Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS OF ORIGANUM MAJORANA LINN. STEM AND ROOT.

Prerna Singla *, Neeru vasudeva

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study and evaluate various pharmacognostical and quality control parameters of both stem and root part of Origanum majorana Linn (Family: Lamiaceae). Methods: Morphology, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, quantitative estimation and other standardisation parameters as per WHO guidelines. Results: Stems are reddish square in shape having descending, multi-branched branches with weak, hairy, round and green with red speckles all over it The stem specimen are usually 40-150 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 mm in diameter. The fracture is short, whereas roots are 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm in diameter, sub - cylindrical in shape and longitudinally wrinkled with transverse fissures. Fractures are long, irregular and fibrous. Rootlets and root scars are also present. Powder microscopy shows the presence of parenchyma, phloem fibres and xylem vessels in stem and parenchyma, phloem fibres and cork cells in roots. Phytochemical screening of both the parts reveals presence of terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins in ethanol extracts whereas saponins and carbohydrates are present in aqueous extract and their quantitative estimation is reported. Conclusion: The parameters reported in the present paper, may be helpful in authenticity and adds to the existing knowledge and would be useful for quality control of the plant.

Keywords: Origanum majorana, World Health Organization, Pharmacognostical standardisation.