Abstract

COMPARATIVE POWDER MICROSCOPY OF FRUITS OF BRUHATA GOKSHURA (PEDALIUM MUREX LINN.) AND LAGHU GOKSHURA (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN.)

Dr. Raju Zinzala*, Dr. Dharmendra Jani and Isha Adhyaru

ABSTRACT

Background: In Ayurveda Bruhata Gokshura (Pedalium murex Linn.) and Laghu Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) both are well known plants. Presently fruits of both are used as substitute of each other. But it may not use as substitute of each other that is why in the present paper comparison of the both fruit powders have been done for justifying microscopic characters. Material & Method: Powder microscopy of Bruhata Gokshura (Pedalium murex Linn.) and Laghu Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) fruits has been carried out. Slides were prepared using required reagents and observed under the microscope. Observation & Result: Powder microscopy of Bruhata Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Pedalium murex Linn.) shows glandular trichomes, Epicarp with stomata, Vascular strands etc. and Powder microscopy of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.) shows group of scleroids from endocarp, Thick and thin-walled fibers, Fragment of endosperm, Spiral vessel from vascular strand etc. Discussion and Conclusion: Structures like glandular trichomes with unicellular stalk and unicellular and multicellular head, Epicarp of calyx containing colouring material, vascular strands are typically present in powder of Bruhata Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Pedalium murex Linn.) and structures like Thick and thin-walled fibers, Spiral vessel from vascular strand, prismatic and rosette crystals are typically present in powder of Laghu Gokshura Phala (Fruit of Tribulus terrestris Linn.). Some common microscopic characters like Sclereids of mesocarp, Sclereids of testa in surface view, Endosperm cells with oil globules etc. are seen in both of the fruit powders.

Keywords: Powder microscopy, Pedalium murex Linn., Tribulus terrestris Linn.