Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of an Unexplored Herb: Thalictrum Foliolosum DC

Abstract

Ethnomedicinally, the roots of Thalictrum foliolosum DC has long been used traditionally in opthalmia as a collyrium, improves eye-vision, relieves toothache, in diarrhea, cure piles to god extent, nail troubles, and also in discoloration of the skin. Because of lack of proper identification of plants, standardization of crude drugs becomes difficult. So, to ensure efficacy, safety and purity of T. foliolosum, there is a requirement to create quality control parameters by using pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening. To perform evaluation of pharmacognostical parametrs including organoleptic, microscopical and physico-chemical and phytochemical screening of T. foliolosum roots. Methods: organoleptic and microscopical characters of dried sample of root were observed. Physico-chemical parameters performed by applying WHO guidelines, fluorescence analysis and phytochemical screening of root sample were also completed for standardization and identification of root of T. foliolosum. Macroscopical characters like color, odor, shape, texture, size, fracture were observed from root and powdered root material of T. foilolosum. Microscopical characters of root showed the presence of parenchymatous cells, cork cells along with pitted and sclariform vessels. Phytochemical evaluation specified the presence of various secondary plant metabolites like alkaloids, steroids, saponins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids. Physico-chemical parameters such as extractive value, Moisture content, ash value, florescence behavior of root powder was performed. These all evaluated parameters help to distinguish the powdered drug material. This current study will help in standardization and identification along with carrying out further research in herbal medicinal system.