Water Insoluble Ash Research Articles

Formation and Preparation of Herbal Hair Tonic

Today, people are keenly interested in hair preparations and conditioner materials that includes shampoos, hair tonic, and conditioner formulation with herbal extracts. Hair tonic is the product which is used in styling hair. The objective of the present study involved the preparation of herbal hair tonic through the use of jojoba, tulsi, and coconut oil and its evaluation for antifungal and antibacterial activity. The final preparation of these ingredients is formulated in batches with change in concentration. Each formulation is tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The formulation of different concentrations was characterized for proximate analysis including moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash. It means for antifungal and antibacterial activity the formulation gives good results, the formulation having good consistency, good spread ability, homogeneity, appearance, and pH.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical assay of Berberis Aristata DC roots

The study was performed to identify the imperative pharmacognostic details of berberis aristata DC roots. The root of the plant was standardized by morphologically and microscopically. Further other parameters chemomicroscopical, physical, hytochemical screening and florescence analysis were performed to determine the diagnostic features of berberis aristata DC (B. aristata). Macro and microscopic studies were also reported in the present study. Physicochemical parameters including extractive values, ash values, moisture content have been calculated, which showed 0.79 total ash, 0.05 acid insoluble ash, 20 water soluble ash and 0.90 water insoluble ash. The extractive values of berberis aristata DC were found to be 3.6, 1.2, 0.6 and 2.3 in ethanol, Pet. ether, acetone, and in water respectively. Phytochemical analysis closely revealed the presence of alkaloids in this plant. These outcomes will further help to standardize, identification and in execution research on this plant.

Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Lotus Oil

Herbal formulations always have attracted considerable attention because of their good activity and comparatively lesser or nil side effects with synthetic drugs. The objective of present study involves preparation of herbal hair oil using amla, hibiscus, bhringraj, methi and its evaluation for increase in hair growth activity. Each drug was tested for their hair growth activity in a concentration range for 1-10% separately. Based on these results mixture of crude drugs fruits of Embelica officinalis, flowers of Hibiscus rosa sinensis, leaves of Bacopa monnieri and seeds of Trigonella techniques (direct boiling, paste and cloth method) and were tested for hair growth activity. The oil of different concentrations were characterized for proximate analysis including moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash. The formulations were also subjected to chromatographic determination and chemical tests to determine the presence of active constituents in the drugs. But looking towards the formulation viscosity the maximum concentration of combined drug was found to be 30% at their maximum level. The formulation containing 7.5% of each drug used for the study and showed excellent hair growth activity with standard (2% minoxidil ethanolic solution) by an enlargement of follicular size and prolongation of the anagen phase. It holds the promise of potent herbal alternative for minoxidil. Excellent results of hair growth were seen in formulation prepared by boiling method of oils preparation technique.

Antimicrobial Activity of Stem Bark of Codiauem variegatum Using Two Gram-positive and Two Gram-negative Bacteria

The current research examined at the histological investigation, physiological evaluation, and phytochemical screening of Codiauem variegatum stem bark extracts. Codiauem variegatum extracts were prepared in ethanol, aqueous, chloroform, and pet ether. Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides such as saponins and flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and steroids are found in phytochemical screening. The physiological analysis reveals 7.5% W/W ash value, 0.49%W/W acid insoluble ash, and 5.5 W/W water insoluble ash, 7.4% W/W loss of drying, extractive value of 0.7 % W/W pet ether extract, 0.8% W/W chloroform extract, 3.8% W/W ethanol extract, 2.8% W/W and water. The antimicrobial properties of Codiauem variegatum stem bark against two gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms were investigated in this study. Codiauem variegatum stem bark extracts were produced in ethanol, aqueous, chloroform, and pet ether. The antimicrobial activity of several extracts was evaluated and observed against bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus were tested using the well plate method for the size of the zone of inhibition and the minimal inhibition method, and the maximum and minimum concentrations were evaluated.

A Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Abhavitha and Bhavitha Choorna of the whole plant of Centella asiatica Linn. Urban

The drug Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn. Urban) has been extensively used as medicine and also used for in homely preparations. In Ayurveda, Bhavana is a principal samskara (pharmaceutical procedure) being used to potentiate the drug and induce additional therapeutic properties in it. This process was carried out in the powdered whole plant (abhavitha choorna) of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.Urban), by soaking it overnight into its own swarasa (fresh juice). The preliminary phytochemical evaluation of abhavitha choorna and bhavitha choorna (processed powder) of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.Urban) was done and the water insoluble ash, tannin, extractive values and successive solvent extractive values were found more in bhavitha choorna when compared to abhavitha choorna of the drug, which revealed that the bhavana process can increase the potency and efficacy of the drug. The aim of present study is to compare the findings of phytochemical analysis of the both abhavitha and bhavitha choorna of the drug.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Different Plant Sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda Species)

Introduction: Vaasa, a valuable medicinal plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, has experienced growing demand, resulting in the availability of both wild and cultivated sources. Experts have identified morphotypes of Adhatoda species in Kerala, indicating variations in active constituents and clinical efficacy. This study specifically focused on assessing physicochemical parameters and phytochemical constituents of different sources of Vaasa. Materials and Methods: The parameters such as foreign matter, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water insoluble ash, moisture content, volatile oil content, fiber content, tannin content, sugar content, phenol content, pH, qualitative analysis of ash, extractive values, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols, carbohydrates, and proteins were estimated in different sources of Vaasa (Adhatoda species): A1 (Valiya adalodakam), A2 (Cheriya adalodakam), A3 (Adhatoda species - Vasika), A4 (Adhatoda species - Ajagandhi), and A5 (Adhatoda beddomei C B Clarke). Results and Discussion: The results revealed comparable physicochemical parameters between sample A1 and Adhatoda vasica Nees, as well as between sample A5 and Adhatoda beddomei C B Clarke, as documented in authentic texts and research articles. In qualitative analysis, no differences were found between samples A2, A3, A4, and A5 compared to sample A1. The study revealed quantitative differences in physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation among the powdered leaf samples. Conclusion: Qualitative analysis did not reveal significant differences among samples A2, A3, A4, and A5 compared to sample A1. However, quantitative variations were observed in both physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the powdered leaf sample. The findings in this study contribute to a better understanding and identification of various Vaasa sources in Ayurvedic medicine, essential for quality control and further research.

Pharmacological, phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro anticancer potential of traditional medicinal plant Morinda umbellata L. leaf extracts on human breast carcinoma MCF – 7 cell line

Morinda umbellata L. (Indian mulberry) is a rare traditional medicinal plant that has been used to treat various diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, muscle pain and high blood pressure. The main objective of the present scientific investigation is to screen the pharmacognostic characters, phytochemical constituents and to evaluate its anticancer property by using different extracts. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids and saponins. Fluorescence behaviour was analysed. Physicochemical parameters such as ash value (9.00%), extractive value, moisture content (6.50%), acid insoluble ash (1.50%), water insoluble ash (4.20%), alcohol soluble (10.00%), water soluble (11.40%) extractive values were obtained. The phytochemical evaluation of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, polyphenols, glycosides, coumarins and anthocyanins. Quantitative analysis of leaf extracts has shown the significant amounts of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids (153.20mg/gm), saponins (128.10mg/gm), terpenoids (43.70 mg/gm), phenol (186.67 mg/gm) and alkaloids (0.181±0.2mg/gm). The anticancer potential of ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts was found as potent cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 35.8μg/ml, 46.9μg/ml and 54.8μg/ml. The present study justifies the use of M. umbellata L. for cancer treatment.

Analisis Parameter Spesifik dan Nonspesifik Simplisia Daun Bawang Merah (Allium cepa L.)

Shallots are natural ingredients that are used as food enhancers for food and traditional medicines. This study aimed to analyze the specific and non-specific parameters of shallot (Allium cepa L.) Simplicia. Analysis of simplicia specific parameters in the form of material identity, organoleptic, macroscopic, and microscopic examination, levels of water-soluble extracts and ethanol soluble extracts while non-specifically in the form of a percentage of drying loss, water content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water-insoluble ash. The results of the research on specific parameters gave a yellowish-green simplicia color, a distinctive odor, in the form of powder, macroscopic examination of leeks elongated cylindrical, small round and hollow like a pipe, blunt leaf base, pointed leaf tip, green color, microscopic examination contained cover cells, gaps and epidermal cells, the levels for water-soluble extracts were 8.81±2.12%, the levels of ethanol-soluble compounds were 5.64±2.91%. The results of the study of non-specific parameters, the percentage of drying shrinkage was 0.89±0.57%, water content was 0.89±0.34%, total ash was 12.97±0.34%, acid-insoluble ash was 6.44±2.12%, and the water-insoluble ash content was 8.03±0.84%.

Maranta Arundinacea Linn. (Tugaksheeri) – Phytochemical Evaluation

Tugaksheeri is an important drug that has been widely used in the preparation of various ayurvedic formulations. The plant is botanically identified as Maranta arundinaceaLinn. of marantaceae family and has a nutrient dense starchy rhizome which has very low glycemic index, easy to digest and ideal for meeting the nutritional demands of sick. As per Samhithasand nighantusit is used in the treatment of kshaya(tuberculosis), swasa(dyspnoea), kasa(cough), daha(burning sensation), raktha dosha(disorders of blood), kamala(jaundice), pandu (anaemia)and mutrakruchra(dysuria). In folklore practices it is widely used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. In order to validate these traditional claims scientifically and also to determine the quality and purity preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the drug was carried out. It revealed the presence of variable phytoconstituents suchas alkaloids, phenol, flavonoids, steroid, carbohydrate etc which are responsible for the therapeutic potential of the drug. Values of total ash, acid insoluble ash, moisture content, alcohol and water-soluble extractives were comparable with the available references. Apart from the findings of previous research works, in the present study water insoluble ash value, quantitative estimation of fibre, tannin, total sugar, reducing sugar, qualitative analysis of ash for acid and basic radicals, successive solvent extraction in various solvents like petroleum ether, cyclohexane, acetone and alcohol, qualitative analysis of successive solvent extractives were carried out for the first time. All these findings will help to ensure the quality and purity of the drug.

Analysis of Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) Leaf Tea Formula as a Functional Drink in Preventing Coronavirus Diseases and Degenerative Diseases

AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop a tea formula of sambiloto leaves, analyzed the chemical properties (polyphenols, tannins, water, extracts in water, total ash, water soluble ash, water-insoluble ash, insoluble acid ash, and water-soluble ash alkalinity) as well as the antioxidant capacity of the formula. METHODS: This research was divided into two stages. The first stage was the formulation of sambiloto leaves tea and the second stage was the analysis of chemical properties (levels of polyphenols, tannins, water, extracts water, total ash, water soluble ash, water-insoluble ash, insoluble acid ash, and water soluble ash alkalinity) and antioxidant capacity analysis. The analysis was carried out on all of the sambiloto leaves tea formulas to determine the effect of the formulations on chemical properties and antioxidant capacity. This study used Microsoft Excel 2013 in data processing management. RESULTS: The highest extract water was at F4, and the lowest was at F1. Based on the analysis, the formula of sambiloto leaves tea was in the range of 1.026–1.734%. Of all the formulas that have been prepared, sambiloto leaves tea formula F1 was obtained the best chemical and antioxidant properties among all formulas, which were composed of 100% sambiloto leaves, 5% honey, and 45% dates. CONCLUSION: Sambiloto leaves have good antioxidant activity and can be used as a drink in the form of an infusion, such as tea. The result of brewing the sambiloto tea formula has faded green color. The polyphenol content of the sambiloto leaves tea formula still did not meet the Indonesia National Standard (≥5.2%), was 1.5–3.1%.

Pharmacognostic evaluation, estimation of phenolic, ϐlavonoid composition and antioxidant activity of Aspidopterys indica (Willd.)W.Theob: An endemic plant to peninsular India

Aspidopterys indica (Willd.)W.Theob is endemic plant to Peninsular India belonging to family Malpighiaceae commonly known as Chuttakulaa-tigga. The study aims to explore Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical evaluation, Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activities.The Pharmacognostic study comprises of Ultrasonic extraction, microscopy of Leaf and stem, fluorescence investigation, ash values, extractive values, Loss on drying, foaming index, crude fiber content, total phenolic and flavonoid content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and Nitric oxide scavenging activities were assessed.The leaf shows presence of paracytic stomata, T shaped trichomes, Stem shows presence of vessels and pith. The physicochemical characters assessed as Total Ash value 10%, Water insoluble ash 0.5%, acid insoluble ash 8.5%, sulphated ash 4.2%, alcoholic extractive value 16.8%, water soluble extractive value 17.6%, chloroform extractive value 0.8%, Loss on drying 3.36%, Foaming index is <100, crude fiber content is 2.4%, phytoconstituents like tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols and alkaloids, carbohydrates are available in methanol, aqueous, chloroform extracts. Total phenolic content turned greatest in methanolic extract (90.69±2.86 mg GAE/g), Aqueous extract showed maximum total flavonoid content (109.89±0.33mg of QE/g). Methanolic extract indicated most intense 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging action IC50(134.97±8.37) whereas aqueous extract is potent to exclude nitrile radical IC50108.00±4.18). Total phenolic content - DPPH scavenging assay are positively correlated. The microscopical, physicochemical parameters are valuable to authenticate the identification and purity of the drug. A.indica is a perspective source of antioxidants.

PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY AND HPTLC ANALYSIS OF COSTUS PICTUS D.DON.

The ancient wisdom in Ayurveda medicine is still not exhaustively explored. Multiple exotic plants existent in India which are not described in classical literature of Ayurveda are commonly referred to as Anukta Dravya (undocumented). Costus pictus D.Don is such a plant, recently introduced in India from Mexico, which is used for renal disorders there. In India, it is used in Diabetes mellitus. This is proven for antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancerous, antimicrobial and diuretic actions. It is an easily propagated, palatable and cost effective plant. Identification through pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies is essential for the standardization of any plant. The green leaf is narrowly elliptic with 10 to 25cm length and 2.5 to 6cm width. Microscopy revealed presence of vascular bundles, unicellular trichomes in upper epidermis, thin walled parenchyma cells in ground tissue and layers of parenchymatous hypodermis. Powder microscopy showed presence of epidermal parenchyma cells with underlying chlorenchyma group of fibers and fibro vascular bundles.TLC photo documentation revealed presence of many phytoconstituents with different Rf values. Densitometric scan showed many peaks, 10 at 254nm, 11 at 366nm, 6 at 520nm and 9 at 620 nm after derivatisation. Moisture content was 20%. The percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water insoluble ash was determined. The water soluble extractive value was 22.57 which is highest among all the extracts. The results indicated the presence of alkaloid, steroids, tannins, flavanoids, phenol, carbohydrate and resin in ethanolic extract and steroid, flavanoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and glycosides in water extract.

Study of the physico-chemical quality of Curcuma longa (powder and rhizome) marketed in the town of Sétif

Over the past two to three decades, renewed interest has been shown in the Curcuma longa plant because of the multiple properties attributed to its spice, properties that are traditionally recognized or empirically observed over hundreds of years of use. Curcuma longa is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, cultivated in India and Southeast Asia and considered a coloring spice. Turmeric, especially its rhizome (the underground part), has been used not only as a food spice, but also as a medicinal plant since time immemorial in China and India. The recognition of its medicinal properties is therefore recent in the West. The history of Curcuma is also being written in the future, as much scientific research is being carried out, particularly on the effects of one of its main components, curcuma, in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. It is in this context that the aim of this work is to evaluate certain parameters of the physicochemical quality of this plant, such as the level of impurity, ash content, moisture content, soluble and insoluble ashes in water, coloring power and chromatography on thin layers on the basis of the standards dictated by the French official journal (JORF).This study was carried out on the two rhizome and powder forms of Curcuma longa marketed. For this, five spice shops (2 samples / shop) were selected at random in the town of Sétif. Analyses of the samples taken were carried out with the collaboration of two laboratories: one INSFP (National Institute for Specialized Professional Training Hadadi Cherif el Hidhab Setif) and the other ERIAD (Riad Setif). The results obtained vary from one type to another and from one store to another. The analysis of the variance of impurity levels, moisture content, acid insoluble ash and TLC is significant whereas it is not for other parameters such as: total ash, water insoluble ash and colouring power. 
 Keywords: Curcuma longa, Rhizome and powder, city of Sétif, Physicochemical parameters, TLC.

Precision Harvesting of Medicinal Plants: Elements and Ash Content of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) as Affected by Harvest Height

To investigate the effect of harvest height on the amassed elements and ash content of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included four harvest heights, i.e., 15, 25, 35, and 45cm (from the tip of the plant) and the residual stalks. The dependent variables were the amassed content of elements N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Pb in different heights of the plant and the associated ash content (total ash (TA), acid-insoluble ash (AA), and water-insoluble ash (WA)). The results showed that by moving from the upper shoots toward the ground, the amassed content of Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Pb increased by 22.67%, 43.74%, 12.87%, 39.02%, and 85.04%, respectively. Further, a downward trend was observed for N (50.16%) and K (6.41%) content, while an upward trend reported for P (29.06%) content. As for the residual stalks, by moving from the upper shoots toward the ground, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Pb contents decreased by 1.01%, 21.03%, 9.11%, 17.02%, and 51.06%, respectively, while N and P contents increased by 60.59% and 3.15%, respectively, and a 34.74% increase was seenin P content. With increasing harvest height, TA, AA, and WA values increased by 33.48%, 27.03%, and 18.25%, respectively. As for the residues, these variables increased by 11.44%, 6.35%, and 5.22%, respectively. Our results showed that 15cm harvest height had the highest quality with the lowest heavy metal content. Graphical Abstract.

Phytochemical, Quantitative Proximate and In vitro Anti-inflammatory Study of the Crude Methanol Extract of Stachytarpheta indica Leaves (Verbenaceae)

Herbal medicine despite its increase usage globally is being plagued by inadequate research on their effectiveness. Stachytarpheta indica commonly known as snakeweed is used locally in the management of asthma, headache, alopecia, bronchitis, bruise, chest cold, constipation, itch, diarrhea, skin sore, vermifuge, dysentery, dysmenorrhea among others. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, quantitative proximate parameters and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves of S. indica using established methods. Results confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrate, cardiac glycosides, terpenoid, tannin, anthraquinones, phenolics and flavonoid. Moisture content (9.16 ± 0.04%), total ash (19.42 ± 0.15%), water insoluble ash (7.17 ± 0.22%), acid insoluble ash (3.63 ± 0.26%), alcohol soluble extractive (0.99 ± 0.06%) and water-soluble extractive (0.36 ± 0.02%) values were obtained from the quantitative proximate analysis. An infusion of the methanol leaf extract of Stachytarpheta indica demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a dose dependent manner comparable to that of indomethacin standard.

SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF PARPATAKA AN AYURVEDIC DRUG WITH RESPECT TO FUMARIA INDICA

Objective: Fumaria indica is an essential curative herb and asserted as a prevalent weed across the plains of India. The entire plant is popularly employed in conventional systems of medicine for its therapeutic activities like anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, purging and stomachic. The entire plant is regarded to have therapeutical purposes in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is employed in the preparation of important Ayurvedic formulation Parpataka. In Unani systems of medicine, it is used as shahtara. This contemporary study is intended to authenticate and validate the species Fumaria indica with respect to Parpataka drug.
 Methods: The chief objective of this contemporary research work is to assess the various pharmacognostic properties like Macroscopical, Microscopical, Physiochemical and Fluorescence studies. Microscopical studies include cell structure and their arrangement, Physicochemical parameter s include loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, water-insoluble ash, various extractive values etc. Qualitative tests for various functional groups were also carried out.
 Results: The microscopical characters of leaf, stem and roots, physicochemical, preliminary phytochemical profiles were established.
 Conclusion: The pharmacognostical screening on Fumaria indica is significant data for the identification and to determine the quality and purity of the plant material in future reviews.

Preliminary Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Stems of Mimosa hamata (Willd)

<strong>Objective</strong><br /> The aim of the present study is to investigate the pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of the<em> Mimosa hamata </em>(Willd.) is a flowering shrub of Mimosaceae family which is used in various traditional medicines to cure various diseases. <em>Mimosa hamata (</em>Willd.) and <em>Mimosa pudica </em>are also known as Touch-me-not plant. A wide range of chemical compounds including 4-ethyl-gallic acid; triterpinicsaponin A, B; ethylgallate; mimonoside A, B, C; etc have been isolated from this plant. <br /><strong>Methods</strong><br /> Morphological and microscopic characters, powder analysis, and extractive values of ethanolic extract of stem of <em>Mimosa hamata </em>and qualitative estimation of phytochemicals were determined. The pharmacognostical parameters such as total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value, alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive were also determined. <br /><strong>Results</strong><br /> The results of pharmacognostic analysis of stem of <em>Mimosa hamata</em> (Willd) have revealed the total ash 8.5 % , water soluble ash 0.5 %, water insoluble ash 1.5%, Moisture content 2.5 %, alcohol soluble extractive value 14.29 % and water soluble extractive value 9.75%. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of stem of showed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins etc.<br /><strong>Conclusions<br /></strong>It signifies that results revealed the presence of various bioactive constituents which could be exploited for their biopotential for medicinal purposes.

Microscopic investigations and pharmacognostic techniques used for the standardization of herbal drug Nigella sativa L.

A comprehensive account on standardization of herbal drug Nigella sativa L. (Tukhm-e-Kalonji) by using microscopic as well as pharmacognostic parameters. In the field of herbal medicines, the main issues are quality, purity, and effectiveness, as in many cases herbal drugs are knowingly or unknowingly substituted or adulterated with similar species or varieties. In herbal market the seeds of N. sativa are commonly adultered with seeds of Allium cepa L. intentionally or accidentally due to their similar morphology. In the present study, the microscopic characterization of herbal drug was done by morphological, palynological, and anatomical features. A great diversity was found in anatomical features of two species, as irregular epidermal cells, actinocytic stomata, and nonglandular trichomes were found in N. sativa while in A. cepa epidermal cells were rectangular in shape, stomata type was paracytic, and trichomes were absent. Pharmacognostic characterization was made by fluorescence analysis and physiochemical parameters. Physicochemical parameters like moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, and water insoluble ash were also evaluated. The above parameters, being reported to the first time for the studied plant species, and are significant towards establishing the microscopic and pharmacognostic standards for future identification and authentication of genuine herbal drug. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Microscopic Investigations for the standardization of herbal drug Nigella sativa L. (Tukhm-e-Kalonji). Pharmacognostic techniques are potentially significant for the standardization of herbal drug Nigella sativa in comparison with its adulterant. Useful for preparation of standards for herbal pharmacopeia.

Physicochemical and Phytochemical Studies of Some Selected Antimalarial Herbal Drugs Used in Southwest Nigeria

  Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries and it is becoming more difficult to manage. This probably accounts for the current increase in use of herbal drugs in the prevention and treatment of malaria in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties and phytochemicals contents of some antimalarial herbal drugs produced in Nigeria. The herbal drugs were purchased from a local market in the Southwest Nigeria and were indicated to be manufactured in Nigeria. They were separately air-dried, the physicochemical properties and photochemicals in them were determined using standard methods. The ranges of pH, total ash, acid soluble ash and water insoluble ash are 4.20 - 8.10, 9.43 – 13.50%, 5.40 – 8.30% to 4.3 – 5.40% respectively. Metal analysis of the drugs showed five heavy metals and their concentrations ranges (mgkg-1) are: cobalt (4.5 – 1.0), cadmium (0.5-2.0), lead (0.5-4.5) manganese (35.0 - 115.0) and copper (3.0 – 8.5). The phytochemicals detected in the herbal drugs are: Tannin, flavonoid, alkaloid and phenol. Thus, the potency of these drugs may be attributed to some of the phytochemicals found in them. Concentrations of cobalt and cadmium are above WHO maximum permissible limit (0.48 and 0.3 mgkg-1 respectively).

A STUDY ON THE STANDARDIZATION PARAMETERS OF MADHUCA LONGIFOLIA

Objective: There is an increase demand of herbal remedies due to their effective and safer way of treating various disorders. In today’s scenario, the herbal medicines are much efficient for the treatment of various disorders as they have minimal side effects in comparison to the allopathic medicines. Madhuca longifolia, commonly called Mahua/Mahwa, belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It grows up to a height of about 20 m. The objectives of thisstudy are to investigate various pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological properties of M. longifolia.Methods: The powdered drug was used for estimating the loss on drying, ash values, fluorescence studies, chemical tests, and extractive values. Macroscopic and microscopic studies were also performed.Results: The leaf microscopy revealed the presence of upper and lower epidermis, palisade tissue, and well-developed vascular bundle. The fluorescence characteristics of leaf powder were studied both in visible light and ultraviolet (UV) light (254 nm and 365 nm) after treatment with various reagents. Mahua is composed of glycosides, sapogenins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. It was reported that the total ash value was 5.56±0.2% w/w. The acid-insoluble and water-insoluble ash values were 0.62±0.025% w/w and 0.47±0.025% w/w, respectively. Water soluble, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, and chloroform extractive values were 25.9±0.51% w/w, 28.1±1.38% w/w, 1.73±0.20% w/w,0.83±0.20% w/w, and 25.5±2.29% w/w, respectively.Conclusions: The main pharmacological activities of M. longifolia are anthelmintic, antiulcer, antitumor, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory,antigoitrogenic, and hepatoprotective. The present investigation provides the information on its pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological properties.