Anatomical and histochemical characterization of some highly medicinal plants as a tool for quality control.

Medicinal plants are richest source of chemical compounds that can be used to evolve novel drugs. According to World Health Organization (WHO), in developing countries more than 3.5 billion people relay on herbal drugs for their primary health care. In the present study, an attempt was carried out to authenticate some selected medicinal plants (Fagonia cretica L., Peganum harmala L., Tribulus terrestris L., Chrozophora tinctoria L. Raf. and Ricinus communis L.) from family Zygophyllaceae and Euphorbiaceae using light and scanning electron macroscopic techniques. Macroscopic evaluation and comparative anatomy (Light Microscopy) of the root and fruits revealed great diversity in macro and microscopic features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of root powder showed non-glandular trichomes, stellate trichomes, parenchyma cells and vessels. Fruits SEM exhibited non-glandular trichomes, glandular trichomes, stellate trichomes, peltate trichomes and mesocarp cells. Both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation plays a crucial role in the correct substantiation and validation of novel sources. These findings can serve as an essential source of information to accomplish the authenticity and to appraise the quality and purity of the herbal drugs in accordance to WHO guidelines. These parameters can be used to distinguish the selected plants from their commonly used adulterants. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: In the current work, five plants (Fagonia cretica L., Peganum harmala L., Tribulus terrestris L., Chrozophora tinctoria L. Raf. and Ricinus communis L.) from Zygophyllaceae and Euphorbiaceae were investigated for macroscopy and microscopy (LM & SEM) for the first time. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation disclosed great diversity in morphology and histology. Microscopy is the backbone of standardization process. Current study helped in correct identification and quality assurance of the plant materials. Their statistical investigation may possess great potency for plant taxonomists to further appraise the vegetative growth and tissue development which is requisite especially for fruit to enhance the yield of herbal drugs and their formulation. Further molecular studies, compounds isolation and characterization are required to deepen the knowledge of these herbal drugs.

Implication of Scanning Electron Microscopy and Light Microscopy for Morphology of Some Selected Seed Drugs: As a Tool for Authentication.

Background: The goal of our current study is to use Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) to evaluate the ultra-micromorphological properties of 14 seed drugs to correctly identify and validate them. There was no previous research on SEM-based evaluation of the selected seeds. These included: Solanum nigrum L., Physalis peruviana L., Cestrum diurrnum L., Withania somnifera L. Dunal, Achyranthus aspera L., Celosia argentia L., Chenopodium murale L., Cyperus alternifolius L., Cyperus rotundus L., Schoenoplectus litoralis (Schrad.) Palla, Oxalis corniculata L., Catharanthus roseus L., Canna indica L., and Parthenium hysterophorus L. belonging to 7 families (Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, Oxalidaceae, Apocynaceae, Cannaceae, and Asteraceae). Methods: Quantitative characters (length, width, and weight of seeds) as well as qualitative characters (seed shape, color, texture, and surface level of seeds) were analyzed. Results: Seeds length ranged from 0.6 µm (C. indica) to 2.4 µm (A. aspera) while, the seeds width and weight ranged from 0.6 µm (C. indica) to 1.8 µm (W. somnifera) and 0.03 g (C. indica) to 3.7 g (C. argentia), respectively. The SEM revealed many types of surface texture. Five types of surface levels (raised, regular, smooth, rough, and ill-defined pattern) were observed in seeds. The variation was found to be quite significant for the taxonomic demarcation at generic and specific levels. Conclusions: SEM could be a valuable approach for hidden morphological features of seed drugs, which could aid further exploration, appropriate identification, seed taxonomy, and authenticity. SEM and LM also play an important role in drug discovery and development.

Microscopic and pharmacognostic standardization of Astragalus scorpiurus Bunge.

The aim of the current study was to assess and compare the microscopic and pharmacognostic features of the selected parts of Astragalus scorpiurus Bunge. It is an annual and prostrate herb. Anatomy of leaves, stem, and root depicted a typical dicot structure. It will provide information regarding standardization and authentication. The powder drug study (Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy) revealed the presence of xylem and phloem vessels, epidermal fragments, cortical cells, fibers, parenchyma tissue, calcium oxalate crystals, nonglandular trichomes, anomocytic stomata, and so on. It will be helpful in identification and quality control. Pollen and seeds micro-morphological features were observed through LM and SEM. These will play a vital role in the taxonomical identification of taxa and provide satisfactory information for taxonomists. Fluorescence analysis revealed different colors under visible and UV light. Extractive values were determined. Powder of the plant parts revealed high extraction in methanol followed by ethanol. Elemental and nutritional profiling were evaluated during two phenological periods that is, vegetative and postflowering period. There were significant phenological variations in mineral and nutritional status of the herb. These parameters are crucial for drug prescription and drug designing. These also provided information regarding nutraceutical and therapeutic value of this herb.

Micromorphological evaluation of Daphne mucronata Royle and Myrtus communis L. using scanning electron microscopic techniques.

The present study was undertaken to establish micromorphological standards of Daphne mucronata Royle and Myrtus communis (L.). Daphne mucronata Royle is a xerophytic perennial shrub while, Myrtus communis is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Micromorphological investigation is one of the cheapest methods. It will be helpful in the accurate identification of these plants from other species. Results of macroscopic evaluation showed various organoleptic features. Anatomy of the selected plant parts was carried out. It showed a typical dicot structure as it revealed the presence of epidermal cells, crystals, trichomes, cuticle, mesophyll tissues, xylem, phloem, paracytic, and dicytic stomata. Anatomical study facilitates the detection of adulteration with inferior commercial varieties, exhausted drugs, cheaper natural substances, and chemicals. Stomatal number, types, and size of stomata, and palisade ratio of Myrtus communis were observed. These observations will be helpful in the preparation of taxonomic key for the identification of selected species. Powder drug study [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] showed characteristics histological differentiation. The methods cited here can be measured as characteristics to identify and validate these drugs.

Micromorphology, pharmacognosy, and bio-elemental analysis of an important medicinal herb: Verbascum thapsus L.

The present study was conducted on characterization of morpho-anatomical, phytochemical, and bio-elemental analysis of root, stem, and leaf of Verbascum thapsus. Morphologically Verbascum is a biennial plant that flowers for a month and a half in mid- to late summer. Various organoleptic features of root, leaf, and stem were recorded. Anatomically the T. S of the root, stem, and leaf showed a typical dicot histological differentiation. Leaf possessed anomocytic stomata, crescent shape vascular bundles, and covered with long and stellate type trichomes while, stem contained collateral type of vascular bundles and a well-developed pith to store phytochemicals responsible for various pharmacological activities. The powder drug study through scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of various types of tissues. Branched, tree like and stellate trichomes in root and leaf help in absorption and reduce loss of water. These anatomical features are responsible for the survival of the plant as biennial. Four macro elements (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and seven microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cd) and their concentrations in ppm were also studied using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract showed existence of various secondary metabolites, while mucilage and anthraquinones was not detected. The present study helps to understand the taxonomic identification of the plant based on morpho-anatomical features and throws the attention of the researchers to carry out the work for developing its various formulations, which can ultimately be beneficial for the human beings as well as animals.