Pharmacognostical standardization of amaranthus spinosus linn.root
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Pharmacognostical standardization of amaranthus spinosus linn.root
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Vd. Dhara Lakkad, Vd. Bharat Ramavat, Vd. Bhupesh Patel, Dr. Preeti Pandya, Prof. Shilpa B. Donga
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical standardization of amaranthus spinosus linn.root
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20204-17184
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the pharmacognostical standardization of the root of Amaranthus spinosus Linn, commonly referred to as spiny amaranth or pig weed, which is utilized in various tribal areas for medicinal purposes despite a lack of mention in classical texts. The plant is known to be effective against ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases, leucorrhoea, gonorrhea, leprosy, and menorrhagia. The aim of the research was to perform a detailed pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis of the plant's root, thus filling a gap in existing scientific literature.
Morphological Characteristics
The morphological evaluation of the root revealed significant characteristics that aid in its identification. The root is described as being cylindrical with a taproot system characterized by numerous wiry rootlets. Its size averages around 9 cm in length and 0.2 cm in diameter, exhibiting a creamish-white color with a smooth texture. The root has a sweetish aroma and a slightly bitter taste, which is consistent with its potential medicinal properties. These unique morphological traits are essential for distinguishing the root of Amaranthus spinosus from other plants.
Microscopic Structure
Microscopically, the transverse section (T.S.) of the root showcases a layered structure. It includes an outer cork layer made up of thin, brownish strips, followed by a wide cortex and a distinctive arrangement of vascular strands in the parenchymatous ground tissue. The vascular bundles contain both xylem and phloem, with deposits of sandy crystals prevalent throughout the cortical region. These microscopic features provide critical insights into the cellular composition of the root, which can be utilized for further identification and authentication in herbal medicine practices.
Histochemical Analysis
Histochemical tests conducted on the powdered form of the root highlighted the presence of significant compounds. When treated with phloroglucinol and concentrated hydrochloric acid, reactions indicated the presence of lignin and tannins, which are compounds associated with plant structure and potential therapeutic activities. The identification of these compounds contributes to an understanding of the pharmacological properties of Amaranthus spinosus and supports its traditional medicinal use.
Conclusion
The research confirmed that the drug examined was indeed Amaranthus spinosus Linn, characterized by its unique morphological and microscopic traits, which include axillary spines and specific cellular deposits. The findings establish a comprehensive profile of the species, which is crucial for accurate identification and authentication of this medicinal root. Moreover, this study contributes to the broader understanding of the plant's potential applications in herbal medicine and highlights the need for further pharmacognostical exploration.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Amaranthus spinosus commonly known as?
Amaranthus spinosus is commonly known as spiny amaranth or pigweed, a herbaceous plant used for various medicinal purposes.
What medicinal uses does Amaranthus spinosus have?
The root of Amaranthus spinosus is used in treating bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases, leucorrhoea, gonorrhea, leprosy, and menorrhagia.
What were the materials used for the study?
Fresh roots of Amaranthus spinosus were collected from Jamnagar, Gujarat, in July 2017 and were preserved for analysis.
What key morphological characteristics were observed?
The roots were described as creamish white with a cylindrical shape, smooth texture, and sweetish bitter taste, measuring 9cm by 0.2cm.
What did the microscopic analysis reveal?
Microscopic analysis revealed features such as cork layers, parenchymatous ground tissue, vascular bundles, and sandy crystal deposits throughout the cortex.
How does this study contribute to pharmacognosy?
This study provides essential pharmacognostical data for Amaranthus spinosus, aiding in its identification and potential standardization in medicinal practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical standardization of amaranthus spinosus linn.root”. 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) Gujarat:
Gujarat is a state in western India known for its rich biodiversity and usage of indigenous medicinal plants. The study of Amaranthus spinosus conducted in Gujarat highlights the importance of localized research on traditional medicine, reflecting the traditional practices and the availability of plants in the region's unique ecological setting.
2) Dhara:
Dhara Lakkad is the lead author of the study on Amaranthus spinosus. Her contributions reflect the significance of recognizing individual researchers in scientific literature, which helps in establishing credibility and fosters collaboration within the scientific community, particularly in pharmacognosy and traditional medicine research.
3) India:
India is home to a vast array of medicinal plants, many of which are utilized in traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda. The emphasis on plants such as Amaranthus spinosus within Indian folk medicine showcases the need for detailed pharmacognostical studies to authenticate and validate these traditional claims scientifically.
4) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical refers to the branch of pharmacology that studies the physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological properties of drugs from natural sources. This study on Amaranthus spinosus aims to establish a detailed pharmacognostical standardization, which is essential for drug identification, quality control, and therapeutic efficacy.
5) Disease:
Disease, as a broader category than diseases, encompasses various health issues, highlighting the significance of researching plants like Amaranthus spinosus that are proposed to alleviate specific health conditions, ranging from bronchitis to skin diseases in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda.
6) Powder:
Powder in this context refers to the powdered form of medicinal plants used for analysis. The study investigates the powder characteristics of Amaranthus spinosus, which helps in identifying the plant through its physical and chemical traits, thus connecting traditional uses with modern pharmacognostical approaches.
7) Observation:
Observation is a critical component of the research process, signifying the careful examination and documentation of plant characteristics. In the context of Amaranthus spinosus, meticulous observation leads to the identification and standardization of morphological and microscopic features for medicinal use.
8) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a field within Ayurveda that studies the properties and effects of medicinal substances. The relevance of Dravyaguna in the research of Amaranthus spinosus is pivotal, as it assists in understanding the plant’s therapeutic potential and provides insights into its application in Ayurvedic practices.
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that uses herbal preparations for health and wellness. This study on Amaranthus spinosus relies upon Ayurvedic principles, showcasing the need to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific research to promote evidence-based herbal medicine.
10) Teaching:
Teaching in the context of Ayurveda involves imparting knowledge about herbal medicine and its applications. The authors' affiliations with academic institutions emphasize the importance of education in promoting research and understanding of plants like Amaranthus spinosus in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic domains.
11) Bitter:
Bitter is a primary taste characteristic attributed to many medicinal plants, including Amaranthus spinosus. The bitterness often signals the presence of biochemical compounds that may have therapeutic effects, underscoring the significance of sensory evaluation in pharmacognostical studies of medicinal herbs.
12) Drug:
The term drug refers to substances used for therapeutic effects. In the study, Amaranthus spinosus is identified as a drug for various conditions, which necessitates rigorous pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis to validate its efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential.
13) Surrounding:
Surrounding conveys the ecological context where Amaranthus spinosus is found. The natural habitat influences the plant’s characteristics and biochemical compositions, emphasizing the need to collect plant samples from specific geographical regions for accurate pharmacognostical studies and effective application in medicine.
14) Collecting:
Collecting refers to the process of gathering plant materials for research. The careful collection of Amaranthus spinosus exemplifies the importance of proper techniques in preserving the authenticity and integrity of the samples used for conducting meaningful pharmacognostical evaluations.
15) Habitat:
Habitat describes the natural environment in which Amaranthus spinosus grows. Understanding the habitat is crucial for assessing the plant's availability, growth patterns, and management, which directly impacts the sustainability of herbal remedies derived from such species in traditional medicine.
16) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. The inclusion of Amaranthus spinosus for treating leprosy highlights the historical use of plant-based remedies in managing serious health conditions within traditional healthcare systems, warranting scientific investigation.
17) Surface:
Surface refers to the outer aspect or layers of the plant, which are critical in the macroscopic examination for quality control in pharmacognosy. The surface characteristics of Amaranthus spinosus roots contribute to identifying the plant and understanding its textural and sensory properties.
18) Study (Studying):
Study signifies the systematic investigation into the pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects of Amaranthus spinosus. It highlights the research's objective to authenticate traditional uses of the plant through rigorous scientific methodology, crucial for enhancing the credibility of herbal medicine.
19) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shree is an honorific prefix often used in Indian contexts, representing respect and esteem. The mention of Shree Swaminarayan Ayurvedic College underlines the institution's commitment to Ayurvedic education and research, aiming at advancing the knowledge and application of traditional health systems.
20) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical pertains to the natural bioactive compounds found in plants. The study's focus on phytochemical analysis of Amaranthus spinosus underscores the importance of identifying and understanding these compounds for their potential therapeutic effects, connecting traditional uses with modern pharmacology.
21) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to the systematic methods used to conduct research. This study exemplifies scientific approaches in validating the medicinal properties of Amaranthus spinosus, promoting the integration of empirical research with traditional knowledge in the field of herbal medicine.
22) Observing:
Observing entails carefully analyzing features of the plant at various levels, which is essential for accurate identification and characterization. The act of observing both physical and microscopic attributes of Amaranthus spinosus is foundational in pharmacognostical research.
23) Species:
Species identifies the specific classification of living organisms. In this study, Amaranthus spinosus is categorized as a unique species with distinct characteristics in the context of pharmacognosy. Understanding the species aids in the classification, identification, and study of medicinal plants.
24) Pandya (Pamdya, Pandyan):
Dr. Preeti Pandya, co-author of the study, signifies the collaboration and contributions of various professionals in pharmacognosy research. This emphasizes the importance of teamwork in scientific investigations, which can lead to more comprehensive studies and broader insights into medicinal plants.
25) Amara:
Amara means bitter in Sanskrit, and is part of the name Amaranthus spinosus. This bitterness often indicates the presence of therapeutic compounds, reinforcing the significance of language and nomenclature in understanding the medicinal properties and effects of plants.
26) Patel:
Vd. Bhupesh Patel is one of the co-authors of the research. His involvement in the pharmacognostical study reflects the collaborative nature of scientific investigations, where diverse expertise contributes to a more thorough exploration of herbal medicine and its applications.
27) Glass:
Glass in this context refers to the containers used for preserving collected plant samples. Using glass jars to store fresh roots ensures that the integrity of the samples is maintained, which is crucial for accurate analysis and subsequent research in pharmacognosy.
28) Table:
Table refers to a structured presentation of data used to summarize findings. The presence of a table in the study underscores the importance of organizing information clearly, enabling better understanding of histochemical tests and observations related to the pharmacognostical characteristics of Amaranthus spinosus.
29) Hand:
Hand relates to the manual techniques used in collecting and preparing samples for examination. Techniques like creating thin slices of the root help in microscopical analysis, showcasing the necessity of hands-on skills in pharmacognostical research to achieve accurate and reliable results.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pharmacognostical standardization of amaranthus spinosus linn.root’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Phytochemical analysis, Pharmacognostical standardization, Folk medicine, Organoleptic evaluation, Diagnostic character, Ayurvedic criteria, Pitted vessels, Morphological character, Histochemical test, Microscopical observation, Fresh roots.