Preliminary Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Investigation of Blepharis sindica-T. Anders Seeds.

BACKGROUND: Blepharis sindica - T. Anders of family Acanthaceae is an important medicinal plant which is mainly used as an invigorating tonic, given to cattle to increase milk production and its roots are used for urinary discharge and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as "Bhaṅgārī". It is extensively used traditionally as Vājīkāraka and Vṛṣya (Aphrodisiac) by vaidyas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The seeds of Blepharis sindica T. Anders are the parts of the plant valued for their medicinal value.

AIMS: The present investigation deals with the pharmacognostic studies of the root, stem, seed and seed powder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical analysis and physicochemical evaluation using methods given in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia.

RESULTS: Physicochemical parameters such as total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value were determined to be 21.449 ± 2.629%w/w, 0.986%w/w, 18.746%w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extracts were carried out. Different extracts contain carbohydrate, protein, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and steroids prominently. Calcium, zinc, potassium and iron were also present. These secondary metabolites are the active constituents and may be responsible for B. sindica's pharmacological activities. Chief characters of transverse section of stem include ringed vascular bundles, radial striped pith rays and parenchymal pith. Seed shows presence of scalariform tracheids and lignified walls.

CONCLUSIONS: The result of the present study can be useful for the identification and preparation of a monograph of the plant.