Pharmacognostic profiles of Pithecellobium dulce leaves.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Studies on some Pharmacognostic profiles of Pithecell’obium dulce Benth. Leaves (Leguminosae)
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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M. Sugumaran, T. Vetrichelvan, D Venkapayya
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Studies on some Pharmacognostic profiles of Pithecell’obium dulce Benth. Leaves (Leguminosae)
Year: 2006
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Pithecellobium dulce Benth., commonly known as Vilayati babul in Hindi and Kodukkapuli in Tamil, is an evergreen spiny tree native to tropical America and cultivated in regions like India and the Andaman Islands. The plant is known for its medicinal properties; the bark has astringent and febrifuge qualities, while the leaves exhibit astringent, emollient, abortifacient, and antidiabetic effects. This study focuses on examining the pharmacognostic characteristics of the leaves of Pithecellobium dulce, including their macroscopical, physico-chemical, and phytochemical properties.
Phytochemical Analysis: Extraction and Characterization
The study conducted various tests to determine the extractive values and the phytochemical composition of Pithecellobium dulce leaves. The leaves underwent successive solvent extraction using petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, and water, revealing that the water extract had the highest yield of 18.58%, while chloroform showed the least at 1.72%. Additionally, a preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phytosterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins, while alkaloids and volatile oils were absent. The quantitative microscopic analysis provided valuable data on leaf constants such as stomatal number and index, which play a significant role in the identification and authentication of this plant in herbal applications.
Conclusion
The research on Pithecellobium dulce highlights essential pharmacognostical parameters that will aid in the identification and quality control of medicinal products derived from this plant. The findings related to physical constants, extractive values, and phytochemical screening establish a foundational reference for future studies and applications in herbal medicine. These pharmacognostic standards can effectively differentiate Pithecellobium dulce from other species, thereby enhancing its authenticity and usability in the herbal industry. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive analysis in the validation and integration of traditional herbal remedies into modern pharmaceutical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Pithecellobium dulce and where is it commonly found?
Pithecellobium dulce, commonly known as Vilayati babul, is an evergreen spiny tree native to tropical America. It is widely cultivated in India and the Andaman Islands.
What are the reported medicinal properties of Pithecellobium dulce leaves?
The leaves of Pithecellobium dulce are known for their astringent, emollient, abortifacient, and antidiabetic properties. They are used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
What methods were used to analyze the leaves of Pithecellobium dulce?
Various methods including macroscopic observation, ash values determination, extractive values assessment, fluorescence studies, and preliminary phytochemical screenings were employed to analyze the leaves of Pithecellobium dulce.
What key phytochemical constituents were identified in Pithecellobium dulce leaves?
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and phytosterols. Alkaloids were notably absent in the leaf extracts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostic profiles of Pithecellobium dulce 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 pharmacognostic studies, particularly when determining the extractive values of plant materials. In the research on Pithecellobium dulce Benth. leaves, water extract yielded the highest content of phytochemical compounds, indicating the presence of polar constituents that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties and overall efficacy.
2) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals refer to the bioactive compounds present in plants that have potential health benefits. In the context of Pithecellobium dulce, various phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins were identified. Understanding phytochemical profiles is essential for evaluating the therapeutic potential and medicinal uses of plant-based substances in traditional and modern medicine.
3) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical studies involve the evaluation of medicinal plants' physical, chemical, and biological properties to establish standards and quality control. The research on Pithecellobium dulce's leaves aimed to provide detailed pharmacognostical parameters, helping ensure the authenticity and safety of herbal products derived from this plant for future research and pharmaceutical applications.
4) Drug:
In the context of herbal medicine, a drug refers to any substance used for its therapeutic effects. The study of Pithecellobium dulce contributes to identifying and isolating potential drugs from its leaves, which have been reported to possess astringent, emollient, abortifacient, and antidiabetic properties, thereby supporting its inclusion in herbal formulations.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often linked to various diseases. The leaves of Pithecellobium dulce have been reported to exhibit properties beneficial in conditions involving inflammation. Understanding the role of such plants may offer insights into developing herbal remedies targeting inflammatory ailments, improving health outcomes through alternative therapies.
6) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study synthesizes findings and interprets their implications within the broader context of herbal medicine and pharmacognosy. It serves to highlight the significance of the results from the analysis of Pithecellobium dulce, facilitating a critical evaluation of the data, drawing comparisons with existing literature, and proposing future research directions.
7) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. In the study of Pithecellobium dulce leaves, the presence of flavonoids was identified, underscoring their potential role in contributing to the pharmacological effects of the plant. Their extraction is important for herbal product formulation and therapeutic applications.
8) Activity:
Activity in this context pertains to the biological effects or potency of phytochemicals present in plants. The research on Pithecellobium dulce explored various bioactive compound activities, aiming to validate traditional uses and support the medicinal properties of the leaves, thereby elucidating the significance of these compounds in traditional and modern pharmacotherapy.
9) Lakshmi (Lakṣmī):
Lakshmi refers to Thirumathi V. Lakshmi Bangaru Adigalar, Vice-President of Adhiparasakthi College of Pharmacy, who contributed to the support and facilitation of the research. Acknowledgments of individuals or authorities involved in research underscore the collaborative nature of scientific work, highlighting the importance of institutional support in conducting detailed pharmacognostic studies.
10) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard and efficacy of herbal products derived from plants. The study on Pithecellobium dulce was aimed at establishing quality control parameters through phytochemical analysis and pharmacognostical profiling, which ensures the reliability, safety, and therapeutic value of the herbal products used in traditional and alternative medicine.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The research conducted on Pithecellobium dulce embodies scientific methodologies to explore the pharmacognostic profile, contributing to a better understanding of plant resources in pharmacology and enriching the domain of traditional medicine.
12) Bitter:
Bitter tastes commonly indicate the presence of certain phytochemicals that may have therapeutic properties. The leaves of Pithecellobium dulce were noted to have a slightly bitter taste, which can be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. Studying taste profiles contributes to understanding potential pharmacological effects and consumer acceptance in herbal medicines.