Pharmacognostic standardization of Xanthium spinosum L. through scanning electron microscopy and analytical techniques

Abstract

The present study was intended to evaluate the pharmacognostic attributes including macroscopy, microscopy, physico‐chemical and phytochemical screening of the aerial part of Xanthium spinosum, belonging to family Asteraceae. Morphologically, the leaf was covered with sparsely scattered non‐glandular, multicellular hair on adaxial surface, while abaxial surface was reported with dense silvery furs. Leaf showed lamphystomatic nature bearing anomocytic stomata. Various other leaf constant values like vein islets number, vein termination number and palisade cell ratio were also observed and recorded as 4.36 ± 0.5, 3.36 ± 0.5, and 11.82 ± 2.04, respectively. Cross section of the stem showed typical dicot anatomy differentiated into a single epidermal layer followed by few rows of collenchyma cells, thin‐walled parenchyma cells followed by closed and collateral vascular bundles having prephloemic sheaths and a central pith. Light and scanning electron microscopy of the powdered drug revealed a variety of tissues and cells fragments having different measurements. Fluorescence analysis of the fine powder treated with different reagents revealed a variety of colors implying as a sign for the presence of various biochemical constituents. Highest and lowest percent extractive value was found in methanol and distilled water which were 29.10% and 9.80%, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, and coumarins, while quantitative phytochemical screening detected maximum quantity of flavonoids in chloroform followed by methanol and ethyl acetate. The aforementioned studies have been reported first time for the said species, which may be helpful for the standardization of the current taxon.

Pharmacognostic characterization of Dicleptera chinensis by scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and analytical techniques

“…Pharmacognosy knowledge indicates a set of protocols to identify and evaluate crude drugs acquired from sources of nature primarily from plants (Shabana et al, 2022). Anatomy, macromorphology, and phytochemical analysis are mostly employed methods (Zafar et al, 2020).…”

Pharmacological Activities of Rhododendron afghanicum; an Endemic Species of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…Many civilizations have used nature, particularly plants, as a source of medicine and health care from the dawn of time. [3] These ancient herbs are still used today by many peoples, especially in poor and underdeveloped nations, for their basic medical requirements. [4] According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), herbal plants are still used for therapeutic purposes by 80 % of the world's population.…”

Chromatographic analysis and antioxidant potency of the crude extract of Xanthium spinosum in various fractions

“…In fact, phenolic compounds from plants, such as tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanin, phenolic acids and stilbenes, have long been employed as free radical scavengers or natural antioxidants with sustainable, safe and efficient sources (Nafees et al, 2020; Tajner‐Czopek et al, 2020). These phenolic compounds are primarily thought to enhance the antioxidant activity of herbal plants, significantly aiding in the battle against a number of physiological disorders like cardiovascular diseases, aging, diabetes, cancer and other degenerative effects (Nafees et al, 2022; Shabana et al, 2022).…”

“…the battle against a number of physiological disorders like cardiovascular diseases, aging, diabetes, cancer and other degenerative effects (Nafees et al, 2022;Shabana et al, 2022).…”