PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON ROOTS OF AERVA JAVANICA

Abstract

The indigenous plant which is selected in the present study was Aerva javanica belonging to family Amaranthaceae. A. javanica roots and flowers are reported to possess medicinal properties against rheumatism and kidney problems. A. javanica is used as Pasanabheda means one which breaks the kidney stone and in Gujarati it is commonly known as Patharphod. To establish pharmacognostical and phytochemical quality control parameters of root of A. javanica. Pharmacognostical evaluation including examination of morphological and microscopical characters, determination of quality control parameters such as ash values, extractive values, moisture content and foreign matter were carried out. Phytochemical screening including qualitative chemical examinations was also carried out. Hence, the present attempt was undertaken to investigate the pharmacognostical studies of A. javanica root. The study revealed the presence of cork, indistinct phellogen, 6 to 7 layer of phelloderm present in the periderm region with secondary structures of stellar region in the root of the A. javanica. In the crude powder structures mainly observed were cork, fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, vessels with bordered pits and ray cells. Phytochemical screening of root of A. javanica showed the presence of phytoconstituents like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, etc. The morphological, physicochemical and histological study to establish the authenticity of A. javanica root and can help to identify the plant from its other species.