Pharmacognostical Studies on Stem and Leaves of Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC

摘要

The present study is intended to evaluate the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical characterization of the leaves and stem of Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC. Since few reports are available in this taxon, detailed microscopical and phytochemical studies of this plant were undertaken. All the parameters were studied as per the WHO and pharmacopoeial guidelines. Various parameters like fluorescence analysis and physicochemical constant were also studied. The anatomy of the leaf reveals that adaxial epidermis is stomatiferous and contains prismatic type of calcium oxalate crystals; stomata are paracytic; trichomes are both glandular and non-glandular. The stem shows the presence of hollow vascular cylinder which comprises several independentwedge shaped vascular bundle; xylem elements are surrounded by thick walled fibres. This observation would be of immense value in the botanical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form. This study is used to distinguish the plantfrom its closely related species.