Pharmacognostical standardization of Hyptis capitata Jacq. Lamiaceae

Abstract

Objective: The present study focused on pharmacognostic evaluation of root, stem and leaves of the medicinal herb Hyptis capitata Jacq belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Methods: The pharmacognostic parameters viz., microscopic, macroscopic, organoleptic characters of fresh and dried plant parts were studied as per the guidelines of W.H.O. The physicochemical parameters like moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, alcohol and water soluble extractive values were estimated. Results: Organoleptic and microscopical studies revealed diagnostic characters such as highly branched stem upto 60-70 cm height having slightly aromatic odour, glandular and non-glandular trichomes, and well developed vascular bundles. Powder microscopic studies showed the presence of phloem fibres, periderm tissues and xylem vessels having spiral thickening. The crude drug powder of root, stem and leaves showed wide range of colours or fluorescence when treated with different reagents. Physico chemical analysis of crude drug powder of root, stem and leaves revealed significant values of moisture (12.5 ± 0.05,10 ± 0.10, 8.07 ± 0.03%), total ash (17 ± 0.10,15.72 ± 0.10,12.88 ± 0.07%), acid insoluble ash (2.21 ± 0.03,1.46 ± 0.005,1.69± 0.005%), water soluble ash (8.93 ± 0.02, 4.55 ± 0.03, 7.86 ± 0.05%) and maximum extractive values in water soluble extraction.Conclusion: The pharmacognostic studies and physicochemical analysis may help the identification, authentication and standardization of the crude drug.