Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Aconitum heterophyllum Root

Abstract

The present work aims to study the pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of the roots of Aconitum heterophyllum. The study deals with the macroscopy, microscopy, powder analysis, physicochemical standardization, and preliminary phytochemical screening of Aconitum heterophyllum roots. Anatomical studies of the tuberous roots of Aconitum heterophyllum showed distinct endodermis, a wide zone of secondary phloem, and a ring of 4 to 9 vascular strands. The powder analysis revealed the presence of suberized cells of metaderm, reticulate xylem vessels, and starch grains. Physicochemical standardization such as moisture content, ash values, and extractive values of Aconitum heterophylluym was determined. For the identification of various chemical constituents, preliminary phytochemical screening was also studied.

Investigations on the morpho‐anatomy and histochemistry of Aconitum napellus L.

“…The species also showed thicker layers of the endodermis and pericycle (St anescu et al, 2009). Compounds containing lignin and starch grains have been described in the root of A. heterophyllum (Mathew et al, 2021), which were also reported in the present study, as previously mentioned.…”

“…The arrangement of the vascular system differs between the species A. degenii , A. heterophyllum and Aconitum heterophylloides (Brühl) Stapf (syn. of Aconitum laciniatum (Brühl) Stapf (Jamtsho et al, 2022; Mathew et al, 2021; Stănescu et al, 2009), as seen in Table 1. The species also showed thicker layers of the endodermis and pericycle (Stănescu et al, 2009).…”

“…Aconitum napellus also reacts positively with Sudan III, showing lipophilic compounds in cuticles (cutin) of the leaves (lamina, midrib and petiole) (Figure 4e) and the endodermis with suberized walls (suberin) in the root (Figure 4f). Aconitum heterophyllum sclerenchyma elements reacted positively with phloroglucinol/HCl, and its starch grains reacted with iodine solution (Mathew et al, 2021; Zafar et al, 2019).…”

“…Larger granules have a stellate or linear hilum. The shape of the root differs for the species Aconitum degenii Gáyer, which presented a wavy outline in cross‐section and is similar to Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle (Mathew et al, 2021). The arrangement of the vascular system differs between the species A. degenii , A. heterophyllum and Aconitum heterophylloides (Brühl) Stapf (syn.…”

“…In A. degeniii , Aconitum firmum Rchb. and A. heterophylloides , only anomocytic stomata were observed (Mathew et al, 2021; Novikoff & Mitka, 2015; Stănescu et al, 2009). In front view, the anticlinal walls of the epidermal cells are wavy on both sides (Figure 2g,h).…”