Pharmacognostical studies on tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae

Abstract

The study was aimed at establishing pharmacognostical profile for the tubers of plant Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae. Morphoanatomy of tubers of this plant were studied in order to establish its complete profile to aid in its identification and avoid confusion in its taxanomic species. These were established using light microscopy, WHO recommended physicochemical and phytochemical procedures. The parameters presented here may be used to establish the authenticity of tubers of this plant as this part has been used traditionally in India and also to differentiate between closely related Momordica species.