Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical investigations on fruit of Vaccinium macrocarpon aiton

Abstract

Background: Vaccinium species are hostile nutraceutical fruit in India as well as all over the world. In recent years, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton is used as a functional food for treating various diseases without authentication. Objective: The current work was investigated to perform the morphoanatomical and physicochemical of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton fruit. Method: Pharmacognostic studies were carried out for different parameters include organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence and physicochemical analysis. Results: The fruit was shining burgundy purple in colour having smooth lustrous surface, globular to ellipsoidal in shape with 10-15 mm in length and diameter was 9 mm. The main microscopic characteristic of fruit showed ovules, compact angular parenchyma cells, developed sclerenchymatous outer sheath, central xylem and phloem strands. Fruit powder showed oil bodies, spherical parenchyma cells in large thick masses and walls of the epicarp demonstrated cellulose content. Further, physicochemical examination of fruit powder showed loss on drying, total ash, insoluble ash as 9.23, 7.8, and 9.16% w/w respectively. The water and alcohol soluble extractives values of the fruit were 24.74 and 76.88% respectively. Anthocyanins and flavonids were also confirmed by phytochemical screening. Conclusion: A variety of pharmacognostic features was found in fruitful way which may help in identification and standardization of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton fruit in a crude form.