Identification and authentication of Agnimantha plant species used in Ayurveda on the basis of anatomical and molecular phylogenetic analysis

Agnimantha plant species have been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for many years and is widely used as an ingredient in many ayurvedic formulations. However, the source for Agnimantha remained controversial as it is difficult to authenticate from various reports. Hence, the present study aims to identify and authenticate its original and substitute sources. As per the literature sources Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f., C. inerme (L.) Gaertn. and Premna serratifolia L. are considered Agnimantha species. The anatomy of the above mentioned species confirmed the presence of patches of up to 20 cells in the sclerenchyma of the root cortex, while in the absence of sclerenchyma of the stem cortex, abundant chambered crystals were also present in the bark of the stem and root in C. phlomidis as compared to C. inerme and P. serratifolia. Phylogenetic analysis using chloroplast (matK, trnH-psbA) and nuclear markers (ITS, rbcl) also indicates the close relation between C. inerme and P. serratifolia and hence places them both in the same clade, though C. phlomidis is closely related to the other species but placed in the adjacent clade. Hence, the study concludes that anatomical as well as molecular phylogenetic analysis reflect close relation between C. inerme and P. serratifolia. while a distant relation with C. phlomidis

Role Of Kunapa Jala For The Overall Enhancement And Growth Of Prishnaparni

Vrikshayurveda is a traditional branch of botany that studies plant growth and development. This science mostly recommends using Kunapa jala and Pancha gavya to increase crop output. This idea is around using organic farming to grow plants effectively. Kunapajala, is an organic liquid manure that is a by-product of fermentation and serves as a source of plant nutrients, was stated by Vrikshayurveda. The two main forms of Kunapajala used in practises are herbal and non-herbal, and both are made in accordance with the steps outlined in Vrikshayurvedha. Given its significance, we designed a study to examine the contribution of the Vrikshayurvedha idea to the evolution of medicinal plants; Prishniparni. Present study evaluated role of Kunapajala in the growth and % yield of plant Prishniparni. This study observed that Kunapajala treatment provides best response with respect to root yield and soil physico-chemical parameters. The yield of plant improved quantitatively as well as qualitatively after the use of Kunapajala

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis of Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd.

The rhizome and fronds of Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd. has been reported to treat worm infestations, skin diseases, antifertility, diarrhoea and dysentery in Ayurveda. The present investigation involves the macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical evaluation and preliminary phytochemical studies of Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd. These observations will help in carrying out further research on this plant.Â

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Family: Myricaceae) commonly known as Jamun is a widely used medicinal plant in Ayurveda. In spite of its numerous medicinal attributes, no published work is available on pharmacognostic characterization, physicochemical analysis of its leaves. The measures taken for pharmacognostic characterization were macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening. The microscopic evaluation showed useful characters for the recognition of leaf of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels . Transverse section, showed presence of single layer of wavy epidermal cells with striated cuticle single layer Palisade beneath upper epidermis in lamina region (contains compact elongated cells), Spheraphide in lamina region, collenchyma below the upper epidermis and above the lower epidermis in midrib region, Xylem and phloem in center, Sclerenchyma in between vascular bundle and collenchyma in midrib region. Wavy epidermal cell in the upper epidermis, anisocytic stomata in the lower epidermis, Bordered pitted reticulate vessels, Calcium oxalate crystal sheath in the lamina, fragment of fibers and Spiral vessels were observed in powder microscopy. Physicochemical studies showed total ash (3.1%), acid insoluble ash (0.7%), alcohol soluble extractive values (10.96 %), and water-soluble extractive values (12.32 %). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sugar, lipid, Glycoside, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, tri-terpenoids and steroids. The study forms the first report on pharmacognostic characters and a physicochemical parameter which could be useful for identification and authentication of the plant

Impact of season on phytochemistry with special reference to β-Asarone content, extract yield and Pharmacognostic parameter in rhizome of Acorus calamus L.

Demand of medicinal plants is growing exponentially due to its extensive use in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The major problem is the variation in quality and quantity of phytoconstituents with the collection of medicinal plants in each batch. Though, the quality and quantity of phytoconstituents in plants are influenced by various factors, chief among them is seasonal variation. Rhizome of Acorus calamus L. is used in treatment of neurological disorder specially in children. The Ayurvedic system of medicine believes blends of constituent imparts therapeutic activities.  The main chemical constituent responsible for cognition enhancement is Asarone. An attempt has been taken to record change in Pharmacognostic parameter with season and evaluate the best collection time of rhizome of Acaorus calamus L. with special reference to extractive value and asarone content.