Pharmacognostical profile of rhizome of nelumbo nucifera gaertn
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical profile of rhizome of nelumbo nucifera gaertn
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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Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, M. Pal, Saroj K. Pal, Kakali Saha, B.P. Saha
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical profile of rhizome of nelumbo nucifera gaertn
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (family Nymphaeaceae), commonly known as "Kamalakand," is a prominent aquatic herb found in India, recognized for its numerous medicinal applications. The study conducted by Mukherjee and colleagues aimed to establish pharmacognostical standards for the rhizome through comprehensive analysis, including macro and microscopic characterization, physical constants, and chemical behavior of the powdered rhizome when treated with various reagents. This research is vital for identifying the drug and understanding its medicinal properties, as the rhizome is a significant food source in many Asian cultures and has documented therapeutic effects.
Chemical Composition and Properties
One of the key findings involves the chemical constituents present in the rhizome. The analysis revealed the presence of various compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, and saponins in different extracts. Utilizing a range of extracts including petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water, the study noted the importance of methodical treatment with reagents to document the behavior of the powdered rhizome. For instance, specific color changes upon applying chemical tests such as nitrocellulose and sodium hydroxide were observed. These tests not only provided insight into the rhizome's chemical composition but also reinforced the significance of pharmacognostical profiling in validating the medicinal claims associated with this plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this pharmacognostical study of the rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn establishes foundational parameters critical for its identification and validation in herbal medicine. By detailing macro and microscopic characteristics, physical constants, and chemical profiles, the research contributes significantly to the understanding of this valuable plant. The findings underscore the potential of the rhizome in traditional medicine and its role as a food source, further encouraging the exploration of its therapeutic applications within pharmacognosy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the pharmacognostical profile of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn rhizome?
The pharmacognostical profile includes macro and microscopical characters, physical constants, chemical reactions of powdered rhizomes, fluorescence characteristics under UV light, and the presence of various chemical groups indicating its medicinal properties.
What are the macroscopic characteristics of the Nelumbo nucifera rhizome?
The rhizome typically measures 60-140 cm in length and 0.5-2.5 cm in diameter, exhibiting a yellowish white to yellowish brown color, smooth texture, and longitudinal striations with brown patches. Freshly cut rhizomes show cavities.
What chemical groups were identified in Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extracts?
Extracts of the rhizome were tested and found to contain alkaloids, reducing sugars, steroids, and saponins, indicating the rhizome's potential health benefits and applications in traditional medicine.
What methods were used in studying the rhizome's properties?
Methods included determining macroscopic and microscopic features, analyzing physical constants, conducting spot tests with various reagents, and observing fluorescence characteristics to aid in the identification of the rhizome.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical profile of rhizome of nelumbo nucifera gaertn”. 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 pharmacognostical studies, serving as a medium for extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials. In the context of Nelumbo nucifera, water extracts are essential for analyzing the mucilaginous and nutritive properties of its rhizome, facilitating assessments of its medicinal benefits and pharmacological activities.
2) Drug:
In pharmacognosy, a drug refers to any plant-derived substance with therapeutic potential. The rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera is regarded as a drug in traditional medicine systems due to its reported diuretic, collagogue, and anti-diabetic properties. Understanding its pharmacognostical profile aids in standardizing the use of this drug.
3) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical pertains to the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological properties of drugs obtained from natural sources. This includes macroscopic and microscopic characterization, extractive values, and the identification of phytochemicals, which are irrelevant to establishing quality control and therapeutic efficacy for plants like Nelumbo nucifera.
4) Nelumbo nucifera:
Nelumbo nucifera, known as the sacred lotus, is an aquatic perennial plant valued for its rhizome in various traditional medicine practices. Its pharmacognostical profile includes nutritional and therapeutic qualities. Analysis of its chemical constituents lends insights into potential health benefits and validates its usage as a medicinal plant.
5) Saha (Sāha, Shaha):
Saha refers to a contributor in the research team authoring the study on Nelumbo nucifera. Such collaborative efforts often highlight the interdisciplinary nature of pharmacognostic research, combining expertise in botany, pharmacology, and analytical chemistry to derive comprehensive insights into the medicinal properties of the rhizome and its therapeutic applications.
6) Sugar:
Sugar, specifically reducing sugar, is identified among the chemical constituents in plant extracts. In the context of Nelumbo nucifera, studying its sugar content is significant as it contributes to the nutritional value of the rhizome, and reducing sugars can indicate potential metabolic pathways and energy contributions from the plant.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In pharmacognosy, science provides the foundation for understanding the chemistry, biology, and pharmacology of natural products, guiding the evaluation and application of plants like Nelumbo nucifera in healthcare.
8) Mahendra (Māhendra, Mahemdra, Maha-indra):
Mahendra relates to a named author involved in the pharmacognostical study of Nelumbo nucifera, exemplifying the collaborative research that contributes to understanding the plant's medicinal properties. Recognition of individual contributions highlights the collective effort in advancing knowledge within the realm of traditional and modern pharmacognosy.
9) Medicine:
Medicine denotes the field concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. The study of Nelumbo nucifera rhizomes emphasizes their role in traditional medicine systems, showcasing how pharmacognostical research informs the development of natural remedies, validating their use and integrating them within modern medicinal practices.
10) Activity:
Activity, particularly in pharmacognosy, refers to the biological effects and therapeutic properties of extracted compounds. The study explores the anti-diabetic activity of Nelumbo nucifera, indicating its medicinal potential and prompting further investigation into the mechanisms by which these compounds exert beneficial effects on health and disease conditions.