Pharmacognostical Investigation on Lepidagathis keralensis

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the Macroscopy and Microscopy of  plant Lepidagathis keralensis . Methods: It was elucidated the Morphological specific characteristics for leaves, stem and root. Anatomical and Powder Microscopical characters of the plant were carried out. Results: Macroscopical characters showed that  leaves was observed as Lanceolate, small in size,dark green in colour. Stem was observed as quadrangular, purple in colour. The root was observed as fibrous and brown in colour. Leaf Microscopy showed the presence of uniseriate upper and lower epidermis covered with cuticle. The lamina region is composed of mesophyll cells which is not distinguished to palisade and spongy parenchyma. Unicellular trichomes are present in the upper and lower epidermis. Stem microscopy showed the presence of multilayered parenchymatous cortex. A band of lignified fibers and stone cells can be found in the cortex region. Cortex is followed by phloem, which is composed of phloem elements. Xylem region is wide and consists of lignified xylem vessels, xylem fibers and xylem parenchyma. Root microscopy showed the presence of outer cork region. Cork is followed by multilayered cortex. Lignified stone cells are present in the cortical region. Phloem is narrow made up of phloem elements. Xylem is wide region made up of lignified xylem elements like xylem vessels and xylem fibers.Powder Microscopy of plant  Lepidagathis keralensis shows bordered pitted vessels, fragment of parenchyma cells and crystals of calcium oxalate and  large number of elongated sclereids, a fragment of mesophyll cells and spiral vessels are seen. Conclusion : The present study provide the scientific data for the proper identification and authentication of Lepidagathis keralensis.