STM Article Repository

Aims: Aristolochia indica L. has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It is widely used as an antidote for snakebite, treatment of wounds, arthritis and skin diseases. To ensure its quality, safety, and efficacy, comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations are essential. The present study focuses on the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of stem and leaves of Aristolochia indica.

Study Design: The freshly collected plant materials were used for the microscopic evaluations. The leaves and stems were dried and powdered separately for powder analysis, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical screening.

Place and Duration of Study: The leaves and stem materials of A. indica were collected from Pandalam, Pathanamthitta Dist., Kerala (Latitude 9,2034089, Longitude76,7121783). The work was carried out in the Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

Methodology: Quantitative microscopic observations such as palisade ratio, stomatal index and number of vein islets were recorded. Powder evaluation included analyses such as organoleptic characteristics, powder behaviour with various chemical reagents and fluorescence analysis of leaf and stem powder.

Results: The stomatal index of abaxial side was found to be 26.8±0.43 and the vein islet number was 7.0±0.8. In distilled water, the stem and leaf powders were middle brown and dark brown. Optical activity of stem and leaf extracts with different reagents under visible and UV light was recorded. Powder analysis of leaf often showed a green hue under visible and UV light. In distilled water, the stem and leaf extracts were dark brown. Phytochemical analysis of the stem extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides. Apart from stem, the leaf extract contained cardiac glycosides and saponins.

Conclusion: The present study will be helpful in authenticating the plant material of Aristolochia indica in its crude form.