Article: PHARMACOGNOSY OF LEAF, STEM AND ROOT OF JUSTICIA BETONICA LINN

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.100111

Pages: 44-48

Author: Jollykutty Eapen *, Ansary. P.Y., A. Shahul Hameed, V.C. Indulekha, A.R. Resny

Abstract: Introduction: Justicia betonica Linn. is an important medicinal plant  belonging to family Acanthaceae. It is used for remedy for  various fevers, stomach paindiarrhoea, inflammation and swelling.It has external wound healing and ulcer healing property. The plant possess many therapeutic uses such as  analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti malarial and anti microbial properties. Objectives: The present work has been designed to describe the Pharmacognostic characters  of the leaves, stem, and root of Justicia betonica Linn.Materials and methods: Macroscopic, microscopic evaluation of  the stem, root and leaves of Justicia betonica Linn.and powder analysis,  fluorescence standards of the leaf  of  Justicia betonica Linn.were carried out. Results : Histological features  revealed the characteristics of a typical dicot plant. The leaves had reticulate  venation with prominent midrib, polygonal areoles, low palisade ratio and  diacytic stomata. Two projections of collenchymatous tissue on the adaxial surface beneath the epidermis and  compactly arranged palisade  with plenty of chloroplasts are also typical features  found in leaf. Typical  chlorenchymatous  cell pattern, conspicuous uniseriate or  biseriate medullary rays and prominent xylem are the main characteristics of stem. Root has thickwalled xylem parenchyma and uniseriate or biseriate medullary rays. Conclusion: The findings of Macroscopic, microscopic, powder analysis, pharmacognostical standards  and fluorescence analysis of leaf  of this study discussed here can be considered as identifying parameters to substantiate and authenticate the plant  Justicia betonica Linn.

Keyword: Justicia betonica Linn., Pharmacognosy, Vein-islets and teminations, Powder microscopy, Fluorescent analysis.