European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF ALTERNANTHERA BRASILIANA (L) KUNTZE: LEAF

Riyama Shirin V. K. *, Arthi I, Ameena Farhath and Fathima Suman P.

ABSTRACT

Alternanthera brasiliana belonging to the family Amaranthaceae is well known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine. This study basically deals with the pharmacognostical evaluation of the leaves of Alternanthera brasiliana. Pharmacognostical parameters such as macroscopy, microscopy and physicochemical properties and phytochemical constituents are also investigated. The transverse section of leaf showed the presence of non- glandular trichomes, xylem, phloem, cambium, and medullary rays. Physicochemical constants showed the values of total ash (10.35%), acid insoluble ash (1.27%), water soluble ash (0.51%), sulphated ash (6.5%), nitrated ash (4.45%), water soluble extractive (11.47%), ethanol soluble extractive (10.11%), ether soluble extractive (3.5%), loss on drying (8%), swelling index (1), foaming index (0) and mucilage content (23%). The preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract showed presents of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, mucilage, carbohydrates and flavonoids. The study aims to develop standard parameters of the plant which would indeed help in identification and authentication of the plant.

Keywords: Alternanthera brasiliana, Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Leaf.