Morpho-anatomical and histochemical studies on Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt. (Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract

Coccinia grandis L. Voigt. Commonly known as “Ivy gourd” is a tropical plant of Cucurbitaceae. (Umamaheswari M., et.al. 2008) It is common in many countries of Asia and Africa. The present study aims at its morpho anatomy and histochemical aspects. Anatomy of plants parts has been carried out. For histochemical studies the free hand sections of leaves, stem and roots were taken and treated with the respective reagents for localizing components, viz. Alkaloids, Tannin, and Phenolic compounds in the tissues were micro-photographed and the results were tabulated. This study will enable to understand better the phytocompounds and their pharmaceutical exploitation.