Untitled

Abstract

Morinda citrifolia (L.) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae and commonly known as "Noni" in Tamil was highly distributed in South India. The aim of this research is to understand the concept and techniques of anatomical and histochemical localization of secondary metabolites in Morinda citrifolia (L.) as well as take part in the standardization of herbal medicine. Initially the morphological observations were determined by using simple microscope. The shape of leaf, fruit, odor and type of flower were determined. The present study investigated the leaf anatomical characterization of upper and lower epidermis of Noni plant and also characterized the petiole and lamina of leaf. Finally, this study also explained the histochemical localization of various primary and secondary metabolites of stem of Morinda citrifolia was carried out with the aim of contributing to its quality control in herbal industries. The results of this study could be useful for correct identification of the plant species and also for the determination of the authenticity of the drug in herbal industry.