A pharmacognostic report on the leaf and root of polyscias fruticosa (l.) harms

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A pharmacognostic report on the leaf and root of polyscias fruticosa (l.) harms
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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Author:

Bensita Mary Bernard, Nilani Pakianathan, R. Venkataswamy, Madhu C. Divakar


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: A pharmacognostic report on the leaf and root of polyscias fruticosa (l.) harms

Year: 1998

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, a member of the Araliaceae family, is an evergreen shrub found mainly in warmer regions such as India, Malaysia, and Polynesia. It is known for its rich content of saponins, which are compounds recognized for their foaming and haemolytic properties. Historically, similar plants like Panax ginseng have been used for their adaptogenic qualities in traditional medicine, leading researchers to explore the potential of P. fruticosa as a less expensive alternative when cultivated effectively. This study aims to establish the pharmacognostic identity of the leaf and root of P. fruticosa through comprehensive morphological, microscopic, and chemical analyses.

Phytochemical Properties of Polyscias fruticosa

One of the significant aspects of the study focuses on the phytochemical properties of P. fruticosa, particularly the presence of triterpenoidal saponins. Qualitative analyses using n-butanol extracts of both leaf and root demonstrated a positive response for saponins, confirmed through tests such as the Salkowski and Liebermann-Burchard reactions. The study also examined the haemolytic potential of these extracts, finding that a concentration of 100 mg/ml of root extract caused total haemolysis within 10 minutes, while higher concentrations were needed for the leaf extracts to achieve similar results. Investigations into the animal lethal tests indicated that root extracts were more potent than leaf extracts, underscoring the pharmacological potential of P. fruticosa in herbal medicine.

Conclusion

The detailed pharmacognostic profile of P. fruticosa highlights its valuable characteristics, such as distinct morphological and anatomical features, along with pertinent quantitative and qualitative analyses. These findings provide critical insights necessary for the identification and standardization of this plant, ensuring its authenticity and aiding in the prevention of adulteration. The established diagnostic features of P. fruticosa can serve as a foundation for further research and potential applications in pharmacology, paving the way for its use as an economically viable alternative to more expensive medicinal plants like Panax ginseng.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Polyscias fruticosa and its significance?

Polyscias fruticosa is a woody shrub in the Araliaceae family, found in warm regions. It contains saponins, which have detergent properties, and can potentially substitute for the costlier Panax ginseng in traditional medicine.

What are the main morphological features of Polyscias fruticosa?

The plant can grow up to 2.5 meters tall, has spiny, compound leaves about 5-10 cm long, and produces umbellate flowers. Its woody, branched roots are cylindrical and yellowish-brown.

What are the key components identified in pharmacognostic analysis?

Pharmacognostic analysis revealed saponins through qualitative phytochemical tests, leaf and root structure, fluorescence characteristics, and thin-layer chromatographic data, aiding in identification and authentication of the plant.

How can the leaf and root of Polyscias fruticosa be distinguished?

Microscopic analyses show unique features such as trichome structure, mesophyll cell composition, and specific starch grain distributions in the leaf and root, aiding in distinguishing them in herbal applications.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A pharmacognostic report on the leaf and root of polyscias fruticosa (l.) harms”. 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 the context refers to natural substances derived from plants, specifically the leaves and roots of Polyscias fruticosa, that exhibit medicinal properties. The pharmacognostic study outlines their chemical constituents, particularly saponins, which imply potential therapeutic uses and the significance of the drug standardization process.

2) Bitter:
'Bitter' describes the taste characteristic of both leaf and root extracts of Polyscias fruticosa. The mention of bitterness in pharmacognostic studies indicates the presence of certain phytochemicals, which often correlate with various health benefits, including digestive enhancements, and thus plays a critical role in traditional medicinal applications.

3) Water:
Water is an essential solvent in the extraction of compounds from the leaf and root of Polyscias fruticosa, affecting the solubility and availability of phytochemicals. In quantitative analyses, water-soluble extractive values are crucial for understanding the efficiency of extraction processes and the therapeutic potential of the plant materials.

4) Fish:
The term 'Fish' relates to the fish lethal test performed with n-butanol extracts of Polyscias fruticosa. This bioassay demonstrates the toxicological potential of the extracts and is significant in pharmacognostic and ecological studies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the safety and effects of plant-derived compounds on living organisms.

5) Science (Scientific):
'Science' reflects the systematic study conducted on Polyscias fruticosa which employs methods of pharmacognosy, biochemistry, and histology. This term underscores the importance of empirical research in validating the medicinal properties of traditional herbal medicines, ultimately aiming to bridge traditional practices with modern scientific approaches for better healthcare applications.

6) Blood:
'Blood' is relevant in the context of the haemolytic test, indicating how extracts from Polyscias fruticosa can cause red blood cell lysis. This provides insights into the efficacy and safety of the plant’s compounds, as hemolytic properties can signify potential therapeutic uses or risks, making it vital for pharmacological assessment.

7) Agriculture:
The mention of 'Agriculture' pertains to the cultivation of Polyscias fruticosa, particularly the mention of its potential as an alternative to costly counterparts like Panax ginseng. This word emphasizes the significance of sustainable agricultural practices in sourcing medicinal plants and the intersection of traditional knowledge with agricultural innovation for health benefits.

8) Discussion:
'Discussion' in this report refers to the analysis and interpretation of research findings about Polyscias fruticosa. It synthesizes results from various tests and studies, providing a contextual understanding of the plant’s pharmacognostic characteristics and emphasizing the importance of this knowledge for further research and applications in herbal medicine.

9) Substance:
The term 'Substance' relates to the chemical extracts derived from Polyscias fruticosa, particularly those identified in tests such as qualitative phytochemical analysis. This keyword highlights the focus on understanding the bioactive compounds and their potential therapeutic properties, essential for informed use in herbal remedies and drug development.

10) Medicine:
'Medicine' signifies the application of Polyscias fruticosa in traditional healing practices, derived from its recognized pharmacological properties. The study validates its use in herbal medicine by providing scientific insights into its active compounds, making it relevant for both historical and contemporary health and therapeutic applications.

11) Madhu:
'Madhu' refers to one of the authors of the pharmacognostic study on Polyscias fruticosa. The inclusion of author names highlights the collaborative effort in academic research, emphasizing the contributions of individuals in enhancing scientific understanding and promoting recognition of their work in botanical and medicinal chemistry fields.

12) Ravi (Rāvī, Rāvin, Ravin):
'Ravi' is another author of the study, reflecting the collaborative diversity in scientific research projects. The importance of collaborating professionals from various backgrounds is essential in developing comprehensive pharmacological studies, ensuring thorough investigation and validation of findings related to medicinal plants like Polyscias fruticosa.

13) Salt (Salty):
'Salt' pertains to the physiological salt solution used in the haemolytic test to assess the effects of extracts from Polyscias fruticosa on blood cells. It represents the importance of creating controlled environments in pharmacological testing to obtain valid and reproducible results, contributing to the broader understanding of the plant’s biochemical interactions.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A pharmacognostic report on the leaf and root of polyscias fruticosa (l.) harms’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Morphology, Ash value, Traditional use, Moisture content, Fluorescence Analysis, Histological studies, Pharmacognostic studies, Voucher specimen, Qualitative phytochemical analysis, Extractive value, Microscopic Analysis, Macroscopic studies, Diagnostic importance, Saponin, Department of Pharmacognosy, Foam test, Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis, Crude fibre content.

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