Characterisation of indigenous plants for herbal formulations preparation based on pharmacognostic and physiochemical data

Abstract

The use of plant-based drugs has increased considerably in the modern world for their efficiency in managing diseases with lesser side effects than synthetic drugs. The current study was aimed to confirm the identity, quality and purity of some locally available potential medicinal plants such as Alstonia scholaris (bark), Centella asiatica (whole plant), Drymaria cordata (whole plant), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Oroxylum indicum (bark), Senna hirsuta (leaf), Senna occidentalis (leaf), Solanum indicum (root), Stephania japonica (tuber) in powdered form. The powdered plant parts were evaluated for preliminary phytochemicals, pharmacognostical studies, physical characteristics and heavy metals. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts inferred the existence of carbohydrates, phenolics, alkaloids and amino acids while triterpenoids were absent. Microscopical study of the powder revealed the diagnostic qualities such as stone cells, trichomes, stomata, calcium oxalate crystal, fibres, xylem vessel, pitted spiral vessels, etc. The colour, odour, flavour/taste and texture of the pulverized plant were overall acceptable. The physical characteristics which determine the flow rate of the powder with respect to Carr’s index and Hausner’s ratio were found to be good to passable except for Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Oroxylum indicum (bark), which were not easily passable. The heavy metal test showed the absence of bismuth, cadmium and lead. Thus the present study may serve as a standard reference for the quality control analysis of the herbal drug either singly or in synergy.

Exploring the properties of Garcinia indica Linn rind powder and its possible usage in food industry

“…Carr Index and Hausner Ratio (HR) are metrics utilised to evaluate the flow characteristics of a powder, as described by Mochahary et al . (2022). The Carr Index (CI) is determined by dividing the difference between the tapped density and bulk density by the tapped density.…”

Ethnobotanical survey and preliminary phytochemical screening of Posa kumura: an uncharted ethnic food of Assam

“…The solution was then filtered using Whatman filter paper and stored in an airtight container for further use at 4°C until subjected to qualitative assessment for preliminary phytochemicals. The different standard protocols of Brahma et al (2022), Goyal et al (2010), Shaikh & Patil (2020), Trease & Evans (1978), Mochahary et al (2022) were used to detect the presence or absence of the various phytochemical constituents (Table 1).…”

In vitro studies on quality assessment and ethnobotany of Acampe rigida (Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) P.F.Hunt encountered in Ultapani Forest Range, Assam

“…The powdered orchid leaf was mounted in water and safranin on clean slides and observed under microscope for various characteristics in fragmented form using binocular microscope (LaboMed vision 2000) (13,14).…”