Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and physicochemical evaluation of Amaranthus blitum L. leaves from south Gujarat

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate various quality control parameters of Amaranthus blitum L. leaves. The morphological features included simple leaf, ovate - lanceolate shape, tapering base, entire margin, obtuse, retuse, mucronate and emarginate apex with pinnate reticulate venation. Microscopy of leaf showed presence of palisade parenchyma interrupted with peripheral bundle sheath, rosette calcium oxalate, collateral closed vascular bundles, uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes. Leaf constants like stomatal index, vein islet number were also evaluated. Preliminary physicochemial screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, tannins and phenolics. Fluorescence analysis of leaf powder showed different fluorescence with various chemical and reagents. The physicochemical parameters like ash values, extractive values, moisture content, foaming index were evaluated to establish quality standards. TLC study of various extracts were performed in different solvent systems to have an idea about presence of phytocostituents. Since there are many closely related species of the Amaranthus genus are available, this work will help in proper pharmacognostical identification of the plant.