Pharmacognostical studies on leaf of polygonum glabrum willd
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical studies on leaf of polygonum glabrum willd
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Mrs. P. Sinha, A. Kumar, S. P. Wahi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical studies on leaf of polygonum glabrum willd
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The pharmacognostic study of Polygonum glabrum Willd., a plant known for its medicinal properties, has been conducted to elucidate the diagnostic characters of its leaves, alongside numerical values, fluorescence characteristics, and ash and extractive values. Controversy surrounds the exact botanical source of "Rasna," a herbal drug, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying its composition. Previous investigations have explored the chemical and pharmacological properties of the plant, paving the way for a detailed examination of its leaf characteristics, which is the focus of this study.
Anatomical Features of the Leaf
One significant aspect of the research involves the anatomical characteristics of the leaf, including measurable traits such as stomatal numbers, the structure of the midrib and lamina, and the presence of various cellular features. The leaf exhibits a dorsiventral structure with palisade tissue on the upper side and spongy parenchyma on the lower side. The petiole and midrib showcase a well-defined arrangement of vascular bundles, collenchyma, and epidermal cells, with distinctive sclerenchymatous fibers offering structural support. Furthermore, significant findings include the presence of cluster crystals of calcium oxalate and various sizes of starch grains in parenchymatous cells, providing insight into the leaf's composition and potential physiological functions.
Conclusion
The pharmacognostic evaluation of Polygonum glabrum Willd. has yielded essential information about the leaf's anatomical structure and chemical constituents. The study's findings, including detailed measurements of various cellular elements, ash, and extractive values, contribute to a deeper understanding of the plant's pharmacological applications. By clarifying the botanical identity and pharmacological attributes of this medicinal herb, the research supports its utilization in traditional medicine and sets the foundation for future studies to explore its therapeutic potential further.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the pharmacognostical studies conducted on Polygonum glabrum's leaves?
The studies focused on examining the leaves' numerical values, fluorescence characteristics, and ash and extractive values to identify the diagnostic characteristics and potential medicinal properties of Polygonum glabrum.
What are the macroscopical characteristics of Polygonum glabrum leaves?
The leaves are narrow lanceolate, simple, petiolate, stipulate, and vary in size from 7.5 to 25 cm in length and 1.6 to 3.0 cm in width, with a prominent midrib and a distinct membranous stipule at the base.
How were the microscopical features of the leaves analyzed?
Microscopical analysis included taking cross-sections, staining them, and examining various structures such as epidermis, collenchyma, vascular bundles, and glandular trichomes, detailing their cellular characteristics and arrangement.
What fluorescence characteristics were observed in Polygonum glabrum leaves?
The fluorescence characteristics varied with different treatments. Powdered leaves exhibited dark green fluorescence, while those treated with HNO3 showed a blackish-green glow under ultraviolet light, indicating the presence of various compounds.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical studies on leaf of polygonum glabrum willd”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The term 'Drug' in this context refers to substances derived from plants or other sources that have medicinal properties. The study primarily focuses on the pharmacognostic characteristics of Polygonum glabrum Willd., which is classified as a herbal drug, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine and potential therapeutic applications.
2) Rasna (Rāsnā, Rashna, Rasona, Rasa-una):
'Rasna' is a name for a herbal remedy traditionally used in indigenous medicine systems. The paper discusses the controversial botanical identity of Rasna, asserting that Polygonum glabrum Willd. is sold under this name, thus addressing the need for correct identification and research into its medicinal properties.
3) Water:
The mention of 'Water' pertains to its role as a solvent in extracting bioactive compounds from plants in pharmacognostic studies. The water-soluble extractive value of the leaf is quantified, demonstrating one method researchers employ to analyze the medicinal qualities and overall usefulness of herbal materials in therapy.
4) Pharmacognostical:
'Pharmacognostical' refers to the branch of pharmacognosy that studies medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources, focusing on their physical, chemical, and biological properties. The article presents pharmacognostic investigations of Polygonum glabrum Willd. leaves, aiming to elucidate its botanical characteristics and medicinal usage.
5) Pharmacological:
The word 'Pharmacological' pertains to the study and application of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The paper references pharmacological investigations of Polygonum glabrum Willd., indicating that its effects and medicinal applications have been explored, supporting its therapeutic potential within traditional medicine.
6) Depression:
'Depression' in this context does not refer to mental health but implies a need for significant attention to the documented uses, chemical compositions, and potentials of lesser-known medicinal plants. This reflects the growing scholarly focus on evaluating herbal remedies for their effects on various health conditions, including stress-related symptoms.
7) Medicine:
'Medicine' signifies health-related practices or substances used for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of ailments. The study’s emphasis on Polygonum glabrum Willd., known for its medicinal usages, highlights the importance of herbal medicine in traditional practices and modern pharmacological research for developing effective treatments.
8) Science (Scientific):
'Science' represents the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The research conducted on Polygonum glabrum Willd. exemplifies the scientific approach to understanding plant properties, ensuring that traditional medicinal practices are backed by empirical evidence and reliable results.
9) Mishra (Miśra):
'Mishra' refers to the researcher who has contributed to studies on Polygonum glabrum Willd. This attribution is significant as it acknowledges the individuals who advance scientific knowledge in the field of pharmacognosy, thereby contributing to the understanding and validation of traditional herbal remedies.
10) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
'Sharma' is another contributor to the research or study at hand. Citing Sharma emphasizes the collaborative nature of academic work in pharmacognosy, which seeks to draw on multiple experts' insights and findings to holistically understand the properties and potential applications of medicinal plants.
11) Simha (Siṃha):
'Sinha' denotes one of the authors of the study, bringing focus to the specific individuals involved in conducting the pharmacognostic research. Recognition of such contributors is important in academia, as it highlights the collaborative effort in the advancement of knowledge related to medicinal plants.
12) Hand:
'Hand' refers to the technique involved in the microchemical tests and other methods utilized in the study. 'Hand' implies manual or intricate processes conducted by researchers, emphasizing the hands-on approach needed for precise botanical studies and the importance of skill in extracting and analyzing plant characteristics.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pharmacognostical studies on leaf of polygonum glabrum willd’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Numerical value, Banaras Hindu University, Stomatal index, Starch grains, Pharmacognostical Studies, Calcium oxalate, Vascular bundle, Extractive value, Macroscopical characters, Anatomical details, Epidermal cells, Pharmacological investigation, Department of Pharmaceutics, Spongy parenchyma, Vascular strand, Palisade tissue, Fluorescence Characteristics, Microscopical character, Glandular trichome.