Introduction: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta, two aroids used as a source of food possess various medicinal properties too. The present study is aimed at the macro microscopic comparison of these two species. Methods: The fresh rhizomes of the A. paeoniifolius and C. esculenta were collected from Mettur and market respectively. Detailed macroscopy followed by anatomy and powder characters were studied in accordance to standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: The two rhizomes differed morphologically; A. paeoniifolius is larger and blackish brown externally while C. esculenta is lighter in colour with concentric rings of leaf scars. The rhizome transverse section also showed difference in number of cork layers (less in A. paeoniifolius). The inner cork cells contained rosette crystals in A. paeoniifolius (absent in C. esculenta). Raphide bundles of acicular crystals are present in A. paeoniifolius (prismatic crystals in C. esculenta). Starch grains both simple and compound were present in both species but the grains in C. esculenta were comparatively smaller when compared to A. paeoniifolius. Mucilage cells are seen in both rhizomes while latex tube was visible only in A. paeoniifolius. These differences were reflected in the powder microscopy of the two species. Conclusion: The outcomes of the paper provides a crisp and concise information about the detailed macro-microscopy of the two aroid medicinal plant materials.

Introduction: Different parts of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre shows valuable pharmacological activities. The flowers are used as major ingredient of Pongam poo choornnam, a siddha formulation used for reducing the constant rise of body temperature due to veneral diseases. This study is a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of the macro and microscopic characteristics to authenticate P. pinnata flowers. Methods: The flowers were collected from Siddha medical college campus Arumbakkam and detailed pharmacognostic study employing morphological, anatomical, quantitative and powder microscopy was performed following standard procedures to assess authenticity of P. pinnata flowers. Result: The detailed microscopy of flower showed the presence of mesophyll cells and vascular bundles on the floral parts; quantitative microscopy revealed the dense distribution of trichomes on both surfaces of calyx and corolla, the epidermal number, trichome number, vein islet and vein termination number were also recorded; powder microscopy showed the presence of characters like epidermal cells, trichomes, parenchyma cells, vessels, fibres and pollen grains. Conclusion: This work will serve as an informative record of macro-microscopic features of this valuable floral drug.

Introduction: Trichosanthus tricuspidata Lour. is used in various traditional system of medicine all over the world. Though highly traded medicinal plant it is little explored material of medicinal importance. Savuri pazham is used in Siddha medicine for sinusitis, headache and body pain. The present study was taken up to evaluate the macro-microscopic characterization for the authentication of dried fruit rind of T. tricuspidata. Methods: Fruits were collected from Mettur, Tamil Nadu; fruits were cut into halves and dried under shade. The macroscopic and microscopic details including the powder were studied following standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Macroscopically fruit is glabrous, smooth, ovoid to fusiform indehiscent berry with many ellipsoid to angular seeds. Microscopically, transverse section of the fruit pericarp showed epicarp, mesocarp with sclerids and parenchymatous cells which is traversed by vascular bundle and randomly distributed resin canal cells; seed showed outer teta, middle testa and inner testa followed by endosperm, pigment layer and cotyledon. Microscopy of powder of fruit pericarp showed the presence of thick walled polygonal cells of the epicarp; fragment of vascular bundle with spiral, annular and pitted vessels; group of polygonal to rounded sclereids of various sizes and shapes; powder of seed showed groups of elongated sclereids from outer testa; pitted sclereids of the mesotesta; thick walled cells of the endosperm with oil drops; and scattered simple starch grains. Conclusion: The atlas will be useful in the identification for standardization and quality control of fruit rind of T. tricuspidata.

Introduction: Capparis zeylanica L. (Ātontai) commonly referred as the Rasayana drug in traditional system of medicine is also used ethnomedicinally as a therapeutic agent. for variety of diseases throughout India. The present study was taken up to evaluate the macromicroscopic characterization for the authentication of leaves of Capparis zeylanica. Methods: Dried leaves were collected from Mettur, Tamil Nadu. The macroscopic and microscopic details including powder were studied following the standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Macroscopically leaves are pubescent with petiole containing small stipular spines. Microscopically, transverse section of the petiole consists of parenchyma, ceratenchyma and vascular bundles; midrib comprises of parenchyma, collenchyma and vascular bundles and lamina contains epidermis, differentiated mesophyll cells and embedded vascular bundles. Quantitative Microscopy was carried out and the epidermal number, stomatal number, stomatal index, vein islet number, vein islet ratio, palisade ratio were recorded. Powder microscopy of leaves showed the presence of wavy epidermal cells, stellate trichomes, parenchyma, groups of thick walled fibres, tracheids, spiral vessels and numerous stone cells. Conclusion: The study provides concise information on the pharmacognosy of Capparis zeylanica L.

Background: Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon or Tejpatra ) is a well‑known spice with immense medicinal properties. Its adulteration with leaf and bark of other species belonging to genus Cinnamomum is found to be a common practice in India. Aims: Cinnamomum sulphuratum is used as a substitute of C . verum owing to its apparent macroscopic similarities. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of C . verum and C. sulphuratum growing in South India were collected and studied to establish their macro–microscopic identity with pharmacognostical perspective . Results: Detailed microscopic evaluation by transverse section, maceration, and powder microscopy was conducted to delineate the two species. Detailed macroscopic identification served the purpose of identification of the entire drug on the spot, and microscopy has helped in the identification of fragmented and powdered form of the drugs. Conclusion: Further chemical and biological studies may be necessary to confirm whether these leaves can be used as a substitute or adulterant for other species Cinnamon .