Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical profile of Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede

Abstract

Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede is a xerophytic plant belonging to family, Apocynaceae. Pharmacognostic profile is essential to ensure the purity and quality of the plant from adulterants. The present study draws a preliminary insight to the pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of an important medicinal shrub, Cynanchum sarcomedium Meve & Liede. Standard procedures were followed for pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation. Anatomical and powder studies revealed the presence of inclusions, laticiferous tubules (LT), fibres, stone cells (ST) etc. Higher extractive value was found with water than using alcohol (10.3%). Phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins etc. were screened in aqueous plant extract and they may have supported the medicinal properties of the plant. The present pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical evaluation helps in the standardization and quality assurance of the promising medicinal plant Cynanchum sarcomedium.