Pharmacognostical identification of Alchemilla japonica Nakai et Hara (Identificación farmacognóstica de Alchemilla japonica Nakai et Hara)
Resumen Context: Alchemilla japonica is a therapeutically important medicinal plant, which is widely used in traditional medicine external application for injuries as well as orally for acute diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia, among others. However, there is not a correct identification of this species and is of prime importance differentiate it from commonly available adulterants or substitutes, in fresh, dried or powdered state. There is only a small number of data of pharmacological standards for identification and authentication of A. japonica. Aims: To characterize morpho-anatomically the roots, leaves and stems of Alchemilla japonica Nakai et Hara (Rosaceae), explore and establish the micromorphology and quality control method for this plant. Methods: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations were conducted in terms of macroscopic, microscopic and preliminary phytochemical parameters. Results: The transverse of root showed presence of polygonal parenchyma cells and obvious triangular intercellular space. The stele of the root was tetrarch. There was trichome in the epidermis cells of stem transverse section, but its cortex was wider than others. Xylem cells arranged in continuously cyclization. The phloem was more than ten bundles. There were many trichomes on the folicolous and palisade tissue contained cluster crystal of calcium oxalate, bundle sheath forms ring closed. The diagnostic feature of powder was cluster type of crystals of calcium oxalate. Trichomes were also observed. The main diagnostic feature of powder was Pente-like thickening cell walls of the subsidiary cells. Conclusions: The leaves, roots, and stem of A. japonica can be differentiated by macro and microscopic characters. Various pharmacognostic characters that observed in this study can help in identification and standardization of this species. Contexto: Alchemilla japonica es una planta medicinal, terapeutica- mente importante, que se utiliza ampliamente en la medicina tradicional por aplicacion externa en lesiones, asi como por via oral para la diarrea aguda, dismenorrea y menorragia, entre otras. Sin embargo, no hay una correcta identificacion de la especie y es de primordial importancia diferenciar esta de adulterantes comunmente disponibles o sustitutos, en estado fresco, seco o en polvo. Solo hay un pequeno numero de datos de patrones farmacologicos para la identificacion y autenticacion de A. japonica. Objetivos: Caracterizar desde el punto de vista morfo-anatomico las raices, hojas y tallos de Alchemilla japonica Nakai et Hara (Rosaceae), analizar y establecer la micromorfologia y el metodo de control de calidad para esta planta.
Pharmacognostic studies of the Jatropha curcas leaves.
The J. curcas is considered as a biofuel plant, but the leaves are traditionally used as an antiinflammatory and anticoagulant. In present investigation, the detailed pharmacognostic study of J. curcas leaf is carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening and physicochemical evaluation.
Investigations on the rôle of organic matter in plant nutrition
1. As the result of decomposition of green manure in a swamp soil, the coarse fractions (including coarse and fine sand) of the surface layer (first 3 inches) decreased by 11·2 per cent. while the fine ones (silt+clay) increased by 9·8 per cent. in the course of 43 days. The effect was less pronounced in the manured soil maintained at 60 per cent. saturation, while no alteration was to be noticed in the case of the unmanured specimens. 2. Treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid prior to dispersion had no appreciable effect on the estimates of mechanical composition obtained in the different cases. Loss in solution was also comparatively small. 3. The silica-sesquioxide ratio increased slightly as the result of decomposition of green manure in swamp soil. The composition of the fine fractions was also altered, the total percentages of the oxides of iron, aluminium and silicon increasing from 90·5 to 99·3 in the course of 71 days. 4. The practical significance of the above and related observations has been discussed.