Abstract

POWDER MICROSCOPY OF PATOLA (TRICHOSANTHES DIOICA ROXB.) PATRA CHURNA

Komal Hadiya*, Vd. Mahesh Chand Gupta, Dr. Dharmendra Jani

ABSTRACT

Background: The present article reveals the pharmacognostical study of Patola (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) Patra Churna, a widely used Ayurvedic medicine with well-documented therapeutic importance in classical texts. Material & Method: Organoleptic and powder microscopic evaluations were conducted to assess the pharmacognostic characteristics of Patola (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) Patra Churna. The study was carried out in the Pharmacognosy Laboratory of the Upgraded Department of Dravyaguna, Government Ayurveda College, Vadodara. Observation & Result: Organoleptic characteristics revealed that the Churna is yellowish brown in colour and bitter in taste. Powder microscopy showed the presence of Multicellular Trichome, Xylem Vessels, Fibres, Palisade cells, Calcium Oxalate Crystals, Group of Starch Grain, Reticulate Vessels, Phloem Fibre, Stone cell, Parenchymatous cell, Pitted Vessel, and Spiral Vessel. Conclusion: These organoleptic and microscopical features are important markers for the identification of Patola (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) Patra Churna and help ensure the purity and quality of Ayurvedic formulations by detecting possible adulteration or substitution.

Keywords: Pharmacognosy, Patola Patra Churna, Trichosanthes dioica Roxb., Powder microscopy, Ayurvedic drug standardization.