Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF BRACHYSTELMA NAOROJII

Seema Rajaram More* and Varsha Jadhav

ABSTRACT

Brachystelma naorojii P. Tetali, D. K. Kulk., S. Tetali & M. S. Kumbhojkar (Asclepiadaceae) is a slender, erect, perennial herb reaching upto 30-35 cm. in height with tuberous root stock. These species are commonly known as ‘Haman’ or ‘Hanuman batata’. Mainly the plant part tubers are used as drug and medicine by local people. The present study was carried out to investigate morphological, microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical screening of B. naorojii. Results reveal that the anisocytic and paracytic stomata are observed on both the leaf surfaces. The stomatal index of lower surface is (10.12±0.18) and upper surface is (7.12±0.14). Vein islet number is 5±1 and vein termination number is 10±2.51. Moisture content of the leaf and tuber were 94.17±0.15, 92.83±0.112%; dry matter 5.83±0.15, 7.17±0.112 %; and Ash value 7.8±1, 6±2% respectively. Powder microscopy shows the simple, uniseriate, multicellular, swollen at the base trichomes and prismatic calcium oxalates are present. The behaviour of powder and fluorescence analysis under UV light and visible light by treatment with different chemical reagents appeared distinct colour changes. The presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannin, coumarins, reducing sugars, xanthoprotein, glycosides and amino acids were confirmed with preliminary phytochemical screening. The present investigation will serve as standard reference for identification and distinguishing Brachystelma species from its substitute and adulterants.

Keywords: Brachystelma naorojii, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemical analysis.