Pharmacognistical Studies of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. Tubers

Abstract

The present study on Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. tuber deals with the macroscopical andmicroscopical details including powder microscopy. Some important and distinct diagnosticalcharecters were observed with sections of matured tuber. The anatomy of tuber was studied bytaking transverse sections. Narrow and indistinct epidermal layer, wider cortex with compact anddialated cell containing tannin, thin and less conspicuous periderm, central pith of circular andcompact parenchyma cells and large cylindrical and elliptical starch grains were observed.Powder microscopy of the powder revealed the presence of bundles of xylem element and thickwalled parenchyma cells. Physicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screeningwas done on the tuber. The present Pharmacognostical study on the tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn will provide the necessary informations regarding the idendification of this drug, which will be further helpful in acceptability of this plant worldwide.