Article: MICRO-MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STANDARDISATION OF OPUNTIA ELATIOR MILL. CLADODE: AN UNEXPLORED TRADITIONAL PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS PLANT FROM MAHARASHTRA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15246

Pages: 87-98

Author: Anilkumar U. Tatiya *, Megha Pawar, Mohan Kalaskar, Sanjay Surana

Abstract: Opuntia elatior Mill. (Cactaceae) is a significant medicinal herb In Maharashtra. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Nagphani, and in English, prickly pear. Its fruits and cladode have long been used to remedy wounds, boils, coughs, fever, inflammation, and asthma. Despite its significant therapeutic potential, there isn't much information about standardised criteria for the species. Consequently, the current project was started to produce a comprehensive report on Opuntia elatior Mill's quality control and standardisation criteria. The current study aimed to highlight this traditional herbal crude, which would make it easier to identify fresh and dried samples using macro, microscopic, fluorescence, and physicochemical parameters in accordance with WHO guidelines. The present study's compilation of botanical characteristics can serve as a benchmark for the herbal medicine industry in identifying adulterations in market samples utilised for manufacturing different herbal remedies. These studies will provide reference information for accurately classifying Opuntia elatior Mill among closely related species within the same genus and family. They will also aid in identifying adulteration in market samples utilised to produce a range of herbal remedies.

Keyword: Cactaceae, Micro-Morphology, Nagphani, Opuntia Elatior Mill. Cladode, Spines And Glochids