Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GREEN SEAWEED Ulva lactuca

T. Umapoorani*, V. E. Ida Christi, S. Mohan and M. Ganesan

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the pharmacognostical and phytochemical properties of Ulva lactuca. Methods: The qualitative microscopy, phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation and fluorescence analysis of the plant were carried out according to the standard procedure recommended in the WHO guidelines. Results: Macroscopic study showed that plants were dark green, is a thin flat green marine alga growing from a discoid holdfast. The margin is somewhat ruffled and often torn, upto 30 cm in height, leaves were more than 18 cm length. Microscopic evaluation of T. S of thallus shows 2 rows of cells made up of parenchymatous cells, this species in the chlorophyta is formed of two layers of cells irregularly arranged, as seen in cross –section. The chloroplast is cup-shaped in some references but as a parietal late in others with one to three pyrenoids. The different extracts of Ulva lactuca showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin, terpenoids, tannins, phytosterols. Conclusions: Various pharmacognostical parameters evaluated in this study help in the identification and standardization of the seaweed of the Ulva lactuca.

Keywords: Ulva Lactuca, Microscopy, Green Sea Weed, Phytochemical Screening.