Pharmacognostic studies in Solanum capsicoides all

Abstract

Detailed analysis of morphological and anatomical features of Solanum capsicoides All. Was done that would be helpful for pharmacognostic identification. Phytochemical screening and histochemical test were performed for the confirmation and localization of the phytoconstituents present in the species. Among the morphological features anthocyanin pigmentation on leaf petiole, five different types of trichomes, The inflorescence with bisexual flowers, orange red fruit and winged seeds were found to be distinctive. Presence of sandy crystals and bicollateral vascular bundles, the unifying features of the genus, were observed in the plant. Absence of collenchymatous hypodermis in fruit exocarp was a distinguishing feature from other Solanum members. The phytochemicals identified in the plant were flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, phenol, resin, glycoside, protein and carbohydrate. The present study thus emphasis the pharmaceutical potential of the plant and the necessity for its conservation.