Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antimicrobial studies of Tecomella.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on stem bark of tecomella undulata seem
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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P.R. Thanawala, C.I. Jolly
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on stem bark of tecomella undulata seem
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Tecomella undulata Seem, widely known as "Rohira," is a plant belonging to the Bignoniaceae family, traditionally utilized in Ayurveda for addressing various ailments related to the liver, spleen, and abdominal issues. This plant is praised for its therapeutic properties, particularly for conditions associated with "kapha" and "pitta," as well as for treating syphilis in some regions. The research investigates the pharmacognostical, phytochemical, and antimicrobial attributes of the stem bark of T. undulata, laying the groundwork for its potential medicinal applications.
Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Findings
The study presents detailed pharmacognostical characteristics of T. undulata's bark, including its macroscopical and microscopical features. The bark is identified by its dark brown, rough outer surface and a smooth inner layer. Examination reveals significant cellular structures such as cork cells, calcium oxalate crystals, and pigment cells. A series of phytochemical analyses were performed, indicating the presence of various constituents including glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. Notably, the quantitative analysis showed a high glycoside content, alongside other compounds like reducing sugars and tannins, suggesting that T. undulata possesses a diverse range of bioactive components that may contribute to its medicinal efficacy.
Conclusion
The research on Tecomella undulata emphasizes its distinct phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties, which underscore its potential as a therapeutic agent. With identified diagnostic characters such as stone cells and pigment cells and the determination of important phytoconstituents, this study lays the foundation for further pharmacological exploration. The established parameters can serve as significant tools for the authentication and preformulation studies of this crude drug, paving the way for its application in modern medicine and substantiating traditional medicinal claims.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Tecomella undulata commonly known as?
Tecomella undulata, part of the Bignoniaceae family, is commonly known as 'Rohira', 'Rohitaka', and 'Rakta–Rohida'. It is used in traditional medicine systems for various ailments related to the liver and spleen.
What are the main compounds found in the bark?
The bark of Tecomella undulata contains various phytoconstituents such as glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, and resins, with the highest percentage observed in glycosides, making it notable for pharmacological applications.
What were the antimicrobial study findings for Tecomella undulata?
Antimicrobial studies indicated that extracts from Tecomella undulata showed varying inhibition against certain gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, confirming its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
How was the stem bark of Tecomella undulata analyzed?
The stem bark underwent various analyses including histological examination, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical tests, and phytochemical screening, enabling detailed characterization for potential medicinal use and authentication of the crude drug.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antimicrobial studies of Tecomella.”. 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) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent in the extraction process used to isolate phytochemicals from plant materials. The water extractive value measured in Tecomella undulata indicates its potential to dissolve various bioactive compounds, essential for evaluating the medicinal properties of the plant, especially in traditional medicine.
2) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds derived from plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. The study of Tecomella undulata highlights the importance of phytochemical screening to identify compounds like glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids, which may offer therapeutic effects.
3) Drug:
A drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of disease. In the context of Tecomella undulata, the bark is analyzed for its potential therapeutic properties, validating its use in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments.
4) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical studies involve the examination of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of medicinal plants. This research on Tecomella undulata elucidates its morphological and microscopical characteristics, which are vital for identifying and authenticating herbal drugs.
5) Sugar:
Sugar, particularly in the form of reducing sugars, is an important component analyzed in pharmacognosy. The quantitative estimation of free and total reducing sugars in Tecomella undulata helps assess its nutritional value and potential health benefits.
6) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural healing methods. Tecomella undulata's utilization in Ayurveda for treating liver and spleen disorders underscores the significance of herbal medicine in holistic health practices.
7) Rohitaka (Rohītaka):
Rohitaka is one of the common names for Tecomella undulata, indicating its cultural and geographical significance in traditional medicine. Understanding its local names aids in exploring the plant's historical and ethnopharmacological context.
8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The research paper focuses on the medicinal properties of Tecomella undulata, contributing to the broader understanding of herbal treatments within the field of combined natural sciences.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to systematic knowledge gained through observation and experimentation, applicable to the study of medicinal plants like Tecomella undulata. This research embodies the intersection of pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and microbiology in validating herbal therapies.
10) Bitter:
The bitter taste of Tecomella undulata's bark is a significant characteristic, often linked to its therapeutic effects in traditional medicine. Bitter compounds are known for stimulating digestion and possess numerous health benefits, playing a role in the plant's medicinal profile.
11) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing fire and metabolism. Tecomella undulata is noted for its efficacy in balancing Pitta-related ailments, illustrating the plant's role in maintaining health according to Ayurvedic principles.
12) Kapha:
Kapha is the dosha associated with water and earth elements in Ayurveda. The use of Tecomella undulata for addressing Kapha imbalances emphasizes the plant's importance in holistic healing approaches for various bodily conditions.
13) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta represents the blood and its functions in Ayurvedic medicine. The association of Tecomella undulata with Rakta disorders highlights its significance in treatments aimed at improving blood health and supporting vascular functions.
14) Hand:
In the context of pharmacognostical studies, a hand reference may imply manual methods such as sectioning or grinding plant materials. The hand-razor technique illustrates traditional practices used for preparing samples for microscopic analysis in herbal research.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antimicrobial studies of Tecomella.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Stone cell, Total ash, Pharmacognostical Studies, Phytochemical studies, Water soluble extractive, Extractive value, Alcohol-soluble extractive, Petroleum ether extract, Cork cells, Ash analysis, Stem Bark, Antimicrobial studies, Physio chemical analysis, Chemical reagents, Alkaloids glycosides, Iodine test, Flourescence analysis, Microscopical character.