Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF THE ROOT OF YASHTIMADHU (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN.)

Siddhi Purohit*, Dilip Jani, Dharmendra Jani

ABSTRACT

Background: Pharmacognostical profiling is essential for the authentication, standardization and quality control of herbal drugs. This study evaluates the macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopic characteristics of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) root to establish reliable diagnostic parameters for its identification. Materials and Methods: Roots of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) were collected from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, Haryana. Macroscopic evaluation was performed by assessing morphological characteristics such as size, colour, odour, taste and fracture. Microscopic analysis involved preparation of transverse sections stained with safranin to study anatomical features. Powder microscopy and organoleptic evaluation were also carried out using standard pharmacognostical procedures to identify diagnostic characters. Results: Macroscopic examination revealed cylindrical roots with a dark brown to grey-brown outer surface, pale yellow interior, fibrous fracture, characteristic sweet odour and distinctly sweet taste. Microscopic studies demonstrated characteristic anatomical features including cork, periderm, cambium, phloem fibres, vessels, medullary rays, pericyclic fibres and pith. Powder microscopy confirmed the presence of starch grains, pitted vessels, cork cells, crystal fibres, groups of tracheids with bordered pits, and tangentially arranged medullary rays, which serve as important diagnostic markers for the identification of the drug. Conclusion: The pharmacognostical characteristics observed in the present study provide reliable reference standards for the authentication, standardization and quality control of Glycyrrhiza glabra root. These findings support the identification of genuine Yashtimadhu and contribute to ensuring its purity, quality and therapeutic efficacy in Ayurvedic formulations.

Keywords: Yastimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Pharmacognosy, Standardization.