Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTO-PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF THE LEAVES OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA DUCH EX LAM. (CUCURBITACEAE)

*Dr. K. Periyanayagam, K. G. Balasubramaniam and S.Gokila

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study in detail the micromorphology and physicochemical analysis of the leaves of Cucurbita maximafamily Cucurbitaceae. Methods:Macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening and other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were performed. Results: Green colour,reniform, simple, not lobed, softly hairy, occasionally with white plotches, pubescence in various degree, 5-8-13cm in size, finly toothed margin,deeply cordated, 3-veined from the base, petiole 5-20 cm long . Microscopic evaluation revealed the presence of deep seated ranunculaceous stomata are present in upper and lower side of leaves. Numerous trichome bases are seen. Most of the epidermal cells elongate to form non-glandular simple, unicellular or multicellular uniseriate & glandular trichomes. Vein islet numbers, vein termination numbers, stomatal number, stomatal index and other physico chemical tests like ash values, loss on drying, extractive values were determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, proteins and aminoacids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, carbohydrates and absence of glycosides, volatile oil, mucilage, fixed oil. Conclusions: The microscopic using histological identification microscopic constants and other physico chemical examinations of the leaves of Cucurbita maxima can be used as a rapid, inexpensive botanical identification technique and is useful in standardization, hence would be of immense value in authentication of the leaf.

Keywords: Cucurbita. maxima, Cucurbitaceae, Microscopical evaluation, Physicochemical studies, Phytochemical studies.