Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF COMMELINA BENGHALENSIS Linn. LEAVES

Iyappan A.*, Viswa R. K., Sutheesh R., Aswin wells N. S. and Abilash J. S.

ABSTRACT

Commelina benghalensis Linn commonly known as Benghal dayflower, belongs to the family Commelinaceae. It is widely used for the treatment of wounds and skin diseases.The current study was aimed on the evaluation of Pharmacognostical studies such as macroscopy, microscopy and physiochemical studies (Loss on drying, Extractive value, Ash value) of Commelina benghalensis Linn Leaves. Morphological, Transverse section and powder microscopical characters of Commelina benghalensis Linn Leaves were studied. The physiochemical parameter on Loss on drying, Extractive value and Ash value were studied as per WHO Guidelines We found out that the macroscopical studies of Commelina benghalensis.L revealed the outer surface showed dull green and the inner surface showed pale green with mucilaginous taste and odourless. The leaves are simple, ovate shape with acute apex, unequal base with stipules. The leaves are entire margin, parallel venation with alternate arrangement, surface
sheathing. The leaves are of 2.8-7.6 cm in length and 1.9-3.1 cm width and its petiole length 0.8-2.3 cm furthermore microscopical studies of Commelina benghalensis.L revealed the Presence of Hexacytic type of stomata and bicellular hooked Non Glandular Trichomes. Transverse section of leaves shows the presence of Upper epidermis, mesophyll, palisade tissue, xylem, phloem and lower epidermis. Powder microscopical studies shows the presence of Raphides, epidermal cells, palisade cells and spiral vessels. Physio–chemical constants of Commelina benghalensis L. (Leaf – crude powder) was found to be, Loss on drying (0.78 ± 0.11% w/w), The powder also exhibits Petroleum ether extractive value (0.6 ± 0.12% w/w), Ethyl acetate extractive values (1.6 ± 0.12% w/w), Chloroform extractive value (1.7 ± 0.07% w/w), Methanol extractive values (4.4 ± 1.29% w/w), Aqueous extractive values (12.13 ± 1.30% w/w), Total ash value (16 % w/w), Water soluble ash value (10.5 % w/w), Acid insoluble ash value (1.17 %w/w) our findings suggest that Commelina benghalensis L has a promising ethnobotanical value for future research.

Keywords: Commelina benghalensis L., Macroscopy, Microscopy, Physiochemical.