Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni-Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.

Abstract

Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug  extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The plant and the therapeutical  potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature. Pharmacognosy is the  study of crude drugs of plant and animal origin based on macroscopic and  microscopic examination for the authentication and quality control. In present  study, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of root, was performed. Powder  macroscopy as well as microscopy of powder of the drug was conducted.  Assessment of colour, texture, odour and taste of powder were done in powder  macroscopy. The macroscopic features of root, such as size, shape, external  characters, type of fracture, colour, odour and taste were analysed. In microscopic evaluation of root, the different types of cells, their arrangement and cell contents  were observed. The presence of cell constituents like prismatic calcium oxalate  crystals, starch grain, stone cells, cork cells and fibres etc in the powder was  observed using powder microscopy.