Leaf structural characteristics of important medicinal plants.
Santhan P.
Author Affiliation: Pharmacognosy Dept, Research and Development Centre, Natural Remedies Private Limited, Bangalore, India.
International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy (IJRAP) 5 : 673-679
Abstract : The aim of this study was to provide key distinguishing leaf microscopic features of important medicinal leaves. Epidernal peels, transverse section of leaves were taken and were stained using safranin and fast green, permanent slides were prepared. The structures was studied using compound microscope, Photography of images were saved. 32 leafy drugs belong to 22 families were studied for their pharmacognostic features and their key features were tabulated. Among these 6 drugs were also consumed as food. Prominent macroscopic and microscopic characters were presented. 16 epidermal peel images were shown in the plates. 5 species showed compound leaves. 17 species were herbs, 3 were shrubs 6 were climbers and 6 were trees. 4 were hydrophytes. Anamocytic stomata was found in 12 species, Paracytic type was found in 8 species, diacytic stomata was found in 6 species, anisocytic stomata was found in 5 species. Cystolith crystals observed in 14 species. The leaves were glabrous in 20 species. Some leaves were having unique structure e.g. Stomata and resin canals of Aegle marmelos, Stomata. epidermal cells and venation of Cinnamomum tamala, two layered epidermal cells of Lagerstroemia speciosa and larger guard cells of Mangifera indica. In case of Indigofera tinctoria and Tephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae members) single colorless cell layer separates palisade and spongy tissue. Trichome structure shows so much diversity in the leaves which are often important tool for the identification of the drug when it is in powder form.