Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni-Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.

Research Article This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga Vol. 5 (9),28-35, September,2022 ISSN: 2581-785 X; https://irjay.com/ DOI: 10.47223/IRJAY.2022.5905 Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni - Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Aswathy Krishna. R 1 , P Y Ansary 2 , Sara Monsy Oommen 3 , Shincymol V V 4 1- PG Scholar, Department of Dravyagunavijnanam Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala. 2- Professor & HOD, Department of Dravyagunavijnanam Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala. 3- Professor & HOD, Department of Dravyagunavijnanam Government Ayurveda College, Kannur, Pariyaram, Kerala. 4- Associate Professor, Department of Dravyagunavijnanam Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala . INTRODUCTION Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The illustration and description of the drug commences from the Vedic period itself. It is one among the Parnidwaya and is an ingredient of the group of Dashamoola. 1,2 It is described as best among the sangrahika, vatahara, deepaneeya and vrishya drugs by Acharya Charaka 3 Acharya Susrutha has enumerated it in the rodradhi basthi 4 which is used in treating hridroga . In Ashtanga hridaya , Acharya Vagbhata included Prishniparni under Vidaryadi gana having hridya karma 5 Sthirasidha payas is mentioned in vatavyadhi chikitsa advocated to be given in hridayagata vata 6,7 The plant and the therapeutical potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature. It is a slender undershrub with poorly developed tap root and deep growing prominent lateral Article Info Article history: Received on: 26-07- 2022 Accepted on: 19-09-2022 Available online: 30-09-2022 Corresponding author- Aswathy Krishan.R, Department of Dravyagunavijnanam Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala Email: - aswathy.krishna 0808@gmail.com ABSTRACT: Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The plant and the therapeutical potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature. Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs of plant and animal origin based on macroscopic and microscopic examination for the authentication and quality control. In present study, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of root, was performed. Powder macroscopy as well as microscopy of powder of the drug was conducted. Assessment of colour, texture, odour and taste of powder were done in powder macroscopy. The macroscopic features of root, such as size, shape, external characters, type of fracture, colour, odour and taste were analysed. In microscopic evaluation of root, the different types of cells, their arrangement and cell contents were observed. The presence of cell constituents like prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, starch grain, stone cells, cork cells and fibres etc in the powder was observed using powder microscopy. Keywords - Prishniparni , Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC., root powder, macroscopy, microscopy

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 29 roots. It is found in the plains, in dry forests up to 900 m elevations grows as an undergrowth in semi-deciduous forests at low elevations. The plant is subjected to controversy on account of the regional variation hence the through pharmacognostical evaluation is vital in confirming its identity. The pharmacognostical evaluation was conducted in the Department of Dravyaguna Vijnanam, Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura. MATERIALS AND METHODS I. Macroscopic evaluation A. Materials Magnifying lens and digital camera were used for this study. B. Procedure The fresh root of Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. was collected and washed thoroughly under running water, dried and then subjected to identification with naked eyes and other sensory perceptions. The macroscopic features of the root of collected fresh plants were studied. The photographs of the drug were also taken using digital camera. II. Microscopic evaluation A. Materials Razor or safety razor blade, dissecting needles, watch glasses, petri dishes, glass slides, cover slips ¾ circles (No. 2 thickness), camel hair brush (medium size), dropper, safranine stain, glycerine, compound microscope, digital camera. B. Procedure Fine handmade transverse section of fresh root of Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. was made with the help of razor blade. The cut sections were then suspended in water in a petri dish. After that a few drops of safranine stain was added to the watch glass containing water and the staining solution was prepared. Very thin section was taken from the petri dish and added to the watch glass containing the prepared staining solution to make it properly stained. When the section was sufficiently stained, it was transferred on a clean slide with help of a hair brush. The section was then mounted at the centre of the slide and a drop of glycerine water was added to the section. Then it was covered with a cover slip without getting air bubble between the slide and cover. The prepared slide was placed on the stage of the compound microscope and fixed with the clips. The light was focused to mounted slide by using the mirror. After this the lens was adjusted at a power of 10 X for visualizing the histological parameters of the section. Then the power was adjusted to 40 X for getting finer details of the histological parameters. Photographs of the sections were taken using a digital camera at 10 X and 40 X powers. III. Powder macroscopic evaluation A. Materials Magnifying lens, white paper, digital camera B. Procedure Powder of dried root of Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. was placed on white paper separately and viewed using magnifying lens and naked eye. Texture of powder was assessed using fingers. After that they were subjected to smell and taste to determine the odour and taste. A photograph of powder was taken with a digital camera. IV. Powder microscopic evaluation A. Materials Watch glass, glass slide, cover slips, 3/4 circles (no: 2 thickness), camel hair brush (medium sized), compound microscope, digital camera. B. Procedure A pinch of fine powder of sample drug was taken and placed on glass slide. Few drops of water were added and mixed with hair brush. This mixture was then spread throughout the glass slide to overcome the overlapping of constituents of various structures. Cover slip was placed on the glass slide and it was then viewed using compound microscope under 10 X powers. Images were then obtained using digital camera. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Pharmacognostical evaluation A. Macroscopic evaluation of fresh root Organoleptic features of freshly collected root of the drug were assessed. The observation was similar to the description given in Pharmacognosy of Ayurvedic drugs of Travancore-Cochin by Kolammal and Narayana Iyer [8] and the observations are tabulated as follows. Table No: 1 Organoleptic features of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC . Figure No 1: Fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC . B. Microscopic evaluation of fresh root The transverse section of the root is found to be circular and regular in outline. The cork tissue is visible as a thin light yellowish-brown strip consisting of 4-8 or more rows of rectangular cells nearly twice as long as broad with fairly thick brown walls. The phellogen is evident as a narrow layer. The cortex is composed of several thin-walled

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 30 oblong cells, radiating in between are the medullary rays. The region between the rays is composed of cells of sclerenchymatous groups of various shapes and sizes. A distinct cambium is present. The xylem is shown to consist of thick-walled parenchyma that formed the bulk tissue. The patches of sclerenchyma are mostly associated with the vessels and medullary rays. The medullary rays are not plenty in number. Their cells especially in the xylem region is composed of starch grains, there is no pith in the center. The structures seen were similar to the description given in Pharmacognosy of Ayurvedic drugs of Travancore- Cochin, 8 Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India 9 and research articles. 10,11,12 Figure No 2: T.S of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC at 10 x magnification. Figure No 3: T.S of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Figure No 4: T.S of cortex and pith of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. C. Powder macroscopy of dried root The powder macroscopic features including the colour, texture, odour and taste of the powder of the dried root are identified. The structures seen were similar to the description given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India 9 and research articles. 10,11,12 The observations were as follows. Table No: 2 Powder macroscopy of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC.Figure No 5: Powder of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. D. Powder microscopy of dried root Fragments of vessels and fibres, large lumned fibres, pitted parenchyma cells, crystal fibres, fibres and medullary rays, starch grains, stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, fragments of bordered pitted vessels and cork cells are identified in powder microscopy of the dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC . The structures observed were similar to that mentioned in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India [9] and research articles 10,11,12 In addition stone cells, large lumened fibres, pitted parenchyma cells and crystal fibres were also seen. Figure No: 6 shows the Powder microscopy of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. CONCLUSION Macroscopic features of the fresh root showed cylindrical root which is light yellow brown in colour with mucilaginous sweetish taste. The macroscopic features of the dried root on the other hand showed a wrinkled appearance, dark brown colour outside and whitish inside, with presence of lenticels and bitter taste. Microscopic features of the fresh root were analysed and evaluation of microscopic features of root showed cork, phellogen, sclerenchymatous layer, vascular tissue, cambium, starch grains, xylem vessels and xylem parenchyma. Powder macroscopic features like colour, odour, taste and texture of the powder of the dried root when evaluated showed dark brown colour, characteristic odour, fibrous texture, bitter taste. The powder microscopy was conducted and identified fragments of vessels and fibres, large lumened fibres, pitted parenchyma cells, crystal fibres, medullary rays, starch grains, stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, fragments of bordered pitted vessels and cork cells. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I express my sincere gratitude to Dr.T.D Sreekumar, Principal, Government Ayurveda College Tripunithura. I also express my gratitude towards my teachers, Dr.Honey Thomas, Assistant Professor, Dr.Jilu Joy, Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Dr.Mridula M.K, Former Assistant Professor, Government Ayurveda College Tripunithura, for their encouragement and constant support during the completion of the work. Financial Support :Nil Conflict of Interest: Nil ORCID Aswathy Krishna. R , https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-7733-1102 REFERENCES 1.Murthy K.R Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam Vol I. Trans.9 th Ed. Sutrasthana, Chapter 6. Annasvarupavijnaneeya Adhyaya, Sloka 167-168 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy;2012.Pp.107. 2.Murthy K.R, Susrutha. Illustrated Susruta Samhita Vol I . Trans. Reprint Ed. Sutrasthana, Chapter 38. Dravya Sangrahaneeya Adyaya, Sloka 71 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2012.Pp.274. 3.Sharma R.K, Agnivesa. Charaka Samhita Vol I . Trans. Reprint Ed. Sutrasthana, Chapter 25. Yajjapurusheeyam Adhyayam, Sloka 40 Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Series Office;2011.Pp.427. 4. Murthy K.R, Susrutha. Illustrated Susruta Samhita Vol II . Trans. Reprint Ed. Chikitsasthana. Chapter 38

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 31 Niruhakrama Chikitsitam; Sloka 55-59 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012.Pp.373. 5.Kumar S, Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam Voli. Trans Sutrasthana, Chapter 15. Shodhanadigana sangrahaneeym Adhyayam, Sloka 9-10 Thrissur: Publication Department Hari Sree Hospital;2007.Pp.324. 6.Sharma R.K Agnivesa. Charaka Samhita Vol Reprint Ed. Chikitsasthana, Chapter 28. Vatavayadhi Chikitsa, Sloka 96 Varanasi:Chaukambha Sanskrit Series Office;2011.Pp.49. 7. Murthy K.R, Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam Vol II . Trans .9 th Ed. Chikitsasthana,Chapter 21. Vatavayadhi Chikitsa, Sloka 17 Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2012.Pp.500. 8.Kolammal M, Aiyer Narayanan K. Pharmacognosy Of Ayurvedic Drugs Of Travancore-Cochin. Series 1, Number 2. Thiruvananthapuram: Department Of Pharmacognosy, University Of Travancore; 1992. P.73-77. 9. Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare. Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia Of India.1 st Edition. Government Of India, Part 1. Vol 3.P.179-181. 10. Bhavesh D. Vaghela, Bhupesh R. Patel, Preeti N. Pandya. A Comparative Pharmacognostical Profile Of Desmodium Gangeticum DC. And Desmodium Laxiflorum DC.AYU.2012; 33(4): 552-556. 11. Lalitha S, Adams S, Deepthi P, Krishnamurthy K, Venkatasubramanian P. Comparative Pharmacognosy Of Medicinal Plant Species Used As Prsniparni. International Journal Of Green Pharmacy. 2012; 6:303–309. 12. Vedpal, S. P. Dhanabal, P. Dhamodaran, M. V. N. L. Chaitnya.Microscopical, Morphological Evaluation And Fluorescent Analysis Of Desmodium Gangeticum DC: An Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant. Journal Of Chemical And Pharmaceutical Research. 2016; 8(7):395-402. How to cite this article : , Krishna A R ,P AnsaryY, Oommen S M, Shincymol V V “ Pharmacognostic Evaluation Of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC . ” IRJAY.[online]2022;5(9); 28—35 Available from: https://irjay.com DOI linkhttps://doi.org/10.47223/IRJAY.2022.5905

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 32 Table No: 1 Organoleptic features of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC . Figure No 1: Fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC . Figure No 2: T.S of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. at 10 x magnification. Size 7 cm in length Shape Cylindrical with slender root hairs Colour Light yellow or yellowish white External characters Nearly smooth, lenticels present, leathery texture Cut surface Thick central strand of wood, surrounded by comparatively thin but tough bark, slight yellowish tint Fracture Hard and short Odour Not characteristic Taste Mucilaginous sweetish taste Cork Medullary rays Cambium Vascular bundles

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 33 Figure No 3: T.S of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Figure No 4: T.S of cortex and pith of fresh root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Table No: 2 Powder macroscopy of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Characters powder of dried root Colour Dark brown Texture Fibrous Odour Characteristic Taste Bitter Cork Phellogen Sclerenchymatous layer Cambium Medullary rays Starch grains Xylem parenchyma Xylem vessels

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 34 Figure No 5: Powder of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Fragments of vessels Large lumened fibres Pitted parenchyma Fragments of fibres

Aswathy Krishan.R et. al “Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni- Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.” 2022; 5 (9):28-35 35 Figure No: 6 Powder microscopy of dried root of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. DC. Crystal fibres Fibres and medullary rays Starch grains Stone cells Prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate Fragments of bordered pitted vessel Cork cells

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