Micro-morphoanatomical approach for comparative analysis of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers and its adulterant plant using SEM and Cryostat

Background: Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, belongs to Menispermaceae, commonly known as “Guduchi”or “Amrita” and has immense importance in Ayurvedic medicine. Several studies have been carried out on pharmacology, pharmaceutical, anticancer activity and clinical trials of T. cordifolia, however not much information is available on the adulterants that are added with the genuine plant. Considerable work has been done on pharmacognosy but very few studies have been performed on the anatomy of T. cordifolia. Objectives: Comparative micro-morphoanatomical analysis of T. cordifolia and P. daemia, is important for quality control of fresh and dried samples of the root, stem and leaves. Material and Methods: The plant materials of T. cordifolia and P. daemia were collected, and identified. Fixed sample subjected to cryostat microtomy and sections were observed under light microscope. Micromorphology were studied by light as well as scanning electron microscope. Results: Anatomical studies are cheap and important tool for identification of the correct medicinal plant. Adulterant plant does not contain active principles like Berberine and Tinosporin nor have similar morpho-anatomical characters. Because of the similar appearance and resemblance of dried adulterant plant samples, medicinally important T. cordifolia often get adulterated with other plants. SEM study revealed morpho-anatomical differences like the abundance of starch in cortical and ray parenchyma, different types of trichomes, etc. Cryostat techniques were used for sectioning and showed the presence of xylem plates with wide multicelluar rays. Conclusion: Morphological and anatomical differences were observed in T. cordifolia and P. daemia. The given results showed significant differences therefore this study aims to help in accurate identification and avoid adulteration of a medicinally important plant.