Exploration of pharmacognostic, phytochemical and antibacterial potential of Rhoeo discolor Hance

Abstract

The boat lily herb Roheo discolor (L’Her) Hance. belonging to family- Commelinaceae. The present research work, pharmacognostic studies of this medicinal moses-in-the-cradle was attempted which included macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, phytochemical, studies and antibacterial potential against some bacterial strains. The physicochemical analyses were done by using WHO recommended parameters such as loss on drying, ash values (total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, and sulphated ash) and extractive values. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoid and tannins in maximum amount in crude as well as in various solvent extracts. The microscopic study showed the presence of various characteristics of whole plant like cuticle, epidermal adaxial green in colour, chlorenchyma, and epidermal abaxial purple in colour, rosette calcium oxalate crystals and tetracytic stomata. The antibacterial activity was carried out against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, by disc diffusion method. Among the solvent extract ethanol extract exhibited less than 16 mm zone of inhibition on bacterial strains, which was interpreted by criteria of resistance. The pharmacognostical characters enlisted in this study will help in identification of the crude drug; the standardization parameters laid down will ensure the efficacy of drug and also distinguish the drug from its adulterants. The distinguishing characters will also be helpful for the preparation of monograph of this plant.