Pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of Corchorus aestuans leaves.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of corchorus aestuans linn.
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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Dr. Rashmika C. Patel, Ms. Geetika S. Sharma and Maniratna Nareda
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of corchorus aestuans linn.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20214-20141
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study investigates the pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical properties of the leaves of Corchorus aestuans Linn, a small annual herb belonging to the Tiliaceae family. Commonly known as chunch, this plant is found in various regions, including the hotter parts of the Subcontinent, Indo-China, Australia, and parts of Tropical Africa. The plant is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, which include treating gonorrhea, urinary discharge, and malaria, along with claims of anticancer and other therapeutic effects. The research aims to fill a gap in the pharmacognostic and phytochemical understanding of this often overlooked species.
Phytochemical Evaluation and Extraction Techniques
A notable aspect of the study was the phytochemical evaluation of the leaves, which involved successive solvent extraction using petroleum ether, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Each extract underwent qualitative tests to identify the presence of various phytoconstituents, such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins, among others. Results indicated that the water extract contained the highest percentage yield (8.54%), suggesting a substantial amount of bioactive compounds that might contribute to the plant's medicinal properties. This analysis underscores the importance of solvent selection for effective extraction of phytochemicals.
Morphological and Microscopical Studies
The research detailed the morphological and microscopic examination of the leaves, finding characteristic features such as costate and hairy to almost glabrous leaves. The microscopic analysis revealed significant structural components including trichomes, collenchyma cells, and vascular bundles that play essential roles in the plant's physiological functions. These structural observations are key for identifying Corchorus aestuans and corroborate its classification within the Tiliaceae family. Moreover, the morphological features offer insights into the plant’s adaptation mechanisms and potential utility in botanical studies.
Physicochemical Characterization
The study also focused on the physicochemical parameters of the leaves, such as ash values, moisture content, and extractive values. These metrics are critical for determining the quality and purity of the crude drug, and the findings indicated a high moisture content of 82.65% and total ash content of 13.80%. Such values serve as benchmarks for standardization and quality control in herbal medicine and will assist in authenticating the plant material for further pharmacological investigations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations of Corchorus aestuans provide valuable information for its identification, standardization, and utilization in traditional medicine. The findings not only contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding this under-explored herb but also lay the groundwork for future research into its pharmacological potential based on its phytochemical profile. Continued exploration of this plant could uncover further therapeutic applications and enhance understanding of its benefits.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Corchorus aestuans leaves in traditional medicine?
The leaves of Corchorus aestuans are traditionally used to treat conditions such as gonorrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. They are believed to possess various medicinal properties, including anticancer and antipyretic effects.
What methods were used for pharmacognostic studies of Corchorus aestuans?
Pharmacognostic studies included organoleptic, microscopic, and physicochemical evaluations, alongside assessments of moisture content, ash value, and extractive value to establish standards for the plant material.
What types of phytochemical constituents were identified in Corchorus aestuans?
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds among the various extracts of Corchorus aestuans leaves.
What unique morphological features characterize Corchorus aestuans leaves?
The leaves of Corchorus aestuans are lanceolate to ovate, ranging from 2-9.5 cm long, with serrate margins and an acute apex. They exhibit 3-5 costate structures, giving them a unique appearance.
What physicochemical parameters were measured for Corchorus aestuans?
The physicochemical parameters included total ash, moisture content, acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values. For instance, the moisture content was found to be 82.65% in the leaves.
How can the findings benefit future research on Corchorus aestuans?
The established morphological and physicochemical standards for Corchorus aestuans will assist in its botanical identification and can guide future studies exploring its pharmacological and phytochemical potentials.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of Corchorus aestuans leaves.”. 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 described in the article, providing a medium for dissolving various phytoconstituents present in the leaves of Corchorus aestuans. It is used to evaluate the water-soluble extractive values, which are essential indicators of the plant's chemical composition and potential therapeutic properties.
2) Patel:
Patel refers to Dr. Rashmika C. Patel, a prominent author of the study, who is a professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy. Her expertise in pharmacognosy and the study's focus on the leaves of Corchorus aestuans contribute to understanding the plant's medicinal and biochemical significance in pharmacological applications.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds extracted from the leaves of Corchorus aestuans using various solvents. The study aims to identify these phytochemicals, which play significant roles in the therapeutic properties of plants, making their evaluation crucial for developing new medicines derived from natural sources.
4) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data within the study, which summarizes results such as physicochemical parameters and phytochemical constituents of Corchorus aestuans. Tables facilitate clear representation of findings, allowing readers to quickly interpret and assess critical data relevant to pharmacognosy and medicinal research.
5) Surface:
Surfaces important to the leaf structure analysis were observed in the context of the study. Examination of surfaces helps in identifying stomatal distribution and trichome density, which are indicative of a plant's physiological mechanisms and adaptation strategies, impacting its medicinal efficacy.
6) India:
India is the geographical context of the study, where Corchorus aestuans is found. The country hosts diverse flora, including medicinal plants, making it significant for pharmacognostic investigations. Understanding local species contributes to traditional medicine and highlights the importance of biodiversity in health and wellness.
7) Gujarat:
Gujarat is the Indian state where the research was conducted, particularly in the Kheda district. The local flora, including Corchorus aestuans, reflects the region's plant diversity, which is crucial for sustainable use in traditional healing practices and potential contributions to modern pharmaceuticals.
8) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation detailed in the text aimed at pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of Corchorus aestuans. It outlines methodologies and analyses necessary for identifying the plant's medicinal properties, contributing to our understanding of therapeutic agents derived from natural sources.
9) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical relates to the scientific study of medicines derived from natural sources, specifically focusing on the identification and evaluation of Corchorus aestuans. This study provides insights into the plant's morphological, microscopical, and physicochemical characteristics, establishing standards for quality control and authenticity in herbal medicine.
10) Powder:
Powder refers to the processed form of dried leaves used in the study to analyze microscopic characteristics and phytochemical constituents. The powdered form enhances extraction efficiency and enables better observation of unique identifiers, contributing to the characterization and standardization of herbal materials.
11) Drug:
Drug in this context refers to the active compounds derived from Corchorus aestuans used for therapeutic purposes. The research emphasizes the importance of assessing the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of potential drugs from natural sources, aiming to contribute to the development of safe and effective medications.
12) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of the interactions between the phytochemical constituents of Corchorus aestuans and biological systems. The investigation aims to explore the therapeutic potential of the plant, informing future research on its efficacy for treating various ailments and its implications in modern medicine.
13) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a type of phytochemical identified in the extracts of Corchorus aestuans, known for its antioxidant and therapeutic properties. The presence of flavonoids adds to the plant’s pharmacological potential, indicating its utility in traditional medicine and further studies for health applications.
14) Observation:
Observation refers to the meticulous analysis performed during the study, including morphological, microscopical, and physicochemical assessments of the leaves. Careful observation is critical for accurate scientific conclusions, establishing criteria for identifying the plant and understanding its potential applications in herbal medicine.
15) Discussion:
Discussion is a crucial part of scientific research, where the authors interpret their findings in the context of existing literature. This section evaluates the significance of the results from the pharmacognostic and phytochemical analyses of Corchorus aestuans, highlighting its potential as a medicinal plant.
16) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, a neighboring state of Gujarat, is noted for its diverse flora similar to that of Gujarat. The reference to Rajasthan implies the broader geographical context in which Corchorus aestuans may be found, enhancing the understanding of its distribution and medicinal use in the region.
17) Udaipur (Udaypur):
Udaipur, a city in Rajasthan, is relevant as it is home to B.N. University, where one of the researchers is a PhD scholar. This connection emphasizes the academic collaboration and research opportunities for studying locally significant plants like Corchorus aestuans within Indian universities.
18) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard of the pharmacognosy and phytochemistry studies conducted on Corchorus aestuans. Establishing quality parameters ensures the authenticity and efficacy of herbal drugs, making it essential for regulatory compliance and safeguarding consumer health in the herbal medicine industry.
19) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of natural phenomena, which in this context applies to the rigorous investigation of Corchorus aestuans. The scientific approach ensures methodologies used in the study are based on repeatable experiments, leading to reliable findings that contribute to herbal pharmacology.
20) Family:
Family in a botanical context refers to the taxonomic classification of Corchorus aestuans, which belongs to the Tiliaceae family. This classification is significant for understanding the plant's relationships with other species and the characteristics shared among members of the same family in terms of medicinal uses.
21) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to Ms. Geetika S. Sharma, an associate author of the study, highlighting her contribution to the research in pharmacognosy. The collaboration among authors showcases a multi-disciplinary approach to studying the medicinal properties and applications of plants, enhancing the quality of the research findings.
22) Purity:
Purity relates to the quality verification of the samples of Corchorus aestuans in the study, involving physicochemical assessments such as ash and extractive values. Establishing purity ensures that the samples meet necessary standards, critical for their safe use in medicinal preparations, impacting therapeutic efficacy.
23) Medium:
Medium refers to the substances, such as solvents, used in the extraction process of phytochemicals in the study. The choice of a medium affects the extraction efficiency and the types of constituents obtained, which are vital for comprehensive analysis and understanding of the plant's pharmacological potential.
24) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is relevant as the research involves pharmacognostic evaluations of Corchorus aestuans. Understanding botanical characteristics helps in identifying species and assessing their medicinal properties, linking traditional herbal practices with scientific inquiry in plant pharmacology.
25) Field:
Field in this context implies both the ecological setting where Corchorus aestuans is found and the broader field of study. The interdisciplinary nature of the research integrates ecological, botanical, and pharmacological perspectives, critical for understanding plant-based medicines and their applications.
26) Kheda:
Kheda is the district in Gujarat where the study was conducted, marking a specific geographical location that influences the availability and characteristics of Corchorus aestuans. This locality provides context for the research, emphasizing the significance of regional biodiversity and traditional uses of plants.
27) Glass:
Glass is mentioned in the context of microscopy, where glass slides are used to mount plant samples for analysis. The clarity of glass instruments is crucial for accurate observations in microscopic studies, leading to valid conclusions about the morphological and anatomical features of plants.
28) Cina:
China is significant in the context of global botanical and medicinal research, as it is one of the regions where related species may be studied. Comparisons with Chinese traditional medicine practices highlight the importance of shared medicinal knowledge and the global significance of natural resources.
29) Wall:
Wall, in this scientific narrative, often pertains to cellular structures in plant biology, particularly the cell wall. Studying cell walls in the context of Corchorus aestuans aids in understanding its structural properties, which can impact its phytochemical profile and pharmacological effects.
30) Rice (Rce):
Rice refers to the agricultural context in which Corchorus aestuans is commonly found, influencing its traditional uses in local cultures. The connection between rice fields and the plant signifies how agricultural practices can promote biodiversity and provide medicinal resources for communities relying on herbal treatments.
31) Hand:
Hand refers to the manual techniques employed in preparing plant samples for analysis, particularly in making a thin hand section for microscopic examination. This labor-intensive process emphasizes the importance of careful preparation in achieving accurate observations and results in pharmacognostic studies.
32) Oil:
Oils can refer to the lipid-based constituents that may be present in the phytochemical composition of Corchorus aestuans. The extraction of oils enhances the understanding of the plant's therapeutic potential, as many oils possess distinct pharmacological properties made relevant for various medicinal applications.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of Corchorus aestuans leaves.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Morphological features, Plant material, Phytochemical screening, Thin Layer Chromatography, Local area, Pharmacognostic studies, Antipyretic effect, Qualitative test, Preliminary phytochemical evaluation, Quantitative microscopy, Microscopic studies, Leaf decoction, Physicochemical Parameter, Pharmacological Potential, Extraction technique, Anticancer action, Microscopical character.