Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY OF KAPIKACHHU SEED (MUCUNA PRURIENS (L.) DC.) CULTIVATED THROUGH HYDROPONICS - NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE (NFT)

Dr. Kaushik Nakum*, Dr. Dharmendra P. Jani

ABSTRACT

Background - Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) is a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda, is extensively used for its therapeutic potential in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, infertility, and as a rejuvenative tonic. Traditionally, it is cultivated in soil-based systems; however, modern cultivation practices like hydroponics offer an alternative to overcome challenges such as soil-borne diseases, variable yield, and declining arable land. Among hydroponic methods, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) provides a continuous flow of nutrient solution to the plant roots, ensuring optimal growth and improved phytochemical profiles. Materials and Methods - For the present study, seed wild variety of Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) has been selected as herbal drug. A thorough study has been carried out of seed wild variety of Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) Cultivated Through Hydroponics - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). including its macroscopical and microscopical (pharmacognostical) studies. Observation & Result - In the present study Pharmacognostical Identification of Seed wild variety of Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) was done which included macroscopical, microscopical. The Seed of Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) Cultivated Through Hydroponics - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is creamish white, oval, smooth in touch and odourless. In the transverse section of the seed, several features were observed, including in TS of Testa Epidermal cell, Bearer cell, Parenchymatous cell, starch grain and in TS of cotyledon Epidermal cell, Bearer cell, Parenchymatous cell, starch grain and oil globules. Conclusion: The structures which are observed here help in correct identification of seed of Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) In this study, Kapikachhu Seed (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) Cultivated Through Hydroponics - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) were found to be (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.). botanically compared with standard reference. No new structures were found during microscopy.

Keywords: Hydroponics, NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.), Medicinal plants, Cultivation.