Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of Ipomoea pes-caprae, an halophyte from Gujarat

Abstract

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) commonly called as beach plant belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is a salt tolerant plant. It is a fast growing halophytic herb. The plant and its parts are used as traditional medicine for treating different diseases. In the present work, various quality control parameters were evaluated to lay down standardized reference parameters of Ipomoea pes-caprae. The microscopic study of leaf and stem showed abundant large cells of palisade tissues, paracytic stomata, conjoint collateral open vascular bundles throughout the transverse section. Powder microscopy study revealed the presence of spiral vessels, border pitted xylem vessels, paracytic stomata, multicellular trichomes, etc. The physicochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash and extractive values of leaf and stem were carried out which were all in the permissible limits. The qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of more amount of phyto constituents like alkaloids, phenols, steroids, tannins, flavonoids in leaf and stem. The parameters evaluated will serve as pharmacognostic standards for Ipomoea pes-caprae leaf and stem. They will also help in correct identification and authentication of the plant and it can maintain its therapeutic efficacy.