Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Leaf of Cochlospermum Planchonii, Hook. F (Cochlospermaceae)

Abstract

The plant kingdom has contributed immensely to health care systems globally and in the development of traditional and modern drugs. The present study is to evaluate the Pharmacognostic features of the leaf of Cochlospermum planchonii which is claimed by the some tribes in Northern Nigeria to be effective in the management of pain, inflammation and other related diseases. Using standard pharmacognostic description of terms, the various features of both the fresh and powder leaf were observed macroscopically and microscopically. The fresh leaf is ovate with dentate margin, obtuse apex, glabrous surface and a recticulate venation that forms a simple leaf type. The characteristic microscopic features of the leaf observed were single fibre, parenchyma, prisms, rosette and unicellular non glandular trichome. Chemomicroscopy of the powder leaf confirmed the presence of starch grains, aleurone grains, calcium oxalate crystals, lignin, mucilages, cutin and cellulose. These parameters will help to establish the correct identity of the plant drug and check the occurrence of adulteration.