Pharmacognostic evaluation of stem, leaves and roots of<i> Merremia</i> <i>tridentata</i> (L.) Hallier f.

Abstract

Pharmacognostic investigation of leaf, stem and root of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Merremia tridentata</i> (L.) Hallier. f. was carried out to determine its macromorphological, micromorphological, and chemomicromorphological profiles. The anatomy of the leaf reveals that collateral vascular bundles, paracytic type of stomata, peltate type of glandular trichomes and druses calcium oxalates are seen on the epidermis of the lamina. The stem shows the presence of bicollateral vascular cylinder, it consists of a few wide, circular or angular vessels and xylem fibres. The root shows the presence of secondary phloem which is not distinct from the cortex. The phloem rays are narrow and straight. Secondary xylem includes vessels, fibres and xylem rays. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPTLC analysis was done along with fluorescence characteristics, extractive values, quantitative estimation of ash values, acid insoluble ash, and water soluble ash which may serve as useful indices for the correct identification of the powdered drug. Calcium oxalate crystals are abundant in the leaf and roots. This observation would be immense value in the botanical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form. This study would be useful evidences for further investigations of this medicinal plant.