profile. In all meat samples, the amounts of MDA on days 7 and 14 were significantly below the thresholds indicated in the literature. Experimental groups treated with extracts showed lower values for MDA content compared to the control, which is an indication of certain inhibition of lipid oxidation processes in meat.

The Effect of Pineapple Addition at Different Rates to Sheep Yoghurt on Antioxidant Activity, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) Content, and ABT-2 Probiotic Culture Growth

In the present study, the effect of adding pineapple at different rates to sheep yoghurt produced using ABT-2 culture on antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound amount, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content was investigated. In addition, the effect of pineapple addition at different rates and storage periods on physicochemical analyses (total solids, fat, protein, ash, viscosity, pH, and titratable acidity values), growth of ABT-2 probiotic cultures (Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus, Bifidobacterium sp., Lactobacillus acidophilus), and sensory evaluation in the experimental sheep yoghurt samples were examined. It was determined that the addition of pineapple to sheep yoghurt samples produced with ABT-2 probiotic culture had a very significant effect (p

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF LEEA INDICA (BURM.F.) MERR.

Leea indica (Burm.F.) Merr is a shrub or small tree which belongs to the family Vitaceae. It is used in the treatment of various diseases by traditional practitioners all over the world, like skin diseases, body pain, diarrhoea, dysentery, and snake bite etc. traditional practitioners of Dakshina Kannada district use Leea indica to treat skin diseases, body pain, diarrhoea, dysentery, snake bites, etc. The current paper is focused on the macroscopic, microscopic physicochemical and phytochemical studies of Leea indica root. Results of the prior quoted studies showed that Leea indica root is greenish brown with no characteristic odour and physicochemical studies showed moisture content of 50.44%, total ash value of 16.16% and pH of 5.56. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, tannins, and ellagic acid in Soxhlet and cold extraction with different solvents.

Evaluation of the cookies formulated with finger millet plant material for antidiabetic property

Cookies are the most popular bakery food consumed worldwide. The development of reduced-sugar soft cookies by using Finger Millet, Syzygium cumini L. (Jamun) and stevia extract was investigated. In addition to it, Buttermilk powder was used as a bulking agent to improve the flavor, color and texture of the cookies along with other ingredients like flour, margarine, salt, sodium bicarbonate, and water. The creamery method of production was used for cookie preparation. Amounts of water, stevia, and buttermilk powder and baking duration for each formulation were determined by preliminary experiments. Different formulations use different ratios to find out the best composition for cookies on the basis of palatability. After the selection of the best composition, cookies were prepared for the physiochemical, sensory and nutritional analysis. Sensory analysis was evaluated based on organoleptic properties: color, taste, aroma and overall acceptability on the basis of a 9-point hedonic scale. The physiochemical evaluation included total ash value, total water, and alcoholic extraction, and total moisture content. On the basis of nutritional value comparison, it was found that protein content is higher in our formulation than in other marketed products. Due to the high antioxidant potential and phenolic content of the Finger Millet cookie, it can be used as a therapeutic or functional food source for the treatment of overweight, obesity, and diabetes.

Antihypertensive potential of Brassica rapa leaves: An in vitro and in silico approach.

Aim: Plants contain many essential constituents and their optimization can result in the discovery of new medicines. One such plant is Brassica rapa that is commonly used as a vegetable to fulfill daily food requirements worldwide. This study intends to screen the phytochemicals, antihypertensive potential, GC-MS, and in silico analysis of the leaves of Brassica rapa. Methods: Powdered leaves were subjected to proximate analysis followed by estimation of primary metabolites. Extracts were obtained by hot and cold extraction and investigated for secondary metabolites. All crude extracts were screened for their antihypertensive potential using an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition assay. GC-MS analysis was carried out to standardize the extract, and an antihypertensive metabolite was confirmed using an in silico approach. Results: Physicochemical evaluation resulted in moisture content (9.10% ± 0.1), total ash value (18.10% ± 0.6), and extractive values (water 9.46% ± 0.5 and alcohol soluble 4.99% ± 0.1), while phytochemical investigation revealed primary metabolites (total proteins 11.90 mg/g ± 0.9; total fats 3.48 mg/g ± 0.5; and total carbohydrates 57.45 mg/g ± 1.2). Methanol extract showed the highest number of secondary metabolites including polyphenols 93.63 mg/g ± 0.6; flavonoids 259.13 mg/g ± 0.6; and polysaccharides 56.63 mg/g ± 1.4, while water extract (70 mg/g ± 2) was rich in glycosaponins. Methanol extract showed the highest antihypertensive potential by inhibiting ACE (79.39%) amongst all extracts, compared to the standard drug captopril, which inhibited 85.81%. Standardization of methanol extract via GC-MS analysis revealed potent phytoconstituents, and a molecular docking study confirmed that oleic acid is the main antihypertensive metabolite. Conclusion: We conclude that leaves of Brassica rapa can successfully lower hypertension by inhibiting ACE, however; in vivo investigations are required to confirm this antihypertensive activity.

Comparative Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Account of the Peel and Pulp of the Fruit of C. pepo

The current investigation was performed to explore the phytochemicals and pharmacognostic activity in the pulp and peel part of the fruit of Cucurbita pepo. The most important stage in determining the identification of a crude medicine and assessing its quality and purity is pharmacognostic assessment. The parameters such as acid-insoluble, water-soluble, total ash value, extractive value, and moisture content were determined. Fluorescence characterization and phytochemical screening were also done to know the presence of various phytocompounds. The phytochemical investigation revealed therapeutic components in the peel and pulp extracts of C. pepo. The ash value of peel and pulp was 6.9 ± 0.17 and 5.8 ± 0.07, the insoluble acid value was 2.9 ± 0.10 and 1.7 ± 0.05, and the water-insoluble value was 3.6 ± 0.41 and 2.4 ± 0.10 respectively. The moisture content of peel and pulp was determined to be 0.249±0.022gm and 0.256±0.025 gm, respectively, while the extractive values were observed as 23.71±1.25 in methanolic extract of peel whereas 55.44±2.019 in aqueous extract of pulp.

Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Study of Synthesized Lauha Bhasma

Bhasmas are prepared from metallic and herbal ingredients and are also referred to as herbo-metallic preparations. Lauha bhasma (LB) is one of the iron-based herbo-metallic preparations used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating various ailments due to iron deficiency. The preparation of LB involves normal purification (samanya sodhana), special purification(vishesha sodhana) followed by drying under sunlight (bhanupaka), heating in a frying pan (sthalipaka), and calcination (putapaka) with Triphala kwatha as a medium under the temperature of 650 oC in an electric muffle furnace (EMF) and maintained for 1 hour. LB is subjected to different physicochemical analysis and modern analytical methods using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Prepared LB is also undertaken to antibacterial study and is compared with market samples. The results suggest that organoleptic characters, preliminary test, and the physicochemical result of LB suggest that these steps were necessary to obtain a good quality of bhasma and also make it acceptable during the Bhasmikarna process. From physicochemical analysis data, it was observed the negligible moisture content (0.42 %; loss on drying), total ash value (17.3 %), acid insoluble ash value (7.6 %). It was observed that LB was prepared in 21 puta where the average crystalline size was found to be 57.23 nm from XRD spectra. SEM analysis shows the fine coarse structure with a uniform particle size of LB. EDX graph shows the presence of Fe (75.43 %) as a major element.FTIR spectra suggest the presence of different organic moieties which enhance the therapeutic action due to which bhasma shows significant antibacterial properties.

Anti Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Ziziphus Jujuba Extract

The antioxidant activity of the leaves and fruits of Ziziphus jujuba and contribution in some phytochemical characteristics was obtained. Phytochemical analysis was found that Ziziphus jujuba leaves and Fruits were loss on drying 0.85%, 0.65%, total ash values were 5.3%, 7.6% , Acid insoluble ash value were 2.9%, 4.4%, Water soluble ash value were 0.7%, 1.1% and Foaming index were 13ml, 12ml. Phytochemical screening was found that carbohydrate present in JFE and JFA, alkaloids were present in JLE, JLA and JFE, glycosides were present in JFA, flavonoids were present in all type of extracts, steroids were present in only JLE and protein and amino acids were present in JFE and JFA. JFE possessed higher antioxidant activity with IC50 value of < 300 µg/ml among all extracts for both methods and higher inhibition found in DPPH method 96.32% and in ABTS method it is 98.68 %. Aqueous extract of Ziziphus Jujuba fruit (JFA) was exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activity against COX-1 & Cox-2 with IC50 value less than <0.2mg/ml. Ethanolic extract of leaf (JLE) & Ethanolic extract of fruit (JFE) possessed moderate activity (< 0.3) against both COX-1 & Cox-2. Aqueous extract of leaf (JLA) exhibited poor activity against both COX-1 & Cox-2. Overall conclusion of anti-inflammatory study of different extracts of Ziziphus Jujuba leaves and fruit were possessed anti inflammatory activity and inhibition was increased with concentration of samples increased. 

Morphological characters, pharmacognostical parameters, and preliminary phytochemical screening of Curcuma sahuynhensis Škorni?k. & 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. & 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.

AN OVERVIEW OF BUFFALO MILK QUALITY FROM BEED DISTRICT

This study was carried out to determine the chemical and microbiological quality of buffalo milk. A total of 120 buffalo raw milk samples were collected monthly from beed district, throughout the year for this study. In the chemical analysis of buffalo milk samples the mean total solid value, non-solid fat, lipid, protein, lactose, ash and pH values were detected as 16.38%, 8.56%, 7.04%, 4.36%, 4.19%, 0.72% and 6.55, respectively. Total bacteria count (TCA), coliform, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast-mold (log10 cfu/ml) levels in the milk samples were detected as 6.36, 2.95, 5.74, 1.10, 2.46 and 2.63, respectively.

Standardization of the Leaves of Ajuga remota Benth

Herbal medicines are extensively utilized across the world. In Ethiopia, people use Ajuga remota Benth to treat high blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, malaria, fever, ascariasis, stomach pain, diarrhoea, evil eye, and retained placenta. However, work has not been done on standardizing the herb. Thus, the aim of this study was to standardize the leaves of A. remota. Fresh leaves, powdered leaves, 80% methanol, chloroform, and methanol extracts of leaves of A. remota were evaluated using macroscopic and microscopic characterization, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis and residual analysis. Macroscopically, fresh leaves of A. remota were 17 - 62 mm (length) × 7.5 - 23 mm (width); 1 - 2 mm thick and dark sea green coloured, soft, fibrous, had a very bitter taste and a fruity odour. Microscopic characterization showed turgid guard cells, anisocytic stomata, epidermal cells (stratum spinosum), parenchymatous (aerenchyma) cells, pointed trichomes, spiral tracheids, and xylem fibre in powdered leaves of A. remota. The powder of the plant gave characteristic colours in fluorescence analysis under visible and 366 nm UV light. The powder was also studied for swelling index (2.392), foaming index (100), bitterness value (8400), extractive value (aqueous: 34.33% and methanol: 21.16%), moisture content (6.43%), total ash value (27.10%), water-soluble ash (11.43%), acid-insoluble ash (7.38%), tannin content (0.016%), and powder fineness (moderately fine). TLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and FT-IR fingerprinting were produced. Ajugarin I, dodecyl acrylate, and hexacosane were identified as analytical marker compounds. In the residual analysis of the leaves of A. remota, soil took the highest percent (0.83%) among foreign matters. Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and aerobic bacterial count, mould, yeast, coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella species were quantified. 228Ac (7 ± 1.8 Bq kg-1) and 40K (530 ± 34 Bq kg-1) radionuclides with a low dose were detected. The findings provide the standards for identification and authentication of the plant.

Physicochemical evaluation of Solanum nigrum linn. and Tribulus terrestris linn.

Herbal drugs are an integral part Indian medicinal system. Among them two plants are extensively used in folklore medicine system viz. Tribulus terrestris and Solanum nigrum because of numerous pharmacological activities. Various species of these plants are available, out of which some species are more potent whereas others have very less pharmacological potential. Therefore, identification of appropriate plant species is very important in the process of drug discovery and development. In the present study various physicochemical parameters were employed to identify powdered samples of fruit of Tribulus terrestris and berries of Solanum nigrum. These parameters include colour, odour, and taste. The physicochemical parameters evaluated for Tribulus terrestris and Solanum nigrum were found as moisture content (4.81, 6.89 respectively), loss on drying (5.16, 11.18 respectively) total ash values (7.44, 9.21 respectively) water soluble ash (4.081, 6.89 respectively), acid insoluble ash (0.81, 0.58) bulk density (0.50, 0.71) and tapped density (0.42, 0.65). The preliminary estimation of phytoconstituents were done by using TLC with different solvent systems and the Rf values were compared with standard. The ????max obtained for Tribulus terrestris and Solanum nigrum was found to be 201nm and 267 nm respectively.

Analytical standardization of Shleshmantaka Agad

Background: To counter-act the action of visa,(poison) ancient Acharyas have mentioned the different types of Agada. Though Acharyas have mentioned various types of potent Agadas in various poisoning conditions, still these Agadas have neither undergone analytical study nor animal experiment. Shleshmantaka Agad is one of the drug remedy mentioned in Shushrut Samhita, kalpa sthan used for treatment of snake bite poisoning. Aim: In present work an attempt has been made to standardize Shleshmantaka Agad. Material & Methods: Physicochemical parameter was tested by Loss on drying, Acid insoluble Ash, Total ash value, Water & Alcohol soluble Extractive Value, HPTLC was used for phytochemical analysis. Result: In analytical study of Shleshmantaka Agad obtained value of Loss on drying, Total ash value, Acid insoluble Ash ,Water & Alcohol soluble Extractive Value are 12%, 10%, 2%, 13%, 1% respectively and in HPLC major constitute phytoamines was detected. Conclusion: Analytical findings of present study can be considered as reference standard for SA. As Shleshmantaka Agada is a combination of many phyto-constitutes but major constituent are phytoamines which may be possesses anti-snake venom property.

Establishing the Antidiabetic Potential of Marketed Product Diabex Capsules and Standardization of its Physicochemical Parameters

The present investigation was undertaken with an objective to standardize and validate a self proclaimed proprietary medicine promoted online by the name of Diabex capsule (DC), available for management of diabetes. The procured capsules of DC were evaluated for texture, color, taste and odor. Total ash value of is an indication of the amount of minerals and earthy materials present in the formulations. DC exhibited 9.3 % total ash with 3.16 % acid insoluble ash and 5.08 % water soluble ash. The water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were 1.48 % and 1.42 % respectively suggesting the formulation to be suitable for human use. The powder of DC was subjected to various chemical tests for preliminary screening of the class of phytoconstituents present in them. The spot for quercetin appeared at Rf value of 0.83 on the TLC plate. The peak at 5.048 min was found due to the presence of quercetin in DC. The quantitation of the quercetin was done from the calibration curve of peak area obtained from standard quercetin and it was found that DC contained 1.89 mg quercetin per 250 mg of DC (0.756 %). A glucose tolerance test determines the blood glucose level in fasting condition then after 2 hours of drinking a solution of glucose in specific quantity. Alloxan is considered to be the most common chemical substance to induce diabetes in experimental animals. DC was able to decrease blood sugar by 35.03% while the standard drug glibenclamide could reduce it by 42.54%. This makes it evident that the polyherbal formulation DC was almost equipotent to the standard drug. Key words: Antidiabetic, Diabex, Standardization, Physicochemical, Capsule, WHO

Comparative Analytical Profile of Benincasa hispida thumb. and Cucurbita maxima duchesne

Background: Cucurbitaceae is a family of health-promoting plants due to their compounds with beneficial effects. This is a family of about 130 genera and about 800 species. Seeds or fruit parts of some cucurbits are reported to possess many therapeutic activities. Benincasa hispida Thumb. familiarly known as Kushmanda and Cucurbita maxima Duchesne as Kashiphala are two varieties of Cucurbitaceae family. Thus, comparative analysis of both these varieties is done to evaluate the analytical profile. Aim: To evaluate the analytical profile of B. hispida and C. maxima. Materials and Methods: Fresh juice, semi-solid, dried powder of both the samples were prepared in the laboratory, and comparative analytical profiles were developed by following standard guidelines of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Results and Conclusion: The organoleptic parameters include changes in color, taste, and odor of both samples. In physico-chemical parameters, slight changes in loss on drying, Ph, and Total solid content was mentioned. Total ash value and extractive values have found within the limit as mentioned in API. Phyto-chemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, flavonoids, and steroids in both varieties. Powder microscopy of both samples showed parenchymatous cells, xylem fibers, xylem tracheid's, epidermal cells, and starch grains which were found sparse in B. hispida and dense in C. maxima. High-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed similarity of 3,4,3 bands at 254 nm and 4,3,4 bands at 366 nm ultraviolet detection in methanolic extract, aqueous, hydro-alcoholic extract, respectively, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study of B. hispida and C. maxima showed the presence of amines, methylene group and alcohols, phenols, and methylene group, respectively.

Preliminary Phycochemical and Physicochemical Evaluation of Red Seaweed Coelarthrum Muelleri

This study aimed to screen different solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) of Coelarthrum muelleri for secondary metabolites and subject them to physicochemical analysis, including ash, swelling index, pH, and color tests with different reagents. Seaweeds have been recognized in the pharmaceutical industry for their broad spectrum of structural diversity and wide range of pharmacological activities for health and disease management. Coelarthrum muelleri from red algae was taken as a sample for this study. It was collected from the coastal range of Buleji and Kakapir beaches in Karachi, Pakistan. Three extracts of Coelarthrum muelleri (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane), depending on their polarity, were subjected to phycochemicals of ten chemical compounds (glycosides, quinones, phenols, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins) and physicochemical test for ash value, pH value, and swelling index. The dried powder of Coelarthrum muelleri was tested for color identification with eight other reagents. The preliminary phycochemical screening of Coelarthrum muelleri showed the presence of terpenoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, phenols, coumarins, glycosides, and quinones and the absence of alkaloids. Among three extracts, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts show all compounds present except alkaloids. Next, n-hexane showed all compounds positive except for alkaloids, saponins, and quinones, which were absent. The physicochemical indicators are 38 ml of the swelling index, 2.3 pH of 1% Coelarthrum muelleri, and 3.16 pH of 10%. The total ash value is 24.86 + 0.15%, 8.4 + 0.1% for acid insoluble ash, and 7.1 + 0.1% for water-soluble ash. This study on the present seaweed will be helpful in the identification of secondary metabolites as well as be valuable for authenticating the purity and quality.

Standardization of Aneilema lanceolatum as a potential medicinal plant

Aneilema lanceolatum is a weed plant commonly found in farm lands and bushes around tropical African countries. The plant is utilized as livestock feeds and in traditional medicine in northern Nigeria for the treatment and management of pains, infectious diseases and as sexual stimulant. The present study was aimed at establishing microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical constituents of the plant. The aerial parts of the plant was collected in May, 2021 from Kubanni, Sabon-gari local government area of Kaduna state and were identified and authenticated at the Herbarium unit of the Department of Botany, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria and a voucher number ABU0533 was assigned. The physicochemical parameters, microscopic evaluation and qualitative and quantitative screening of the plant were carried out using standard procedures. The stomatal index of the upper epidermis (18.60±1.91) is lower than the lower epidermis (22.10±2.03) with palisade ratio of 10.07±0.90. The microscopic of the stem and leaf revealed presence of epidermis, xylem and phloem. Moisture content of the powdered plants was 1.23±0.05% with water and alcohol extractives values of 20.40±0.03% and 12.40±0.05% respectively. The total ash, water-soluble and acid-insoluble ash values are 5.52±0.02, 2.05±0.02% and 2.62±0.01% respectively. The microscopic characters revealed presence of wavy and polygonal shapes of epidermal cells with anomocytic type of stomata and unicellular non-glandular trichomes. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies revealed presence of saponins (10.61%), alkaloids (0.98%), terpenoids (0.10%) and flavonoids (4.08%). The pharmacognostic parameters of the aerial parts of A. lanceolatum were established.

Pharmacognostic and Taxonomic Studies of the Leaf of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Compositae)

Ageratum houstonianum occurs as a common agricultural weed, it is managed in small and large cropping situation by tillage and can contribute to soil fertility as a waste mulch. The aim of this study was to employ the pharmacognostic and taxonomic parameters to evaluate the leaves of Ageratum houstonianum. The leaves were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized and subjected to microscopy, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence, soluble-extractive values, moisture content and ash values using standard procedures. The result obtained from the microscopy showed an irregular epidermal cell shape and a sinuous anticlinal wall pattern, anomocytic type of stomata, double armed trichome and amphistomatic stomatal distribution on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The stomatal index for the abaxial surface was 11.6% and for the adaxial surface was 25.6%.The micromeritic evaluation of the powdered leaf revealed a Carr’s index of 25.23%, Hausner’s ratio of 1.33 and an angle of repose of 38.8o indicating a poor flow. The result for chemomicroscopy showed the presence of oils, protein, lignin, mucilage and calcium oxalate crystals. For moisture content, the result was 12.7%w/w, the Total ash value was 14%w/w, Acid-insoluble ash value was 0.7%w/w,water-soluble ash value was 7.7%w/w, methanol-soluble extractive value was 17%w/w, ethanol-soluble extractive value was 16%w/wand the water-soluble extractive value was 21%w/w. The data obtained from the pharmacognostic and taxonomic studies provided information for the identity, quality and purity of Ageratum houstonianum.